Introducing The IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 Black Aces
IWC, with a vast tradition and history of pilot’s watches, collaborates with the US Navy again to present the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 Black Aces.
This time the “honours of the house” go to Strike Fighter Squadron 41 better known as the Black Aces, whose patch does not lie, an Ace of Clubs card with a red crossbar.
On the outside, the watch once again wears the traditional black ceramic stealth case that today makes up a large part of the IWC Pilots collection, which comes with dimensions of 41mm in diameter by 11.40mm in thickness, sapphire glass front and screwed titanium case back engraved with a jet fighter, steel blasted screw-down crown and 60m of water resistance.
The white dial is the highlight here as it is the brand’s first full-lume dial, so it is not surprising that the dial, despite its ivory-white tone, presents some greenish nuances thanks to the high-grade Super-LumiNova that has been used on it. Incorporated through a complex multi-step process, which guarantees at least 23 hours of brightness in a dark environment. In its layout, we can find black printed Arabic numerals and hands filled with a black/grey tone lume to be able to contrast with the background green glow, the Black Aces patch at 6 o’clock and the triangle with two dots at noon.
Inside operates the Caliber 32100 automatic movement that reaches 28,800 Bph and offers up to 3 days of power reserve.
Like much of the brand’s Pilots collection, the watch is attached to a black fabric strap with a black leather lining and a signature brand buckle benefiting from the EasX-Change system.
Unlike other US Navy editions, this one does not come as a limited edition, becoming part of the brand’s regular collection, which can now be purchased for € 7,800.
Our Opinion
The dial with full-lume is a nice addition to the collection that perhaps only falls for being late, although it may prove unsuitable for combat environments as its high brightness in the dark leaves little description in hostile environments.
Without wanting to return to the old point of contention, the size of the case continues to be a problem for the smallest wrists, even more so as it is a simple three-hand watch, we do not believe that it is justified.
Finally, to highlight the low water resistance capacity, for a watch with a crown and a screwed back case, it seems to us to be even worse when it comes to a tool watch.
Read more here.
General Specifications:
Brand: IWC
Model: Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 Black Aces
Reference: IW326905
Dial: White
Lume: Super-LumiNova
Case Material: Black Ceramic
Case Dimensions: 41 mm Diameter, 11.40 mm thickness
Crystal: Sapphire Glass
Water Resistance: 60 Meters
Strap: Black fabric strap
Calibre: IWC 32100
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 Vph
Jewels: 21
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Components: 155
Price: € 7,800
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: No
