A black dial finally makes its way into the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 collection
Borna Bošnjak- Black quietly makes its debut within the standard IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 collection.
- This latest iteration of the 2021 model measures in at 41mm in diameter and 51.8mm lug-to-lug.
- The watch features IWC’s 69835 calibre and the brand’s patented EasX-CHANGE system.
The Pilot’s Watch is arguably the brand’s most recognisable line, and among the more successful models must be the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41. Until now, it was available in two sunburst-finished dials – blue and green – while this latest iteration brings an air of subtlety to the smaller piece in the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph family.
Clearly, the biggest difference between the new black-dialled Pilot’s Watch Chronograph and its brethren is the dial colour. With its flieger-style numerals, 6-9-12 chronograph layout and day-date window at 3 o’clock, it’s a recognisable look. The only pop of colour on an otherwise monochromatic dial is the running seconds, the sword hand filled in with red.
With the recent 2021 update to their Pilot’s line-up, IWC also upped their water resistance to 100 metres, retaining familiar dimensions. For the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41, they are 41mm in diameter and 51.8mm lug-to-lug, with a height of 14.6mm. The large-wearing case is mostly brushed, a finish well-suited to the piece’s toolly aesthetic, with a few polished highlights on the bezel, chrono pushers and crown.
IWC’s other recent development is in their patented EasX-CHANGE system, allowing their customers to have an easier time changing out straps. We recently covered a number of rubber options, going hand-in-hand with the increased water resistance.
The system not only includes a button-release of the strap, allowing the spring bar to remain in place, but also a quick-release buckle spring bar, making it much easier to transfer deployant and pin buckles from one strap to the next. The new black dial is available with two choices – a stainless-steel multi-link bracelet with polished mid-links, or a stitched black calfskin – both 20mm in width.
Finally, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is still powered by the ETA 7750-derived calibre 69385, though it is manufactured by IWC. It uses the less common column-wheel 7750 base with some perlage and côtes de Genève on the mainplate and bridge, respectively. Spec-wise, it features 231 components and 33 jewels, and beats at 4 Hz for up to 46 hours.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 black dial pricing and availability:
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 is available now from your nearest IWC boutique and IWC’s online store. Price: A$11,400 (black leather strap), A$12,800 (steel bracelet)
| Brand | IWC |
| Model | Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 |
| Reference Number | IW388111 IW388113 |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm (D) x 14.6mm (H) x 51.8mm (L2L), 20mm lug width |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Dial | Sunburst black |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Strap | Black calfskin leather (IW388111) 5-link stainless steel bracelet (IW388113) |
| Movement | IWC calibre 69835, ETA 7750 derived with column wheel, manufactured by IWC |
| Power Reserve | 46 hours |
| Functions | Chronograph, day, date, time |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$11,400 (IW388111) A$12,800 (IW388113) |