As I have covered extensively since January, 2012 is the “Year of the Pilot’s Watch” for Schaffhausen-based IWC.  To this end the brand has introduced a paired set of watches — one for Dad, one for Son.  Why IWC did not do this before Father’s Day (US) I wonder, but in any case the set is announced now:  Father gets the Big Pilot’s Watch and son, the Pilot’s Watch Mark XVI.  Special engraving on the caseback further cements the sense of family and time (see example below).  This is a rather unique thingthat IWC does, but FP Journe has done something similar (Chronometre Bleu) and I think maybe Frederique Constant has done a Father/Son set as well in the past (85% certain on this).  All in all, a neat idea and a great way to share one’s love of watches with the next generation.  Now, what if you have more than one Son?  Well, I guess you should be ready to pony up and get another Mark XVI…or two…or three…

More IWC Year of the Pilot’s Watch>>> IWC Pilot’s Watch Saint Exupery 2012 (Ref 387805), IWC Big Pilot’s Watch “Muhammad Ali”, IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar “Top Gun” (Ref. 502902), IWC Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Miramar (Ref. 5019), IWC Pilot’s Watch Worldtimer (Ref. 3262)

IWC Pilot’s Watches for Father and Son (Paired Set)

Father:  IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Ref. IW500906

46mm steel case, automatic mechanical IWC caliber 51111, leather strap with folding clasp

Son:  IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVI Ref. IW325519

39mm steel case, automatic mechanical IWC caliber 30110, leather strap with pin buckle or folding clasp