The French maison is passionate about its military history and values. IWC Big Pilot Replica has been offering military-inspired pilots watches for years. These special timepieces are usually black and white, as we've grown accustomed to. But the latest military-themed watch by the luxury French watchmaking company brings a new style that is based on the formal dress uniforms worn by Aeronavale Officers.
I'm going to review two models today - IWC Big Pilot Replica Vintage BR 126 Aeronavale, and BR 123 Aeronavale – both of which are characterized by a blue and gold color scheme. These new chronographs are similar to the vintage French Naval Aviators' chronographs. However, they have a unique style and retro elements that set them apart from the rest.
The dial has a metallic sunburst blue that matches the uniform colors of Aeronavale officers.Replica Watches
The dial is also blue, like the ocean. The rose-gold-plated hands and hour markers symbolize victory and nobility.
The BR 126 Aeronavale Chronograph is the flagship model of this nautical-inspired collection. It was inspired by pilot watches from the 1960s. The blue soleille dial, with its gold appliques on the hands and a Superluminova-coated Superluminova-finish sub-dials is hidden beneath a highly-domed sapphire glass. The dial is rounded off by a 60-minute graduated aluminum bezel in blue anodized finish.
The stainless steel straight case measures 43mm. The crown and chronograph buttons are not protected in the case. It is designed to be water resistant up to 100 meters. The sapphire glass on the back reveals a mechanical automatic caliber BR.CAL.301 based on ETA. It has functions for small seconds, hours, minutes and date,Omega Aqua Terra Replica Watches
along with chronograph. The 38-hour power reserve is provided by the movement.
The French watchmaker also offers a simpler three-hander timepiece equipped with a caliber BR CAL.305 mechanical auto movement, which provides the same amount of power as the chronograph BR Aeronavale. The BR 123 Aeronavale features many of the same characteristics as the BR 126 Aeronavale. These include the 43mm diameter, 100-meter water resistance, the blue dial with gold appliques as well as domed sapphires crystals.
The watch is also available with a blue calfskin strap that has been distressed and adorned with cinnamon stitching. The watch is also available with a distressed blue calfskin strap with cinnamon stitching (ref. BRV123-BLU-ST/SCR).
The price for this elegant three-hander is 2,700 euros ($3,00) for a model with a calfskin band, and 2,900 euro ($3,200) if you choose the alligator band. The price of the chronographs is 3,800 Euros for the one with the calfskin band and 3,990 Euros for the one with the alligator bracelet. The watches will be available in August 2016 from the IWC Big Pilot Replica Boutique and authorized retailers.