IWC Schaffhausen introduces the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2025. The timepiece integrates the brand’s patented SPRIN-g PROTECT® system, a cantilever spring structure re-engineered specifically to shield the delicate flying tourbillon. Made from bulk metallic glass (BMG), the spring distributes shock forces evenly, maintaining the integrity of the movement even under extreme accelerations exceeding 10,000 g. To complement the advanced protection, the IWC-manufactured 82915 calibre is heavily skeletonised, reducing mass and offering a striking view of the internal mechanics.
The case and crown are made from Ceratanium®, IWC’s proprietary alloy that combines the lightweight properties of titanium with the hardness and scratch resistance of ceramic. Fired at high temperatures, Ceratanium® provides both durability and a distinct matte finish, while rubber bumpers on the case sides add further resilience. The skeletonised dial and hands, enhanced with Super-LumiNova®, frame the tourbillon positioned at six o’clock.
By merging a tourbillon complication with cutting-edge shock absorption, IWC’s engineering division XPL signals a new frontier for mechanical watchmaking under extreme conditions. The breakthrough is not only in protecting high complications but also in advancing materials and movement architecture. Anchored by an 80-hour power reserve and an efficient Pellaton winding system, this Big Pilot’s model stands as a testament to the future of rugged, high-performance haute horlogerie.
