IWC Schaffhausen unveiled a groundbreaking timepiece that redefines the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking: the
(Ref. IW357701). This extraordinary wristwatch is not just another entry in IWC’s legendary Big Pilot’s lineup; it’s a statement of engineering dominance, bold innovation, and the brand’s fearless push into the future of resilient haute horlogerie.
The Legacy of Innovation at IWC Schaffhausen
IWC has long been revered for its fusion of engineering precision and elegant design. Founded in 1868 in Schaffhausen, the brand has continuously pushed the envelope in crafting watches that combine functional innovation with timeless aesthetics. The launch of the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL represents another milestone in this ongoing journey.
Designed and developed by IWC’s experimental engineering division, XPL (eXtended Performance Laboratory), this model embodies the essence of cutting-edge horological science. XPL’s mandate is clear: reimagine mechanical watchmaking for environments previously considered inhospitable to traditional timepieces. With the new Skeleton XPL, IWC presents a watch that thrives in high-impact, high-stress environments while maintaining the aesthetic and technical sophistication collectors demand.
The Marvel of the Tourbillon: Protected at Last
At the heart of this watch is the
flying minute tourbillon, a horological complication revered for its elegance and mechanical ingenuity. Originally invented in the 18th century to counteract the effects of gravity on a watch’s escapement, the tourbillon remains a hallmark of fine watchmaking. Yet its delicacy has always made it vulnerable to impact and vibration.
With the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL, IWC has done what few thought possible: protect the tourbillon with a shock absorber system capable of withstanding over 10,000 g of force.
This is accomplished through the newly adapted
SPRIN-g PROTECT® system. At its core lies a
re-engineered cantilever spring crafted from
Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG)—a material with properties unlike any traditional metal. Thanks to its amorphous microstructure, BMG possesses extraordinary elasticity and energy dispersion capabilities, making it the ideal material to defend one of watchmaking’s most intricate mechanisms against brutal shocks.
SPRIN-g PROTECT®: Engineering Brilliance in Motion
IWC’s SPRIN-g PROTECT® shock absorber isn’t just a clever add-on; it’s a meticulously engineered system. It acts like a suspension cradle, allowing the movement to float independently within the case when subjected to sudden impacts. The coupling system between the crown and the movement can disengage, allowing the entire movement to shift and compress the spring system rather than absorb the full shock directly.
Adapting this system to accommodate the
IWC-manufactured 82915 calibre with its
flying tourbillon was no small feat. The cantilever spring had to be re-imagined entirely. Eight redesigned arms distribute energy evenly, reducing peak acceleration loads that could otherwise destroy the finely tuned movement.
And rigorous testing proved its value: the movement continued to function after enduring simulated shocks exceeding 10,000 g—an almost unimaginable figure in the world of watchmaking.
Skeletonisation for Performance and Beauty
One of the most visually arresting aspects of this watch is its
skeletonised movement. More than just a stylistic decision, skeletonisation serves a critical functional purpose: it reduces the overall mass that the shock absorber must protect. The less mass, the less energy to dissipate during an impact.
The
plates,
bridges, and
rotor of the 82915 calibre are expertly
skeletonised to achieve the optimal balance of weight reduction and structural integrity. Even the
triangular hour and minute hands, generously
coated with Super-LumiNova®, are open-worked.
This design approach does more than aid the watch’s shock resilience—it also creates a stunning, transparent display of mechanical art. At 6 o’clock, the 56-part, 0.663-gram flying tourbillon cage floats like a celestial body in orbit, a constant visual reminder of the precision and fragility now made robust through IWC’s genius.
Power and Practicality: The IWC Calibre 82915
Powering the Skeleton XPL is the IWC-manufactured calibre 82915, an automatic movement that combines technical efficiency with luxurious refinement. It features the brand’s
Pellaton winding system, which utilizes movements of the rotor in both directions to rapidly build up energy in the barrel. The winding system is enhanced with
ceramic components for superior longevity and reduced wear.
The result is a formidable
80-hour power reserve, allowing the wearer to set the watch down for days without worrying about its precision. It’s a blend of robust engineering and enduring performance that complements the watch’s central mission: ultimate resilience.
Ceratanium®: A Case as Bold as the Movement Inside
No discussion of the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL would be complete without paying homage to its case—crafted entirely from
Ceratanium®, an
IWC-exclusive material introduced in 2017. Ceratanium® begins life as a proprietary titanium alloy, which is then milled, finished, and kiln-fired. During the firing process, the surface undergoes a
ceramization transformation, acquiring the hardness, scratch-resistance, and dark matte finish of ceramic while retaining the toughness and lightweight properties of titanium.
The result is a
44.0 mm case that feels feather-light on the wrist yet can survive the roughest conditions. The material is hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant, and virtually indestructible in daily wear. The
black dial, minimalist and sleek, maintains classic Big Pilot aesthetics with its triangle marker at 12 o’clock and high-contrast minute scale.
Flanking the case are rubber bumpers—a nod to the technical and protective nature of the watch, emphasizing its readiness for high-intensity use.
Black Rubber Strap with Calfskin Inlay
Completing the ensemble is a
black patterned rubber strap, which integrates seamlessly with the rugged yet refined case design. The strap includes a
black calfskin inlay, giving it a luxurious feel while ensuring all-day comfort and durability.
Securing the watch is a
Ceratanium® pin buckle, maintaining aesthetic consistency and material integrity throughout the entire build.
Dimensions, Wearability, and Ergonomics
Though packed with advanced technology, the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL is designed for comfort and wearability. At 44.0 mm in diameter and with a strap width of 22.0 mm, it offers a commanding presence without being unwieldy.
Thanks to the lightweight Ceratanium® and
ergonomic case profile, it wears comfortably on a wide variety of wrist sizes. Whether in a cockpit, climbing expedition, or boardroom, the Skeleton XPL asserts authority without excess bulk.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
• Reference: IW357701
• Movement: IWC-manufactured calibre 82915
• Complication: Flying minute tourbillon
• Shock Resistance: SPRIN-g PROTECT® system with Bulk Metallic Glass spring
• Power Reserve: 80 hours
• Case: Ceratanium®, 44.0 mm diameter
• Dial: Skeletonised, black outer ring with triangle at 12 o’clock
• Strap: Black rubber with calfskin inlay, Ceratanium® pin buckle
• Water Resistance: Standard Big Pilot levels (typically 6 bar, to be confirmed)
Who Is This Watch For?
This isn’t a watch for the faint of heart—or for those who treat their watches delicately. The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL is
purpose-built for trailblazers,
thrill-seekers, and
collectors who demand more from their mechanical timepieces. It bridges the gap between
ultra-high-end watchmaking and rugged utility, challenging the idea that fine complications must be babied or reserved for special occasions.
If you’re someone who admires
technical innovation,
cutting-edge materials, and
tourbillons that can take a punch, this is your dream machine.
Final Thoughts: A Vision of the Future
With the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL, IWC Schaffhausen has again demonstrated why it occupies a leading position in modern horology. This is not just a new watch—it’s a new category. It defies expectations of what tourbillon watches are capable of and hints at the future of
resilient complications in the world of mechanical engineering.
More than just a showcase of technology, this timepiece reflects a paradigm shift: the union of elite craftsmanship with real-world toughness. In a world where luxury often implies fragility, the Skeleton XPL stands proudly as a tourbillon for the real world.
[photo credits: IWC Schaffhausen / www.iwc.com]
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