IWC Big Pilot’s Heritage IW501005

Less 57%

Original price was: R300 000,00.Current price is: R129 900,00.

The IWC Big Pilot’s Heritage IW501005 is a 46mm titanium masterpiece that faithfully recreates the 1940s B-Uhr observation watch. Powered by the in-house 52110 with 7-day power reserve, it features a matte black dial, huge luminous hands, anti-magnetic soft-iron cage, and riveted leather strap.

Discontinued and highly collectible — pure aviation heritage.

South African rand (R) - ZAR
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Brand:
SKU: W-12726-1
Condition: This timepiece has undergone a thorough inspection of water resistance, accuracy, functionality and condition to determine the level of reconditioning required to meet our strict standards. It has als
Technical Specification

Additional information

IWC Pilot's Heritage IW501005

Pilot's Heritage

Case size

46mm

Case material

Bronze

Movement type

Automatic

Condition

This timepiece has undergone a thorough inspection of water resistance, accuracy, functionality and condition to determine the level of reconditioning required to meet our strict standards. It has als

Crystal type

Sapphire Crystal

Gender

Male

Has Box

Yes

Has Papers

Yes

Year

2017

Information

The IWC Big Pilot’s Heritage IW501005 (introduced 2017) is a near-perfect recreation of the legendary Beobachtungs-uhr (B-Uhr) observation watches supplied to the Luftwaffe in the 1940s, now scaled to a bold yet wearable 46mm titanium case. With its matte black dial, oversized diamond-coated luminous hands, massive chapter ring, and iconic propeller-style triangular marker at 12, this is the closest you can get to wearing an original 1940s Big Pilot without spending six figures.

Crafted from lightweight, bead-blasted titanium (just 120 grams on the wrist) and limited to a 15.3mm thickness, it houses the in-house Calibre 52110 automatic movement: twin barrels, Pellaton winding with ceramic components, and a remarkable 7-day (168-hour) power reserve shown at 3 o’clock. The soft-iron inner cage provides full anti-magnetic protection, while the sapphire crystal is secured against sudden pressure drops—just like the originals.

Delivered on a calfskin leather strap with rivets and a titanium tang buckle, plus the engraved “Big Pilot Heritage” caseback, the IW501005 captures raw military aviation history in a modern, wearable package. Discontinued in 2022, pre-owned examples now trade between $8,900–$11,800 (late 2025) and remain one of the most coveted modern pilot’s watches.

Key Features of the IWC Big Pilot’s Heritage IW501005:

  • Authentic 1940s Design: 46mm titanium case, black dial with massive luminous hands and chapter ring — a faithful tribute to the original B-Uhr.
  • In-House Calibre 52110: 7-day power reserve, Pellaton winding, ceramic components, and soft-iron anti-magnetic cage.
  • Lightweight Titanium Build: Bead-blasted case and riveted calfskin strap for vintage look with modern comfort.
Delivery Policy
  • Orders are dispatched from Topwatch during normal South African business hours, which are 08:00 to 17:00.
  • For our customers, we only accept the lowest cost and safest delivery procedures possible. All packages shipped via Topwatch are fully insured against loss, theft & damage during transit at no extra cost to you.
  • Due to the valuable nature of Topwatch products, we require a signature from an authorised person for your delivery at your nominated delivery address. Products will be deemed received by you, if accepted by a person at your nominated delivery address.
  • Insurance applies until the order is delivered to your nominated address. Delivery details must include a daytime contact telephone number. *Post Office boxes cannot be used for deliveries by our Couriers.
  • Overseas deliveries may be subject to import charges and other local taxes. Any such charges are the responsibility of the customer. Customs restrictions may also apply.

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Reviews
Excellent
Topwatch4.8
Based on 279 reviews
Jeremy Harris
2 weeks ago
Bespoke outlet for top end watches. Johan Dreyer is the owner and very knowledgeable and helpful. I'll be back regularly. Definitely a 5-star experience and rating
Response from the owner:Make it 5 stars bro. We dont take anything less
Stefan Jordaan
2 weeks ago
Elvin is excellent, great service from him and would recommend anyone to take their watch to him.
Etienne Nortje
2 weeks ago
Amazing service recieved from Elvin. We sold 2 Tags, great prices recieved. Thanks to Topwatch & Team
Curtis Nock
2 weeks ago
Fantastic service from Mika, really happier with quality of watch, would highly recommended
Alwyn Kotze
3 weeks ago
Clinton Jensen
1 month ago
Great service. Fair deal. Elvin is great to deal with.
Thanks Kobus and the Topwatch team. Fair price, good quality. Kobus never put any pressure to push the sale he just let it happen Thanks again.
Response from the owner:Awesome thank you.
Mohedien Noordien
2 months ago
Great Service, Fair price thank you.
Response from the owner:Love the feedback thank you!
Kevin Calitz
2 months ago
Outstanding service from start to finish. I spotted the watch I had been searching for at around 9pm, and by the next day I had all the information and detailed insights I needed. The watch was invoiced immediately and delivered by 8am the following morning. The entire process was seamless, professional, and incredibly efficient. I’m truly grateful to have received such a clean, beautiful collector’s piece. Highly recommended!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much Kevin for taking the time.
Patrick Hattingh
3 months ago
I have been very impressed by the company’s work ethic and the lengths they can go to in order to satisfy a customer – even it costs them. Much appreciated, Patrick Pine Lake Marina Sedgefield”
Response from the owner:Smashing thanks Patrick