The Big Pilot Tribute to 5002/Safari (IW5010-07) is a true masterpiece of Swiss craftsmanship. Made by the legendary brand IWC, this limited edition masterpiece was released in 2017 and only 100 were meticulously crafted. Paying homage to the original Big Pilot model from 2002, which was inspired by military pilot watches from the 1940s, this watch is a true testament to the timelessness of design.
Comprised of a matte titanium case, black dial with white numerals and hands, a date window at 6 o'clock, and a power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock, every element of this watch is carefully considered to ensure flawless performance. With the IWC caliber 52110 at its core, an automatic movement with a 168-hour power reserve, the Big Pilot Tribute to 5002/Safari is as precise and reliable as it is beautiful. To finish, the watch comes complete with a rugged buffalo leather strap finished with classic rivets, making it the perfect blend of luxury and functionality.
Experience the sheer elegance of this watch for yourself – but don't wait too long – with only 100 models ever made, this is a true collectors item.
Beauty Meets Function: A Close-up View
This timepiece boasts a sleek matte titanium case that's 46mm in diameter and 15.5 mm in height. Inspired by the original 5002-generation Big Pilot, which paid tribute to historical military pilot watches, the case features a large screw-down crown, a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, and a solid case back with an airplane motif engraving. The black dial is adorned with a white outer ring displaying the Arabic numerals and minute markers, along with a power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock, a date window at 6 o'clock, and a central seconds hand.
The luminous hands have a vintage-style shape, which perfectly pairs with the dial's simplicity and elegance, reflecting the heritage and practicality of the watch. The buffalo leather strap with rivets adds to the rugged and adventurous look of the timepiece. It's extremely durable, comfortable, and complements the titanium case flawlessly.
The watch's aesthetics will undoubtedly attract different users who appreciate the Big Pilot series' history, design, and performance. It's also versatile enough to wear for casual, sporty, or formal occasions, and can be worn by both men and women. This rare and limited edition of only 100 pieces is a highly sought-after collectible for watch enthusiasts.
It has everything you could want in a timepiece- style, functionality, and a nod to history.
Integrity in Construction: Material Choices
The watch is crafted from top-quality materials and exhibits excellent build quality. A lightweight and corrosion-resistant matte titanium case is paired with a smooth titanium bezel, while the dial features large Arabic numerals, a date window, a power reserve indicator, and a central seconds hand. The hands are coated with luminescent material for easy legibility in low-light conditions.
A comfortable buffalo leather strap with rivets and a titanium pin buckle completes the elegant aesthetic. With a water resistance of 6 bar (60 meters) and a shock resistance of 5,000 Gs, the watch is suitable for use in a range of environments. Additionally, the sapphire crystal boasts anti-reflective coating on both sides, protecting the dial from both scratches and glare.
It's a watch that beautifully blends heritage with functionality, and will be your reliable companion for years to come.
Crafting Time: A Study of Movement and Precision
This particular timepiece utilizes a mechanical movement mechanism, meaning that it relies on a manually wound mainspring for power. While mechanical movements may not be as precise as quartz or solar movements, they boast a longer lifespan and intricate craftsmanship. One of its useful features is the hacking feature which permits the second hand to halt when the crown is pulled out, enabling effortless and accurate time adjustment.
Unfortunately, it lacks the hand-winding capability, dictating that the crown be rotated clockwise for it to be powered.
The Complex Core: Functionality and Intricacies
This watch boasts a power reserve indicator located at 3 o'clock, which provides a clear indication of the amount of power left in its impressive 168-hour reserve. Additionally, the watch has a convenient date display at 6 o'clock, which can be easily adjusted using the crown. While this watch does not include any other complications or functions, such as a chronograph or GMT, it is powered by the highly reliable and precise calibre 52110 automatic movement, which operates at a frequency of 4 Hz.
The movement utilizes innovative ceramic components in its Pellaton winding system to reduce wear and tear, and is further protected by a soft-iron inner case to shield it from magnetic fields. The watch's sleek matte titanium case, black dial with white numerals and hands, and buffalo leather strap with rivets come together to create a bold and sophisticated look, inspired by the original 5002-generation Big Pilot. If you're interested in learning more about this impressive timepiece, we invite you to explore its design, history, and availability.
Ease on the Wrist: The Craft of Wearability
Comfort and wearability are at the heart of this timepiece, which pays homage to the original watch designed for pilots in the 1940s. Its lightweight and robust matte titanium case, coupled with a buffalo leather strap that exudes a vintage and rugged feel, ensures not only style but adjustability and comfort on the wrist. Despite its imposing 46mm diameter and 15.5mm height, this watch is perfectly balanced, and won't feel too heavy or bulky on the wrist.
The incredible 168-hour power reserve means that you'll never have to worry about winding it for up to a week. The dial draws inspiration from the original model, with large Arabic numerals, luminous hands and markers, and a triangle at 12 o'clock, making it easy to read in any lighting condition. The inclusion of a handy date window at 6 o'clock is a subtle but appreciated touch.
This watch also sports a screw-down crown, ensuring its water-resistance up to 60 meters. If you appreciate aviation history and heritage, then this reliable and robust timepiece is the perfect choice to take on any adventure.
Cost Meets Worth: Evaluating Value
This limited edition timepiece, honoring the Big Pilot 5002 model, features vintage-inspired details on a matte titanium case and is complemented by a buffalo leather strap for a safari feel. The price currently sits around $14,500 – a bit higher than the regular Big Pilot models, which start at $11,000. However, collectors who appreciate the history and design of the 5002 generation will find its rarity and appeal to be worth the investment.
Compared to other similar watches, such as the Breitling Navitimer or Omega Speedmaster, this watch offers a unique combination of size, style, and functionality. It boasts a bold 46.2mm case, a highly legible and attractive dial, and a reliable automatic movement with a 7-day power reserve. While not for everyone, those who appreciate vintage flair in a big pilot watch will find it to be a great value for money.
With the opportunity to own a piece of IWC's heritage and craftsmanship, this watch is certainly a rare find.
Time Well Spent? Pros & Cons Explored
Advantages: The timepiece features a lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant matte titanium case. The watch pays homage to IWC's iconic 5002-generation Big Pilot with its dial design, making it a timeless classic among collectors. The automatic movement boasts an impressive 168-hour power reserve, allowing the watch to run for a week without rewinding.
The buffalo leather strap with rivets adds a sense of adventure and ruggedness to the watch's overall look. Disadvantages: With a diameter of 46mm and a height of 15.5mm, the watch might not be suitable for everyone's wrist size or preference due to its large size. At a price point of around $20,000 USD, the watch may be out of reach for many buyers.
The limited production of only 100 pieces makes the timepiece exceedingly rare and difficult to obtain.
The Last Hour: Summing Up
The Big Pilot Tribute to 5002 / Safari is a limited edition timepiece that truly honors the original 5002-generation Big Pilot with its beautiful matte titanium case and unique safari-themed dial. Featuring an excellent automatic movement with a whopping 168-hour power reserve, this watch also boasts a practical date window at 6 o'clock and a power reserve indicator at 3 o'clock. Its buffalo leather strap with rivets adds to the rugged and adventurous look, making it ideal for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the classic design and heritage of the Big Pilot series.
This model is highly exclusive and in-demand on the secondary market, so it's a smart investment for potential buyers. In addition to its rarity, this watch is also super comfortable to wear and easy to read, with a bold and charismatic presence on the wrist. It's a true gem that perfectly blends history, innovation, and style, delivering exceptional value for anyone who adds it to their collection.