IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL: A Quiet Innovation

This watch builds on IWC’s XPL – Experimental Engineering – platform, an internal program dedicated to testing the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking in real-world conditions. The Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL fits that mission by combining one of horology’s most intricate complications, the tourbillon, with a purpose-built shock absorption system that helps protect it from extreme forces.

At the core of this protective approach is a patented design that uses a cantilever spring made from bulk metallic glass. Unlike traditional metal alloys, BMG has an amorphous structure that gives it enhanced flexibility and strength. In practice, this means the spring can cushion the movement inside the case from impact forces over 10,000 g, a figure far beyond what most mechanical watches are designed to endure.

The movement in question is the in-house calibre 82915. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, features IWC’s Pellaton winding system, a bidirectional winding design, and includes ceramic components for added wear resistance. The movement also offers an 80-hour power reserve, and thanks to the skeletonization, it allows the wearer to appreciate the depth and structure of the watch’s internal architecture.

The ‘Ceratanium’ case measures 44 mm and combines the lightweight feel of titanium with the hardness and scratch resistance of ceramic. The finish is matte black and paired with a black rubber strap, giving the watch a contemporary look that’s more utilitarian than decorative.

Visually, the watch stays true to the stripped-back, technical aesthetic expected from IWC’s experimental line. The openworked dial is intentionally minimal. A black ring marks the minutes, and the signature triangle sits at 12 o’clock. The skeletonized hands are lumed to maintain nighttime visibility without blocking the movement.

Only 100 pieces of the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL will be produced. While its design and movement are undeniably complex, the message behind it is simple: high-performance watchmaking doesn’t always need to be loud.