IWC's modern Big Pilot replica is available as six different watches and three different references, each with their own respective color combinations and characteristics. This week the focus is mainly on the original, the black and white Reference IW500901 (above). The watch has a 46 mm steel case with a noticeably enlarged diamond-shaped crown; Inside is IWC's own Caliber 51111, an automatic movement equipped with IWC's Pellaton ratchet-winding system, a system that supposedly allows the watch to build up its relatively large power reserve of seven days in a short time. The black dial with white accents shows a triangle with two dots at the 12 o'clock position, a power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock, and a date indicator at 6 o'clock. The hour markers are indicated by Arabic numerals with an outer minute ring. The watch uses the recognizable sword-shaped hands for the hours and minutes, and the whole is attached to a rugged-looking black alligator leather strap.

If you compare this watch with previous models of the modern Big Pilot, it is clearly recognizable as part of the line. When you compare it to vintage examples of the piece - particularly the 1930s and 1940s B-Uhr - the lineage becomes less clear but still clear. If you take away the power reserve, the date display, and the modern finishing methods, you have more or less the original military watch. Some aesthetic differences would still be apparent - in the outer minute ring of the dial, the pronunciation of the diamond-shaped crown, and the presence of the previously less common two dots above the triangle at the 12 o'clock position - but overall modern copy Swiss watch looks a lot on the vintage piece.
Of course, many would argue that the watch's modern features justify the $ 14,500 price tag, and I agree. However, I think IWC could benefit from producing a less expensive and more subtle nod to the watch's original design, possibly by taking a route similar to that of Panerai when it removed the company logo from some of its vintages inspired pieces. While some other Fake IWC Big Pilot references try to focus more on vintage-esque looks like the Ref. 5019 Top Gun Miramar, none are true re-creations of the style that inspired the series.

I think the IWC Big Pilot is an interesting Swiss made replica watch. It's a pretty piece in the first place, but with models measuring 46mm or more in diameter, comfortable wearing and full enjoyment require relatively gigantic wrists (not mine). While I wish the watch had the more historical flair or perhaps less modern flair, I also understand that it is a 'niche' timepiece to some extent simply because of its size and price. And perhaps this means it needs the extra features to differentiate itself from other series and appeal to a luxury market. Would I like to see a new, more vintage reinterpretation in the future? Yes, but today's IWC Big Pilot Replica UK has far outgrown its roots, so I'm not holding my breath. Replica Rolex DayDate watches for sale.