Over the years, when it comes to the Replica IWC Pilot’s Chronograph, watch fans will think of the IW377709. With a diameter of 43 mm and a classic design, this watch has always been powered by the improved Valjoux 7750 movement. Last year, the brand released a compact 41mm Pilot’s Chronograph with its in-house calibre 69385. Today, IWC follows the same design and offers three larger models.
In short, the new 43mm Pilot Chronograph is basically an enlarged version of the 41mm model. However, compared to the 2016 43mm Pilot’s Chronograph, the new watch features several major innovations, including:
Same 43mm diameter, but thinner, down from 15.4mm to 14.8mm
The screw-in crown and case back are retained, but the water resistance has been increased from 60 meters to 100 meters
The airtight case back is changed to a see-through case back
·Valjoux 7750 movement replaced by 69385 self-made movement
·Retain the classic matte black dial, add satin brushed sunburst blue and green dial
The day and date dial changes from black to white
The position of the small seconds counter and the 12-hour counter is reversed
·Band now equipped with IWC EasX-CHANGE with quick change system
These innovations combine to create the new 43mm Pilot’s Chronograph. The in-house calibre 69385 is assembled from 231 parts, contains 33 jewels, beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), and provides a power reserve of 46 hours. The movement is manufactured by ValFleurier, a subsidiary of Richemont Group. It is still based on the structure of Valjoux 7750, but the cam timing is switched to a column wheel, and the winding system is closer to the Pellaton mechanism of Replica IWC.
IWC’s new 43mm Pilot’s Chronograph is available with a classic matt black dial (ref. IW378001), a satin-brushed sunburst blue dial (ref. IW378003) and a green dial (ref. IW378005) with coated White Super-LumiNov hands and hour markers, white day and date discs, and red small seconds. Each watch is supplied with a 21mm calfskin strap matching the dial colour with a stainless steel pin buckle. It is reported that the official website of the new watch is priced at 55,600 yuan.
