IWC Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive
The IWC Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive is a new 24-hour GMT watch designed for use in space, coinciding with IWC's role as official timekeeper for the upcoming commercial space station Haven-1. Its most notable feature is a rotating bezel that replaces the crown for winding and setting functions, intended for operation with thick gloves, though its practical necessity in space is questioned.
- 44.3mm white zirconium oxide ceramic case with Ceratanium bezel and caseback
- 120-hour power reserve
- Price: £22,600
The watch is designed to be worn over a spacesuit, explaining its large 44.3mm case and the abrupt taper of the white rubber strap.
The 'Vertical Drive' bezel replaces the setting crown, allowing for winding and time setting via a rocker switch on the case, designed for operation with gloves.
The bezel operation is described as satisfying, with a solid mechanical feel and smooth turning, offering enough resistance to protect the movement.
The watch functions as a 24-hour watch with two hands for reference time and a second time zone, alongside normal minute and second hands and a date window at three o'clock.
A bright blue ring around the dial and a matching blue seconds hand add aesthetic contrast to the otherwise black and white dial.
The absence of a chronograph function, common in historical space watches, is noted as conspicuous, suggesting a reliance on more precise modern tools for timing.
The 120-hour power reserve is particularly important for space travel as a rotor would not function in zero gravity, with the bezel-winding system providing a manual backup.
The watch features a solid caseback, expected due to its design to withstand depressurisation, reinforcing its tool-watch intent.
