Introduced in 2002, the Reference 5002 marked the triumphant rebirth of the “Big Pilot” lineage, a modern ode to IWC’s legendary Beobachtungsuhr of the 1940s. At 46 millimeters, its commanding presence remains faithful to the utilitarian spirit of aviation instruments, while its in-house calibre 5011 brought a new level of technical refinement with a seven-day power reserve and the brand’s signature Pellaton winding system.

With its stark black dial, bold Arabic numerals, and the now iconic “fish” crown emblem, the Reference 5002 quickly achieved cult status among collectors, symbolizing the purest expression of IWC’s engineering ethos, a blend of precision, resilience, and restrained elegance. Early examples such as the present piece, with their distinctive typography and slightly domed crystal, are especially coveted as the earliest and most authentic iteration of the modern Big Pilot, a contemporary classic that bridges the heroic past of flight with the mechanical artistry of the new millennium.