Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026
IWC’s Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume Brings New Meaning to the Phrase “Let There Be Light”
This limited-edition from IWC Experimental (IWC XPL) is part of a mission to develop technologies, prototypes, and products for extreme environments, including space.
By Rhonda Riche
Editor-At-Large
Who couldn’t help but be enthralled by the Artemis II moon mission? Not only is it the first time anyone has traveled this far from Earth since Apollo 17 in 1972, but the astronauts’ awe-inspiring space snapshots also offer never-before-seen views of the Moon.
In a story published on CNN, NASA astronaut Christina Koch gave her take on the Artemis II crew’s first views of the lunar far side, which permanently faces away from Earth and has rarely been seen. “Something about you senses, ‘That is not the moon that I’m used to seeing,’” said Koch.
I thought of this quote when pondering IWC’s new Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume, which was just launched at Watches and Wonders in Geneva. The Big Pilot is a timepiece we’re all familiar with, but now made in a material that shows it in a whole new light.
Moonlight
Before we blast off into the Ceralume story, let’s get grounded in the history of this quantième perpétuel. The Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar features IWC’s classic perpetual calendar complication, developed by Kurt Klaus in the 1980s.
Generally speaking, the perpetual calendar is known for its ability to calculate the varying lengths of months, including automatically adding a leap day at the end of February every four years. However, the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar’s claim to fame is its display.
The date, weekday, month, and moon phase are shown across four sub-dials, while the four-digit year display is located between 7 and 8 o’clock. IWC’s signature Double Moon display depicts the Moon as seen from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Thanks to a precisely calculated reduction gear, which will only deviate by one day after 577.5 years.
The calendar module itself is powered by the IWC-manufactured 52616 calibre, which features a Pellaton winding system reinforced with components made of virtually wear-free ceramic. The movement also boasts an impressive 168-hour (7-day) power reserve.
The Big Pilot’s is one of IWC’s most recognizable watches, and the Perpetual Calendar is the linchpin of the collection. What more could the brand do to make it feel new?
The answer: Just add lume. And lots of it
The Glow Up
The use of advanced ceramics is another area of IWC’s expertise. Last year, IWC introduced a new proprietary luminous ceramic technology called Ceralume, which was presented in a one-off concept watch. This ceramic compound absorbs light energy from sunlight or artificial light and re-emits it as visible light.
Now, this groundbreaking material innovation has been combined with the Big Pilot’s Perpetual Calendar’s signature complications to create the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume. And from its 46.5mm white ceramic case to its white rubber strap, almost everything on this timepiece glows
To enhance the striking effect of the luminous ceramic case, the white dial and white rubber strap are also treated with Super-LumiNova pigments. These pigments function like a light storage battery, allowing the entire watch to emit light for more than 24 hours once charged.
But that’s not the only neat trick. The indices and numerals are printed in a different shade of white on the dial, while the grey hands are filled with luminous material. This makes the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume a watch with two entirely different expressions.
In daylight, it captivates with its varying shades of white and grey and the interplay of shiny and matte surfaces. In the dark, the case, dial, and strap throw off an intense bluey glow, while the numerals and hands appear as nothing but dark shadows against the fully luminous dial.
On the dark side (back) of the watch, there are additional luminous details to discover. The “Probus Scafusia” (IWC's motto since 1903) medallion has been integrated into the rotor, and it also glows in the dark.
Final Thoughts
Ceralume also represents IWC’s commitment to advancing its material know-how. The compound is the result of a multi-year development effort by IWC’s engineering division XPL, which brought you the SPRIN-g PROTECT shock absorber system. And now, supported by experts from RC Tritec – the Swiss tech company behind Super-LumiNova’s luminous pigments – it’s time to use technology to change up the look and function of the emblematic Big Pilot’s.
We’d wager that once you see this watch in the metal (or ceramic, in this case), you too will appreciate the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume, which is limited to 250 pieces and priced at $76,300, in a whole new light. For more information, check out the IWC website.