The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL, reference IW357701, pairs a flying minute tourbillon with IWC’s SPRIN-g PROTECT system. The engineering challenge is protecting a delicate, high-complication movement from impact; IWC says its redesigned spring suspension helped tourbillon movements withstand shocks exceeding 10,000 g in the manufacturer’s tests. That figure is an IWC test claim, not an independently verified rating.
What is the IWC IW357701?
It is a 44 mm Big Pilot’s Watch with a skeletonized automatic movement, a flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock and IWC’s SPRIN-g PROTECT shock-absorber system. IWC presented the model at Watches and Wonders Geneva on 1 April 2025, describing it as the first use of that system to protect a tourbillon. IWC’s launch announcement explains the design; the official EU product page lists the watch’s specifications.
How does SPRIN-g PROTECT work with a tourbillon?
IWC describes a cantilever spring that suspends the movement within the case. For the IW357701, the company says it made the spring from bulk metallic glass (BMG) and recalculated and reshaped its eight arms to suit the dimensions and weight of caliber 82915. IWC attributes BMG’s properties to its amorphous structure, created by rapid cooling during manufacture.
The tourbillon is a particularly demanding component to protect, according to IWC. The company says the flying minute tourbillon comprises 56 parts and weighs 0.663 grams. The plates, bridges and rotor are skeletonized to reduce movement mass, which IWC says helps the shock-protection system, while also making the mechanism and suspension spring visible.
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- Set Includes: Watch, box, instruction manual (English language not guaranteed)
- Reinforced water resistance for everyday use: 10 bar
- Made in Japan
What does the 10,000 g figure mean?
IWC reports that protected tourbillon movements survived shocks in excess of 10,000 g during its tests. The launch release provides no independent test report, test protocol or third-party verification, so the figure should be understood as the manufacturer’s claim rather than an independently established impact rating for a consumer’s watch. The same release cites 300–1,000 g for impacts to a case and up to 1,000 g of acceleration inside a movement as context; those figures are also IWC’s, not measurements independently established for this model.
IWC IW357701 specifications
| Specification | Listed detail |
|---|---|
| Reference | IW357701 |
| Case and crown | Ceratanium |
| Case diameter | 44 mm |
| Case height | 13 mm |
| Water resistance | 10 bar |
| Crystal and caseback | Convex sapphire glass with antireflective coating on both sides; synthetic sapphire caseback |
| Crown | Screw-in |
| Movement | Automatic IWC caliber 82915; 205 components and 25 jewels on the EU product page |
| Power reserve | 80 hours |
| Frequency | 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) |
| Dial | Black, skeletonized |
| Strap | Black rubber with black calfskin inlay; 22 mm width |
| Edition | Limited to 100 pieces on IWC’s Swiss regional listing; this does not establish stock or availability in other markets |
Component count varies by regional listing: IWC’s Swiss page lists 204 components, while its EU page lists 205. The EU figure above is specific to that product page, rather than a reconciled global specification. IWC’s product page also lists a hacking tourbillon mechanism and says the glass is secured against displacement by a drop in air pressure.
Rank #2
- Men's luxury timepieces with technical advancements and a sporty style
- 3 Hand, Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel with Luminous Hands, Mineral Crystal
- Featuring our Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, any light. Never needs a battery.
- 100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Edition and availability
IWC’s Swiss regional listing describes the IW357701 as limited to 100 pieces and marks availability as limited. That regional listing is not proof of current inventory worldwide. Buyers should check with IWC or a local boutique for availability in their market; IWC’s product pages offer enquiry and appointment options.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Dual Time (Second Time Zone), Date
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Luminous Hands and Markers, Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal
- Sustainably powered by any light, with our Eco-Drive technology this watch never needs a battery. 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty.
Rank #3
- Fit for IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Edition “Le Petit Prince” (Ref. IW500908)
- Also fit most watches with 22mm standard watch lug.
- Width: 22mm (22/18) | Total Length: 190mm (135/55) | Thickness: 4.5mm-2mm
- Made of genuine leather, embossed alligator grain. With hypo-allergenic silver plated stainless steel buckle.
- Free set of matching spring bars included.
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.
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