Watch Blog
Hands-On: IWC Big Pilot 43
IWC has a solid history of creating watches for Pilots, the first being developed in 1936. This watch was the IW436, it had shatter proof glass, the case was anti-magnetic and the movement could operate from -40 +40 degrees C. This was needed as cockpits were unheated back then.
The first Big Pilots watch was launched in 1940 with the idea of having a large high contrast dial that’s highly legible in all conditions and large crown so that pilots could operate the watch when wearing flying gloves.
The previous Big Pilots watch was a beast at 46mm wide, this new Big Pilot is smaller at 43mm and it also has a more simple dial. The 46mm although looks awesome, it’s completely unwearable for me on my 17.5cm wrists, the 46mm is just able do able. It is still big though.
SPECS
IWC Big Pilot 43
IW329304
Case
- Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
- Water-resistant 10 bar
- Screw Down crown
- Diameter 43 mm
- Height 13.6 mm
- Dial: Black and Blue
Movement
- IWC manufacture calibre 82100
- Frequency 28,800 vph/4 Hz
- Jewels 22
- Power reserve 60 h
- Winding Automatic / bi directional
Introducing: The Breitling Premier Heritage Collection
The first launch that we’re covering in what’s shaping up to be a very exciting week of new releases comes from Breitling in the form of the all-new Heritage collection coming under their ‘Premier’ line of watches.
One month on from the launch of the polarising Chronomat South Sea (that modern, female-focused release with diamond bezels, lacquered dials and an aggressive marketing campaign) we have a pre-Watches & Wonders release that better reflects and sustains Breitling’s classic aesthetic and historical significance.
Inspired by the ‘Premier’ watches of the 1940s, Breiting has launched 3 new models with both steel and precious metal options for each - 6 new references in total.
An original 1940s Breitling Premier Chronograph ref: 787 - (Credit - Hodinkee)
The Chronograph
The Premier Heritage Chronograph comes in with a case size of 40mm and is powered by the Calibre B09, a manually wound version of the Breitling B01. Like all of the movements featured in this collection, the B09 is COSC certified meaning the accuracy should be within the realms of -4/+6 seconds per day. Colour choices include a cheeky pistachio green dial in a steel case (my personal favourite of the whole launch) and a creamy, opaline dial in an 18k red gold case - they both work really nicely.
Specs
The Premier Heritage B09 Chronograph 40mm, Steel/Pistachio - ref: AB0930D31L1P1
The Duograph
You’ll notice these releases get more complicated as we go through them, the new Duograph features Breitling’s Calibre B15 (the B03 minus a rotor) which integrates a split-seconds (or rattrapante) function that’s operated through the chrono pushers and 3 o’clock crown. Split-second chronographs measure two elapsed times at once (intermediate and split time), which is shown via two overlapping hands on the central chronograph. The Duograph is available in both steel, with a blue dial, or in 18k red gold with a black dial.
Specs
The Premier Heritage B15 Duograph 42mm, 18k Red Gold/Black - ref: RB1510251B1P1
The Datora
Finally, we have the Datora, an automatic chronograph that also displays the day, date, month and moon-phase. Again, the Datora is available in both steel and 18k red gold with the former featuring a pinky-copper dial and the latter a cream dial. As with all of the watches in the collection, the Datora’s dial features Arabic numerals and a lumed syringe-style handset. While some will call the steel Datora a homage of the Patek 5270P-001, at 1/15th of the price, many will welcome the availability of the elegant, yet complex 5270 salmon aesthetic, still from a heritage brand but at a far more accessible price point.
Specs
Aside from these general-release chronographs, Breitling has also released a Boutique Special in collaboration with Bentley. Featuring the B21 movement, this special 1/25 Premier Chronograph features an open-worked tourbillon, a deep-green sunburst dial, and a price tag of £39,900. For more information on the Boutique special, click here.
Premier B21 Chronograph Tourbillon 42mm Bentley Boutique Special, 18k Red Gold - ref: RB21201A1L1P1
With Watches & Wonders beginning tomorrow (7/4), we’ll be bringing you the latest info on all the releases from our favourite brands - stay tuned for that. What’s your thought’s on this latest crop of Breitling Chronographs and which is your favourite variant from this line-up? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch this BEFORE buying a NEW Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Hands-on review of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm vs 41mm.
The best watch Rolex WILL launch in 2021 - Rolex Rumours
2021 is different from other years. This year we know one of the Rolex Steel Sports watches that will be launched, the 50th Anniversary Rolex Explorer II 126570.
The first Rolex Explorer II was launched in 1971 with the reference number 1655. Unlike the modern versions, the first generation only came with a black dial. This version of the Explorer II has the nickname "Steve McQueen" after the actor was spotted wearing one. Although McQueen didn't actually own an Explorer II, it was simply lent to him for press photos.
Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655
The current version of the Rolex Explorer II reference 216570 was launched in 2011. When this version was launched, it was one of the biggest changes to the model range in recent years. The case size was increased, both the diameter and depth. Along with the case, the dial and hands were also increased as well.
Rolex Explorer II ref. 216570
2021 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Explorer II range. With the exception of the Rolex Explorer, Rolex has always celebrated the 50th anniversary of their watches and often with a touch of colour. The Explorer II is already one of the more colourful Rolex sports watches, so it will be interesting to see what they do to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Explorer II.
Here is a prediction of what Rolex might release in 2021 for the Explorer II:
Roll Up Roll Up - Introducing our new Watch Roll
I love watch rolls - they are such a relaxed and practical way of storing your watches. Our watch roll holds up to 6 watches, or use it to make your own travel watch kit and use the slots for straps and tools.
LEATHER:
Outer: Deep Dark Brown Calfskin
Inner: Warn Brown Suede
Handmade in Florence, Italy
DIMENSIONS:
Flat: 40cm x 14.5cm
Rolled: 9cm x 14.5cm
Pockets: 6.5cm x 14.5cm
WHAT FITS?
Any Rolex / Omega type sports watch on a bracelet.
Watches on leather straps.
A Royal Oak type integrated bracelet watch won't fit!
