IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot's Watch Shock Absorber XPL-IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot's Watch Shock Absorber XPL -

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IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot's Watch Shock Absorber XPL-IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot's Watch Shock Absorber XPL -

IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot's Watch Shock Absorber XPL

Product Code: IW357201

Pilot’s operate under extreme conditions and in cramped cockpits, surrounded by sharp-edged metallic objects. Therefore, extraordinary robustness has always been one of the most important functional requirements for IWC’s pilot’s watches. After an 8-year engineering journey, the brands new engineering division, “IWC Experimental”, has now succeeded in pushing the limits of what is physically possible in protecting the movement of a mechanical watch against shocks. The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL (Ref. IW357201) is the first IWC watch to feature the patented SPRIN-g PROTECT system. At the heart of this system is a cantilever spring that protects the movement against the g-forces generated by impacts. It cushions the movement, allowing it to keep moving independently of the case before bringing it to a stop more gently. The spring has been designed with a perfect form to evenly spread the stress across its length and width. Solving this challenge required advanced simulation tools and a painstaking design process. A key factor is also the choice of an advanced Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) as a material. The sophisticated manufacturing process gives BMG an amorphous microstructure, with the result that it is significantly more elastic than conventional metals. An ultra-lightweight titanium casing ring further reduces the mass that the shock absorber must hold. Another innovation is a unique crown system with a winding stem that allows the movement to displace independently of the case. The IWC-manufactured 32115 calibre used for this watch is a custom-made lightweight construction. Several of its components are made from a high-tech aluminum alloy also used in the aerospace sector, which is light and extremely rigid at the same time. The bidirectional pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 120 hours. To put the SPRIN-g PROTECT system through its paces under the most realistic conditions, IWC collaborated with the Fracture & Shock Physics group at the Cavendish Laboratory of Cambridge University in England, U.K. The scientists used laser-based measurement methods and high-speed video recording to analyze the effects that impacts show on the movement. During these impact tests, protected movements have survived the extreme forces from accelerations in excess of 30,000 g. To put this in perspective, if a pilot accidentally hits his watch against a hard surface in the cockpit, accelerations are in the range of 300 to 1000 g. The powerful case geometry takes the iconic shape of the Big Pilot’s Watch design to a completely new level by adding a futuristic surface treatment and details throughout the entire watch exterior. The case is made of Ceratanium®, an IWC-developed material based on a proprietary titanium alloy. It is as light and robust as titanium but similarly hard and scratch-proof like ceramic. The stealthy black design is complemented with a black dial, a technical anti-reflective coating on the front glass, and a black rubber strap with leather inlay. Due to the complexity of the manufacturing process, the annual production of the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL will be limited to 10 pieces.

Case	Ceratanium® case

Case Size

44mm

Movement

Automatic

Dial	Black dial with luminescence

Functions

SPRIN-g PROTECT system protecting the movement from acceleration forces in excess of 30’000 g. Glass secured against displacement by drop in air pressure.

Power Reserve

120 Hours

Water Resistance

10 bar

Bracelet

Black Rubber Strap

Warranty

Standard 2-Year International Limited Warranty with 6-year extension through ‘My IWC

Shipping and Exchanges

Shipping

Complimentary Two-Day Shipping on purchases over $100. Order processing can take up to 3-5 business days.
We currently only ship domestically within the United States. Orders ship Monday through Thursday, excluding public holidays, via standard overnight service with signature required, per our insurance policy. Shipping delivery must be confirmed by the recipient in order to ship out the order. If a package is undeliverable and returned to us, additional shipping charges may apply for reshipment.
Shipping fee for watch straps and accessories is flat $35. Please note: all watch parts are FINAL SALE.

Inspection Upon Delivery

Please carefully inspect your package at the time of delivery. If the outer packaging appears damaged, opened, resealed, punctured, or otherwise tampered with, we kindly ask that you refuse delivery. Please inform the carrier that you are declining the shipment due to suspected damage or tampering.

If possible, take clear photographs of the package—showing the condition of the box, shipping label, and any visible damage or broken seals—before returning it to the carrier.

Please note that by accepting the package, you acknowledge that the outer box appears intact and untampered with at the time of delivery.

Exchanges & Store Credit

Eligible items may be exchanged or returned for store credit within 3 business days of receipt. No refunds.
To request an exchange or store credit, contact Customer Service at customerservice@chpremier.com or reply to your confirmation email to initiate the process.
Items marked “Final Sale”, including all watch parts, promotional/discounted merchandise, and financed purchases (e.g., Affirm, Shop Pay Installments), are not eligible for return, exchange, or store credit.
Returns due to change of mind or buyer’s remorse will not be accepted.
Merchandise must be in original, unworn condition, with the protective blue tag attached. Items showing signs of wear, alteration, or damage will not be accepted.
A shipping and restocking fee applies to all approved returns/exchanges.
We reserve the right to refuse any return that does not meet the above requirements.

Our online policies may differ from our in-store policies. The above terms apply only to online purchases.