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Min. ReadIWC Schaffhausen Unveils Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL at Watches and Wonders 2025
IWC Schaffhausen has introduced the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025. This remarkable timepiece is the first IWC watch to incorporate the brand's patented SPRIN-g PROTECT® shock absorber system with a tourbillon, showcasing a breakthrough in mechanical resilience and fine watchmaking.
At the heart of the watch lies the IWC-manufactured calibre 82915, featuring a flying minute tourbillon. To optimize the efficiency of the shock absorption system, the movement's plates, bridges, and rotor have been skeletonized, significantly reducing mass while exposing intricate mechanics. The SPRIN-g PROTECT® system employs a cantilever spring crafted from bulk metallic glass (BMG), an advanced material with an amorphous atomic structure that enhances elasticity. The shock absorber is engineered to withstand impacts exceeding 10,000 g, offering unprecedented protection for the tourbillon.
The 46mm case and crown are made of Ceratanium®, an exclusive material that combines the lightweight properties of titanium with the hardness and scratch resistance of ceramic. This distinctive case design is complemented by a black rubber strap with a technical pattern and a Ceratanium® pin buckle.
IWC’s XPL engineering division played a pivotal role in adapting the SPRIN-g PROTECT® system to the tourbillon movement. The eight-arm cantilever spring underwent rigorous computational simulations to optimize its performance, ensuring minimal impact forces on the movement. The integration of skeletonization further enhances shock resistance by reducing the watch's overall weight.
In addition to its advanced shock protection, the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL features IWC’s Pellaton winding system with ceramic-reinforced components, delivering an 80-hour power reserve. The dial is stripped down to a black ring with a minute track and a signature triangle at 12 o’clock. The hands, coated with Super-LumiNova®, are also skeletonized, enhancing the watch's technical aesthetic.
IWC Schaffhausen continues its legacy of innovation in high-performance watchmaking, pushing the boundaries of durability and precision. The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL is a testament to the brand's commitment to engineering excellence, blending cutting-edge materials with complex mechanical artistry.
