On Holden’s list, Thinking About
IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot's Watch
The IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot's Watch (IW501001) is a field watch from IWC Schaffhausen: a 46.2 mm stainless steel case, 15.5 mm thick, with an automatic IWC Calibre 52110 movement and 60 m water resistance.
Its lug-to-lug length is unknown, so wrist fit can only be judged from the 46.2 mm case width.
Research found it at $13,900 list in the US (checked August 2026).
Specifications
From the research, with the sources for each group of facts. Unknown means no source confirmed it.
| The watch [1][2][3] | |
|---|---|
| Brand | IWC Schaffhausen |
| Reference | IW501001 |
| Category | Field / Pilot |
| Production | Current (introduced 2016) |
| Case and size [2][3][4] | |
| Case diameter | 46.2 mm |
| Lug to lug | Unknown |
| Thickness | 15.5 mm |
| Lug width | Unknown |
| Case material | Stainless steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire, antireflective, secured against displacement by drops in air pressure |
| Water resistance | 6 bar (60 m) |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Movement [2][3][4] | |
| Movement | IWC Calibre 52110 (Betteridge lists 52010 — see conflicts), automatic |
| Power reserve | 7 days (168 hours), twin barrels |
| Accuracy | Unknown |
| Bracelet [2][3] | |
| Bracelet or strap | Black calfskin leather strap (riveted pilot style) |
| Clasp | Stainless steel folding clasp |
| Price and warranty (US) [2][3][1] | |
| List price (US) | $13,900 (Betteridge listing, 2026-08-26; official US price not readable this session) |
| Street price (US) | $13,900 new at authorized-adjacent retail (2026-08) (August 2026) |
| Used price (US) | Unknown |
| Warranty | 2 years + 6 additional via IWC Care registration (8 total, per Betteridge) |
Will it fit?
The research didn’t find a sourced lug-to-lug length for this watch, so the fit can’t be estimated here. If you can measure one, try it in the wrist-fit tool.
What the research found
These are the research’s judgments, scored against Holden’s priorities, not his own words.
Strengths
- True in-house 7-day twin-barrel calibre with Pellaton winding and ceramic components
- One of the most iconic and disciplined product designs in watchmaking, with genuine observation-watch lineage
- Soft-iron antimagnetic cage and pressure-drop-secured crystal — real engineering
- Used prices near half of retail make the engineering accessible
Weaknesses
- 46.2 x 15.5 mm is enormous
- 60 m WR and leather strap limit rough duty
- Calibre number discrepancy across retailers (52110 vs 52010) unresolved without the official page
- No measured editorial review readable this session
Research scores, 0 to 10
| Execution and feel in the hand | 8.5 |
|---|---|
| Design identity | 8.5 |
| Value at a realistic price | 7.0 |
| Long-term ownership | 8.0 |
| Movement and engineering | 8.5 |
| Wearability and proportions | 2.5 |
| Versatility and durability | 4.5 |
| Fit with Holden's collection | 7.0 |
Also on Holden’s list
Other field / pilot watches on his list.
- Tudor Ranger 39 mm Dune White M79950-0008
- Sinn Spezialuhren 556 A 556.014
- Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 01 754 7741 4068
- Bell & Ross BR 03 Black Matte BR03A-BL-CE/SRB
- Longines Spirit Automatic Chronometer
Sources
- Big Pilot's Watch IW501001 — official product page (fetch attempted) iwc.com · read August 26, 2026
- IWC Big Pilot's 46mm IW501001 listing betteridge.com · read August 26, 2026
- IWC Big Pilot's Watch IW501001 wempe.com · read August 26, 2026
- IWC Big Pilot Stainless Steel 7 Day Black Dial 46mm IW501001 aviandco.com · read August 26, 2026
Personal research, not a source of truth. Spotted an error? Email a correction.