IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Reference IW388103

Once upon a time, it was easy to get brands’ new pieces in your hands on the day of their release. We used to have physical fairs to enjoy, but the global pandemic has put paid to that for many of us. Nowadays, seeing novelties on or before release is very difficult so we were thrilled when IWC made a special effort to send us the Chrono 41 model so we could put it through its paces in advance of its launch today.

The new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 may look familiar but is actually a brand new fusion of design, movement, and case size. Visually, it most recalls the IWC reference IW377714 (Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Le Petit Prince”), bringing the blue sun-ray dial and red going seconds hand back together to great effect. There are, however, a couple of key differences between the Petit Prince and the new Chrono 41. Before we dig into the updates going on inside the case, let’s talk about the case itself…

A wearable size

It’s been happening for years, but the subtle shrinking of men’s watch diameters has taken longer to reach certain corners of the industry than others. One of the most resistant styles of watches to case diameter reduction was, understandably, Pilot’s watches. However, with this release, IWC responds to the trend with aplomb, bringing us a 41mm by 14.5mm housing in stainless steel. Consequently, the new Chrono 41 is a versatile beast in comparison to the 43mm Petit Prince.

The changes within

For this welcome reduction to have been made, a new movement was necessary. Caliber 69385 joins the 69000 family previously seen in the Portugieser line that we covered here. You will notice, however, that the 69385 has an additional sub-dial at 9 o’clock as well as the day/date indication at 3 o’clock.

This retains the original Pilot’s watch layout for which IWC is known and loved, but does require the red going seconds hand, which had previously occupied the 9 o’clock register, to move down to the six-clock sub-dial. In the 9 o’clock position, the 69385 movement boasts a 12-hour counter — another nice update for an in-house movement family that looks to be the cornerstone of the brand’s future.

Pilot’s watches — the love affair that continues

Whenever the conversation turns to pilot’s watches, IWC’s name is never far behind. The brand is known for its large, legible, highly durable timepieces with a remarkable level of finish. That finishing flair is on full display here with the sunray blue dial taking center stage.

Chronographs have been an important part of IWC’s PIlot line since 1994. This latest movement — a column-wheel chronograph, no less — is a really lovely addition to the family. It furthers IWC’s legacy in the right direction and, as is only right for such a milestone movement, it can be observed and enjoyed through a sapphire display back. The 4Hz automatic with a 46-hour power reserve is protected by a stainless steel case topped with a sapphire crystal and tested to 10 bar.

The new IWC Chrono 41 features the integrated EasX-CHANGE strap system. This makes switching between a stainless steel bracelet or an era-appropriate leather strap seamless and swift. Learn more about IWC and its new models by visiting the brand’s official website here.

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