The 2023 IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Markus Bühler, reference IW329901, turns the turbine motif from Markus Bühler’s original 2008 Big Pilot into part of a flying minute tourbillon. IWC announced a limited production of 51 pieces; its published specifications describe a 43 mm platinum watch powered by the automatic calibre 82905.
What is the Markus Bühler Big Pilot?
The name connects two watches separated by 15 years. The first was a unique Big Pilot’s Watch that Bühler made during his final year as a watchmaking apprentice for a competition. IWC says he won first prize. On that 2008 watch, the turbine motif appeared on the small seconds.
IWC announced the 2023 IW329901 on October 2, 2023, describing it as a successor to the earlier edition. Bühler, by then Associate Director of Watch and Movement Assembly at IWC, said: “When I created my Big Pilot’s Watch with a turbine as an apprentice watchmaker, I would never have imagined I would lead the development of a second edition 15 years later – let alone that I would be responsible for all assembly processes at IWC.”
The reprise is more than a change of dial decoration: the turbine now forms the upper part of the tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock. Bühler said the aim was “to meet the high expectations of our collectors” by integrating the signature turbine into a tourbillon. Both statements are from IWC’s October 2, 2023 release.
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How does the turbine tourbillon work?
A tourbillon places the balance and escapement in a rotating cage. In this watch, IWC describes the complication as a flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock: its cage makes one rotation per minute. The turbine is not an extra ornament mounted on top of a complete cage; it serves as the cage’s upper part, replacing the regulator.
That integration matters because the rotating assembly’s mass and inertia affect the energy it needs. IWC says the turbine is made from a lightweight titanium alloy to keep it light. Its 12 blades are individually hand-polished after machining, and IWC says milling the part takes several hours because of its small scale and geometry. The company reports that the complete tourbillon contains 56 parts and weighs 0.663 grams.
Rank #2
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
IWC says the hairspring attaches beneath one turbine blade. A watchmaker can turn the turbine to adjust the balance’s zero crossing. The pallet lever and escape wheel have Diamond Shell coating, which IWC describes as reducing friction and improving energy flow. These are manufacturer explanations; no independent performance test is established here.
IW329901 specifications
| Specification | IWC-listed detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | IW329901 |
| Case | 43 mm diameter; 14.5 mm height; platinum |
| Water resistance | 10 bar |
| Movement | IWC-manufactured automatic calibre 82905; 197 components; 25 jewels |
| Frequency | 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) |
| Power reserve | 80 hours |
| Complication | Flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock |
| Strap | Black Cordovan leather; 21 mm width |
| Production | Limited to 51 pieces, as announced by IWC in 2023 |
The case, movement and strap figures are manufacturer specifications, not independent measurements. IWC’s current US product page, accessed October 8, 2026, lists the dimensions, water resistance, movement details and strap width; the 2023 launch announcement and product page give the 80-hour reserve.
Rank #3
- From the Bulova Archive Series, The Lunar Pilot made space history on August 2, 1971--during the Apollo 15 mission, a moon pilot chronograph was worn on the moon.
- 6 Hand, Chronograph, High Performance Quartz
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel and Black Nylon Stra
- Sapphire Crystal
- 50M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Materials, dial and movement finishing
IWC specifies a polished platinum case and crown with a glossy black lacquered dial, white numerals and applied indices filled with Super-LumiNova. The black Cordovan strap has Bühler’s signature on its inside.
The automatic calibre 82905 uses IWC’s Pellaton winding system, reinforced with ceramic components. Through the sapphire case back, the plates, bridges and rotor are visible; IWC says they are blackened by PVD coating, laser-engraved, and rhodium-plated in the engraved areas.
Rank #4
- Exclusive Limited Edition Only 100 Pieces Worldwide: Each LONGIO Volcan Tourbillon is part of a strictly limited run of just 100 pieces worldwide, ensuring true rarity and exceptional collector's value
- A Tribute to Earth's Sublime Power: Inspired by the majestic force of volcanic eruptions, the Volcan blends elemental power with refined elegance for a distinctive luxury statement
- Central Tourbillon Engineering: Features a rare mechanical hand-wound central tourbillon rotating once every 60 seconds, with 16 precision screws on the cage to achieve balance
- High-Performance Hand-Wound Movement: Driven by a hand-wound mechanical movement beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), with 19 jewels and an impressive 48-hour power reserve, visible through a sapphire crystal case back
- Robust 42mm DLC Titanium Case: Engineered from lightweight titanium and finished with Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating for exceptional scratch resistance and a sophisticated black aesthetic, ensuring durability and elegance
What else does the official product page specify?
- A screwed-in crown and sapphire case back.
- An arched-edge sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides.
- A hacking tourbillon.
- Glass secured against displacement caused by a drop in air pressure.
Availability and pricing
IWC’s stated 51-piece production limit establishes the announced edition size, not how many watches remain for sale. The official information cited here does not establish a current retail price, stock status or secondary-market value. It also does not establish an Amazon listing or a specific retailer’s inventory. Buyers should confirm availability and price directly with an authorized seller or IWC.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
