This week we shift our focus from regatta timers to pilot watches.
More specifically, we are looking for five alternatives to the classic IWC Big Pilot’s Watch. Remember how in the early 2000s, the iconic large aviation watches from IWC were at the peak of popularity? In the era of big watches, they were leading the industry. Over the past two decades, much has changed, raising the important question: would you buy these large pilot watches today? If not, today we will look at five worthy alternatives to this classic model that might be your choice.
History and Context of the Popularity of Large Pilot Watches
If you were into watches in the early 2000s, you surely remember the trend of large watches. Brands like Panerai, Breitling, and IWC set the tone with their iconic models. When IWC released the Big Pilot ref. 5002 in 2002, it quickly became one of the most popular models. Almost 25 years later, these watches remain one of the most recognizable classic examples from IWC. However, the world has changed, and today most people prefer more compact models. Therefore, we have compiled a list of five alternatives suitable for those looking for watches with a classic aviation style but smaller size - regardless of budget and brand. Let's look at our five options.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43
An excellent first option is the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43. This reduced version of the classic 46mm model is a logical alternative in modern conditions. The watch retains the signature look but is significantly more comfortable to wear. IWC first introduced this model in 2021 to fill the gap between the 40mm Mark XX and the 46mm Big Pilot. And it has succeeded.
The case is made of stainless steel, with a diameter of 43 mm, a lug-to-lug distance of 53 mm, and a thickness of 13.6 mm. Compared to the 46 × 56 × 15.6 mm of the "older brother," the main advantages are the shorter length and thickness. These parameters make the watch much more comfortable while maintaining the recognizable design.
Inside is the proprietary IWC caliber 82100 with automatic winding and 22 jewels. The mechanism operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a 60-hour power reserve. Thanks to the sapphire transparent case back, you can observe the operation of the modern mechanism. It is beautifully finished and, notably, lacks a power reserve indicator, giving the dial a cleaner and more concise look. Finally, the price on a strap is €9,700, significantly lower than the 46mm version costing €14,200.
Zenith Pilot Automatic
The next model that immediately came to mind when discussing the list of alternatives is the Zenith Pilot Automatic. The current Pilot collection was introduced three years ago at Watches and Wonders. The lineup includes two models - Pilot Big Date Flyback and Pilot Automatic, in various case options made of steel and ceramic. For our list, we chose the steel version of the Pilot Automatic.
The watch features a case diameter of 40 mm, a lug-to-lug length of 49.6 mm, and a thickness of 12.9 mm. Despite the modest diameter, the model stands out on the wrist thanks to its long lugs.
The dial is adorned with horizontal engravings, applied Arabic numerals, a date window at the “6 o'clock” position, and contrasting sword-shaped hands. The pattern on the dial mimics the look of corrugated metal used in the fuselages of old airplanes. Zenith offers the steel version with a black opaline or dark blue dial. The lower half of the dial proudly features the "Pilot" inscription - an exclusive Zenith mark.
Inside is the proprietary El Primero 3620 caliber with automatic winding, 27 jewels, and a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. The power reserve is 60 hours. The sapphire case back reveals a modern mechanism without a chronograph, neatly finished and perfectly emphasizing the tool-like character of the watch. An interesting detail is the white drawing on the skeletonized rotor, imitating the "artificial horizon" instrument in airplanes.
The package includes two straps: a rubber one with Cordura texture matching the dial color and a brown calf leather strap. The cost of this model is €8,500.
Longines Pilot Majetek
Longines also has a rich history of aviation watches. In 2023, the brand introduced the Pilot Majetek - a modern interpretation of the Longines Majetek ref. 3582 model, first released in 1935. Currently, the model is available in three versions: two with different straps from the "1935" series and a third - the lightweight Pioneer Edition, limited to 1,935 pieces. For our selection, we chose the steel version, most suitable as an alternative to the Big Pilot.
The Pilot Majetek was created at the request of the Czechoslovak Air Force. It was necessary to develop a watch with bright illumination for readability and a rotating bezel with a triangular marker for timekeeping. On April 1, 1935, Longines registered the design with the Bern patent office. After that, the watches were handed to Czechoslovak pilots and had the inscription "Majetek Vojenské Správy" ("Property of the Military Administration") on the back cover.
The modern version features a case size of 43 × 51.4 × 13.3 mm with a bi-directional knurled bezel that rotates the triangular marker over the dial. Protective elements have been added for the crown, giving the watch a more modern look.
The black dial is embellished with raised vintage-style Arabic numerals and large pencil-shaped hands with Super-LumiNova coating. Inside is the chronometer-certified caliber L893.6 with automatic winding, operating at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour and providing a 72-hour power reserve. The watches are available with a brown or green leather strap priced at €4,150.
Laco Pilot Watch Original Saarbrücken
The list would not be complete without classic German brands like Stowa, Tutima, and Laco. This time we chose the Laco Pilot Watch Original, which showcases the classic design that inspired the creation of the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch. The question is which case size fits you best. Laco offers the model in three sizes: 39 mm, 42 mm, and 45 mm.
Additionally, there is a choice between manual winding and automatic caliber. The watches also come with two dial options. We opted for the classic "Baumuster A" design with Arabic numerals and a peripheral minute track, closely resembling the Big Pilot. To maintain proximity to the 46mm IWC version, we chose the automatic model Saarbrücken - named after the German city on the French border.
The case is matte, made of sandblasted stainless steel, with a diameter of 45 mm, lug-to-lug length of 53.5 mm, and thickness of 13.5 mm. The watch is large but thinner than the IWC. The black dial has 11 Arabic numerals and the signature "Flieger" triangle with two dots at the "12 o'clock" position. Completing the look is a brown calf leather strap 22 mm wide with rivets, like on the Big Pilot. Inside is the Laco 200 caliber based on Sellita SW200-1 - automatic with 26 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of 41 hours. The price is €1,130.
Sinn 104
The final choice is the popular Sinn 104. Although this model is not the most obvious among many German pilot watches, it is considered one of the best in terms of price-quality ratio among enthusiasts. The stainless steel case size 41 × 47 × 11.9 mm is equipped with a rotating bezel with a 60-minute countdown scale.
Sinn offers two dial options. The first is the 104 St Sa A with a black background and a full set of Arabic numerals, the closest in style to IWC. The photos show the 104 St Sa I version, which replaces the numbers with rectangular hour markers.
The dial also features day-date complications at the "3 o'clock" position and classic syringe-shaped hands. The standard strap is a vintage brown leather one, emphasizing the Big Pilot's aviation style. Additionally, Sinn offers a wide range of options, including an H-link steel bracelet, as shown in the photo.
Inside is the Sellita SW220-1 caliber - automatic with 26 jewels, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of 41 hours, similar to the mechanism in the Laco Saarbrücken.
The price of the Sinn 104 St Sa A, the closest in style to the Big Pilot, is €1,490. The version on a steel bracelet costs €1,840. Regardless of the choice, the Sinn 104 is a reliable and classic pilot chronometer, worthily concluding our list.
Conclusion: Review of the Top 5 Alternatives to IWC Big Pilot’s Watch
So, here are five alternatives to the legendary IWC Big Pilot’s Watch. We consciously chose models from different brands and price categories to show the diversity of approaches to the classic aviation style. Of course, there are other worthy options on the market, so the question remains: which of these five models do you like the most? Or perhaps you would prefer a completely different one? Share your opinion in the comments, and we will return next week with a new list!