IWC JOURNAL: Patina Vibe! Pilot’s Watch Chrono 41 in Bronze

IWC launches the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 (Ref. IW388109) in bronze with blue dial and gold-plated hands. Learn more about the model in another episode of “an IWC introduces itself”.

They say wine gets better with age. You know what gets better with age, too? My case. Along with my pushers and my crown. Made of particularly skin-friendly bronze, they share the wonderful quality of developing a patina over time. If you are an individualistic type of person, there aren't many watches that are more suitable for you than me, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 (Ref. IW388109) in bronze.

Every connoisseur knows that patina adds character to a watch. Therefore, you could say that each and every model of me is truly unique. A one-of-a-kind that exists just once in the world. There are even people who get creative in shaping the patina process. I don’t want to get into details, but I will say this: Depending on the wearing and environmental conditions that I’m exposed to, I patina more or less rapidly. If you decide to wear and touch me often, then I can promise you a sooner patina than if you put me in a safe for weeks and weeks.

— Depending on external conditions, I patina more or less rapidly

The chronograph features a blue dial and gold-plated hands

I feature a blue dial and gold-plated hands

IW388109 is powered by the IWC-manufacture caliber 69385

I’m powered by the IWC-manufacture caliber 69385

That is, the speed of patina formation may be different but the final product will always be more or less the same. The patina of my bronze-aluminum-iron alloy – making it fifty percent harder than standard bronze – develops towards dark gray to almost black when it is very intense. The color depends a bit on the surface - basically the rougher the surface, the darker the patina will be. So polished surfaces, in the long run, will be slightly less dark than sandblasted ones. What a fascinating process, isn’t it?

As for my remaining features, I’m powered by the extremely robust and reliable IWC-manufactured 69385 caliber which allows me to stop time for up to 12 hours. I can also store up to 46 hours of power reserve thanks to my intricate bi-directional pawl winding system. But what complements my bronze case and components the most is the exquisite blue textile strap. If, however, you prefer a different strap color or material, no worries: my EasX-Change® system allows you to switch and swap straps and choose from a great selection of different-colored calfskin and rubber straps. In sum, there’s more than just one way to get creative and have fun with me.