IWC Big Pilot IW501001

The case measures 46mm across and 15.5mm thick, with a 22mm lug width. Case material: Stainless steel. Case size alone is a poor guide to how a watch wears; lug-to-lug length and how the bracelet drops off the case matter more, which is why we suggest trying one on before you commit.

Automatic, in-house Cal. 51111 with

It is rated to 60 meters, about 197 feet. That covers brief swimming. It is not a dive watch. One caution that applies to every watch on this page: a water resistance figure describes a new watch with fresh gaskets. On a piece that is years past its last service, treat the rating as unknown until it has been pressure tested.

IW5010 = Big Pilot family; 01 = specific variant (black dial, steel, 7-day power reserve). Reading the reference is the fastest way to confirm that a watch is what the seller says it is, before you get anywhere near the movement.

"Big Pilot", "BP". Collector nicknames are not official IWC names, but they are what people actually search for and what they are called across a showroom.

Yes. We buy this reference outright, and we lend against it if you would rather keep it. We are a family-owned San Diego buyer established in 2006, our appraisers are GIA-trained, and the appraisal is complimentary with no obligation to sell. You can bring it to our Gaslamp showroom at 907 Sixth Ave or start online. If you are looking to buy this reference instead, tell us and we will let you know when one comes in.