Few fake watches can claim to be real icons. The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch is definitely one of them. The one that everybody knows is the classic black dial version with white indices. But there are more editions offered by the brand – including my favourite, the “Le Petit Prince” ref. IW500916.
IWC Ref. IW5009 Replica – which updated the dial and returned to the original design – with the 9 o’clock numeral back in place and the black triangle below the 12 o’clock index. Also, the movement was entirely changed, and if it still has a 7-day power reserve, it features a brand-new architecture inside.
Dimensions, specifications and mechanics are the same in both versions of the Replica Watches.These two were, however, rather apart in the collection, and did not feature the automatic 7-day power reserve movement and the central seconds/power reserve indicator display. The IW501005 is more in line with what the classical Big Pilot’s Watch is supposed to be.
This Big Pilot’s Copy Watch Heritage Bronze relies on the same 46.2mm x 15.4mm case as the standard steel version. The shape is also the same. What changes is the material used: a bronze alloy with its defining dark-gold colour – when new – or greenish patina – after being worn intensively.
