IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Right-Hander

Because 90% of the population is right-handed, there’s a convention that watches have to be worn on the left wrist… And that explains why the crown is positioned at 3 o’clock (on most watches, of course). There are exceptions to the rule, though, with so-called “right-hander” or “lefty” watches. Not so common, practical for left-handers and cool for others! Hence the raison d’être of IWC‘s latest limited edition of its iconic pilot’s watch, the Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Right-Hander IW501012.

This new Big Pilot’s Watch IW501012, limited to 250 pieces, takes most of the attributes of the classic Big Pilot and adds a certain dose of cool to the package… but also a great sense of practicality. Why, you ask? Well, in my case (with my small, 16.5cm wrist), the IWC Big Pilot’s is pretty uncomfortable, simply because the sharp diamond-shaped crown hurts me – due to both the size of the watch and its weight, as you can see here. So, this new Edition Right-Hander is definitely a practical option, when worn on the left wrist. It will also please lefties, who will appreciate having a watch to wear on their right wrist.

So, what’s new in this IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Right-Hander IW501012 – besides the new position of the crown? Basically, the case is identical, with its oversized 46.2mm diameter and 15.6mm height. It is big and heavy on purpose, as were the WWII B-Uhr watches. So no surprises here. The case of this edition is made of steel, mostly brushed with several polished accents (bezel, casebands, crown). It is worn on a black pilot’s strap.

The main evolution concerns the dial, which is presented in sunray-brushed slate grey, with contrasting black sub-counters. Markers and numerals are identical to the classic Big Pilot’s Watch. The hands are, however, black with white luminescence. The update also concerns the display, which is not only reversed but also slightly different. Instead of a central seconds hand on the classic Big Pilot’s Watch, this Edition Right-Hander IW501012 features a small seconds counter. Since the movement has been rotated 180 degrees to have the crown at 9 o’clock, the power reserve indicator is also on the opposite side.

Inside is the in-house calibre IWC 52010, a large automatic movement with Pellaton winding system and a very long power reserve of 7 days or 168 hours – more than sufficient. The movement is hidden behind a plain caseback, with a soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields.

Price and availability

The IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Right-Hander IW501012 will be limited to 250 pieces and available at IWC Boutiques and authorised retailers from August 2019, with 3 months exclusivity in Australia and France. Its price will be EUR 14,900.

More details at www.iwc.com.