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Orbis Collectibles

IWC — Big Pilot

Also known as: Big Pilot

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Documented family · partial

Period

2002–2021 (sampled references)

Maker / issuer

IWC

Big Pilot is a wristwatch family made by IWC. Production years recorded for the sampled references run from 2002 to 2021. Recorded movements are IWC caliber 82100, IWC caliber 5011 and IWC caliber 51111, with functions including hours, minutes, seconds, date and power reserve indicator.

The sampled references record case diameters of 43–46.2 mm, heights of 13.6–15.8 mm, cases in stainless steel and red gold and water resistance of 60–100 m. Reference examples: ref. IW3293-01 (Big Pilot 43 Stainless Steel / Black; 2021; 43.00 mm); ref. IW5002-01 (Big Pilot; 2002–2005; 46.20 mm); ref. IW5004-23 (Big Pilot Red Gold / Black / Orsini Buenos Aires; 2008–2008; 46.20 mm). 1 of the sampled references is recorded as limited editions (IW5004-23: 30 units).

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
4

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Among the 3 WatchBase references sampled for this entry, the earliest recorded production year is 2002 and the latest is 2021.

Physical characteristics

Crystal
Sapphire
Case back
Open, Closed
Lug width
21–22 mm
Case shape
Round
Case height
13.6–15.8 mm
Case materials recorded
Stainless Steel, Red Gold
Case diameter (sampled references)
43–46.2 mm

Technical characteristics

Functions recorded
Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Power Reserve Indicator
Movements recorded
IWC caliber 82100 · IWC caliber 5011 · IWC caliber 51111
Production years recorded
2002–2021
Water resistance recorded
60–100 m

Design

Hands
Alpha, Losange
Hour markers
Arabic Numerals
Dial colours recorded
Black

Identification

How to identify
The reference number, usually found on the case back, between the lugs or on papers, ties a watch to one of these configurations; movement calibre, case material and dial together separate references within the family.
Family as listed
Big Pilot
References sampled
IW3293-01 — Big Pilot 43 Stainless Steel / Black · IW5002-01 — Big Pilot · IW5004-23 — Big Pilot Red Gold / Black / Orsini Buenos Aires
Distinguishing features
Reference number, movement calibre, case material and dial colour together
Representative reference
IW3293-01 (aka: IW329301)
Source note
All figures follow WatchBase and describe only the references sampled here; they have not been checked against the manufacturer's archive. WatchBase, an online database of watch references, lists 152 references under this family name; this entry summarises 3 of them, chosen across that list, including the reference originally recorded for this entry. The reference list, calibres and case specifications summarised above come from WatchBase; the manufacturer's own archive or a printed reference work should be consulted before treating any detail as definitive. That figure is not necessarily the family's introduction date: earlier references may exist outside the sample, and WatchBase coverage of discontinued models is uneven.

Catalogue references

Varieties

  • Ref. IW3293-01 — Big Pilot 43 Stainless Steel / Black

    produced 2021; IWC caliber 82100; 43.00 mm stainless steel; Black dial. Source: WatchBase.

  • Ref. IW5002-01 — Big Pilot

    produced 2002–2005; IWC caliber 5011; 46.20 mm stainless steel; Black dial. Source: WatchBase.

  • Ref. IW5004-23 — Big Pilot Red Gold / Black / Orsini Buenos Aires

    produced 2008–2008; IWC caliber 51111; 46.20 mm red gold; Black dial. Source: WatchBase.

Research required

  • Research Required: confirm the family's introduction date, full reference list and production span against the manufacturer's archive or a printed reference; WatchBase figures cover only the sampled references.
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