Introducing The New IWC Big Pilot Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL

IWC is a Swiss luxury watchmaker renowned for its focus on engineering-driven design and innovation. Founded in 1868, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking, producing highly functional timepieces with a distinctive technical aesthetic. Among its standout releases was the “Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team”, a collaboration that underscored IWC’s close ties to high-performance engineering and its ability to integrate advanced materials and shock-resistance technologies into haute horlogerie.

In April 2025, during the Watches and Wonders exhibition in Geneva, IWC introduced its latest technical achievement, the “Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL”. This marks the first time the brand has combined its patented SPRIN-g PROTECT shock absorption system with a flying minute tourbillon, a complication traditionally considered too delicate for high-impact environments.

The 44 mm case of the watch is crafted from Ceratanium, a proprietary material developed by IWC that combines the lightness and toughness of titanium with the hardness and scratch-resistance of ceramic. Introduced by the brand in 2017, Ceratanium is derived from a special titanium alloy, which is milled into shape, then heat-treated in a kiln to achieve its distinctive dark, matte finish and ceramic-like properties. Measuring 13.1 mm in thickness, the case also includes integrated rubber bumpers on both sides for added impact resistance. Paired with a Ceratanium crown and a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, the watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters, ensuring both durability and everyday practicality in a technically advanced package.

The dial is a striking display of minimalist engineering and technical artistry, reduced to a sleek black ring featuring the iconic triangle at 12 o’clock and a precise minute scale. Its skeletonised structure reveals the inner mechanics, featuring skeletonised triangular hands coated with Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility in low-light conditions. A standout feature is the flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock composed of 56 parts and weighing a mere 0.663 grams adding both motion and intrigue to the dial. Hour markers are cleverly suspended along the edge, emphasizing the open architecture and depth of the design.

The watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82915 calibre, an automatic movement that represents a groundbreaking achievement by IWC’s XPL engineering division. At its core is the patented SPRIN-g PROTECT system, which uses a cantilever spring made from advanced bulk metallic glass (BMG) to suspend and protect the movement from extreme shocks tested to withstand forces exceeding 10,000 g. The spring’s amorphous structure gives it exceptional elasticity, allowing it to evenly absorb and distribute impact energy. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz), the movement maintains both precision and resilience under pressure. To maximize shock resistance, the movement has been skeletonised, reducing its overall mass and exposing the inner workings. A unique crown coupling system allows the movement to float freely within the case during impacts, while the reinforced Pellaton winding system, featuring ceramic components, ensures efficient bi-directional winding and delivers an 80-hour power reserve.

The watch is fitted with a sleek black rubber strap, secured by a lightweight yet durable Ceratanium pin buckle. This timepiece is released as a limited edition of only 100 pieces, and priced at EUR 214,000 approximately AED 900,000.

For more information, you can visit IWC’s official website.