In 1936, IWC Schaffhausen delivered the first “special watch for aviators”. It marked the beginning of a tradition that has had a major impact on the history of the company, as well as the aviator watch itself. Just four years later, the “Big Pilot's Watch” followed—the first observation watch with a gigantic case diameter of 55 millimeters. With its instrument-inspired look, it became a style icon and a model for all of the IWC Pilot's Watches in the decades to come. Its design also inspired the creation of the IWC Schaffhausen Mark 11, which was built from 1948 onwards and is perhaps the most famous aviator watch from this brand.

IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watches—Navigation Instruments for Generations of Pilots

In its more than 80-year history, the Pilot's Watch line has produced numerous models that have long since become icons of the Schaffhausen brand. These include the IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot's Watch, which with its clear, classically simple dial and the typical aviator's triangle at 12 o'clock is unmistakably based on the original design from 1940. Another important part of the Pilot's Watch line are the limited special editions that IWC Schaffhausen regularly produces. These include the models with the Le Petit Prince and Antoine de Saint Exupéry signet, with which the Swiss company has been honoring the life's work of the French pilot and poet since 2006.

Technical Competence at the Highest Level

Every single IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watch is marked by absolute reliability and the highest possible precision, not least because both of these things are vital for survival when navigating. Since the 1930s, the function-oriented and instrument-inspired look has been the unifying design feature of all IWC Pilot's Watches. This also applies to the technology as the IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watches can withstand extreme temperatures, sudden fluctuations in pressure and passes all other tests from the early days of aviation with flying colors.
At Wempe, not only will you find the exclusive IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watches, you will also find aviator watches from other renowned watch brands. If you order a watch online, we will adjust the bracelet to fit your wrist free of charge before shipping it to you. Of course, you can also benefit from these and other services in our showrooms.