Watches and Wonders 2021: IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “IWC Racing” Replica

Watches and Wonders 2021: IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “IWC Racing” Replica

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “IWC Racing” replica by IWC Schaffhausen draws inspiration from the technical world of motorsports. This timepiece is equipped with a constant force mechanism patented by IWC, which can evenly transmit force pulses to the escapement, thereby ensuring a highly accurate rate. The matte black Ceratanium® case and the completely blackened 94800 movement give this limited edition Big Pilot's Watch a unique and futuristic look.

The Case

Motor racing, and Formula 1 in particular, is a world of cutting-edge technology and innovative materials, where precision and reliability are keys to success. It’s a world that always looks at the future, where the past is only synonymous with lower performance. For this reason, the IWC Big Pilot “IWC Racing” IW590501 replica gets rid of all the elements that might draw the attention to vintage flight instruments and becomes ultra-dynamic, blacked-out… almost futuristic.

As such, the brand has decided to give this watch a case made of its latest material; Ceratanium. Still measuring 46.2mm in diameter (the classic size of the BP), the case, the signature conical crown and the pin buckle are all made of Ceratanium, which is an IWC-developed material. It is light and robust like titanium but also similarly hard and scratch-resistant like ceramic. During the first step of the manufacturing process, the components are machined with maximum precision from a proprietary titanium alloy. Afterwards, they are fired at very high temperatures in a kiln. It is during this furnacing process that a phase transformation takes place, and the surface of the material assumes properties similar to those of ceramic.

The Dial

The dial side offers the dazzling views of the constant-force tourbillon at 9 o’clock. The watch replica also incorporates a double moon phase display at 2 o’ clock for the northern and southern hemispheres. White numerals and yellow-coloured accents imitate a dashboard, while the power reserve display at 4 o’clock is reminiscent of a tachometer.

The louvred, ring-shaped structure of the outer dial ring takes inspiration from the cold air intakes of a high-performance engine. The black rubber strap incorporates a detail from the world of racing. It features an inlay made of Alcantara®, a synthetic and durable micro-fibre with superb grip, which is often used for the seats and steering wheel covers of performance cars.

The Movement

But what really matters here is the movement… And IWC has given this Edition “IWC Racing” IW590501 replica one of its most performant engines. The calibre 94800, designed and manufactured in-house, is a large hand-wound movement that comes with a tourbillon regulator, but mostly with a constant-force mechanism. On one side, the tourbillon compensates for the negative influences of gravity on the oscillating system. In addition, the constant-force mechanism disengages the escapement from the direct flow of power through the wheel train and transmits completely even impulses of energy to the escape wheel. This will negate the effects of the decreasing tension in the mainspring, which is known to influence the amplitude of the regulator.

The principle of this patented mechanism is integrated into the tourbillon cage and acts as an additional escapement between the escapement and the fourth wheel. “Every second, this winds a small spring that serves as a temporary storage space and keeps the escape wheel supplied with sufficient energy to keep the balance moving. The trick is simple: the angle by which the additional balance spring is wound every second remains the same, which in turn means that the energy supplied to the escapement also remains constant. Even when the tension in the mainspring decreases, the balance continues to oscillate with virtually the same amplitude,” explains IWC. As a result, the tourbillon cage advances once every second, acting as a seconde-morte mechanism.

The rest of the movement includes a twin-barrel architecture, providing 96 hours or 4 days of power reserve, a one-minute tourbillon running at 2.5Hz and a moon phase display for both northern and southern hemispheres. The caseback reveals a blacked-out decoration with matte finished bridges.

Technical details

Model: Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “IWC Racing” Ref. IW590501

Functions: Power reserve display

Tourbillon with integrated constant-force mechanism

Perpetual moon phase display for both northern and southern hemispheres

Movement: IWC manufacture calibre 94800

Mechanical movement

Frequency: 18,000 vph/2.5 Hz

Jewels: 41

Power reserve: 4 days (96h)

Winding: Hand-wound

Case: Ceratanium® case and crown

Glass: Sapphire, arched edge, antireflective coating on both sides

Glass secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure

See-through sapphire glass back

Screw-in crown

Water-resistant: 6 bar

Diameter: 46.2 mm

Height: 13.5 mm

Dial: Black dial, black hands

Strap: Rubber strap with Alcantara® inlay

Price

The replica IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “IWC Racing” IW590501 will be a limited edition of 15 pieces only, priced at CHF 220,000. As the latest model, we are designing, If you are interested in IWC watch replica, you can pay more attention to our store, we are the largest and most reliable replica of luxury watches store, copy watches such as Rolex, Patek Phillippe, Panerai, Cartier, Hublot, Tag Heuer and more.