IWC Schaffhausen Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive

IWC Schaffhausen unveils the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive at Watches and Wonders in Geneva. This next-generation tool watch has been specifically designed and engineered from the ground up for the unique demands of human spaceflight and timekeeping in space. Inspired by astronauts wearing space suits with gloves, all functions of the watch can be controlled through an innovative, patent-pending rotating bezel system, eliminating the need for a crown. A rocker switch located on the side of the case enables the wearer to change between various functions, including winding the movement and setting the home or mission times. The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive is crafted using lightweight white zirconium oxide ceramic and Ceratanium®, ensuring high durability and resistance to temperature fluctuations. This tool watch underwent rigorous testing by IWC’s brand partner, Vast, the company developing next-generation space stations. It received spaceflight qualification from Vast for flight on Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station.