About This Watch:

The IWC Big Pilot Tribute to Japan Ref IW500418 is a unique timepiece, originally issued exclusively to IWC Boutiques in Japan. With only 100 numbered pieces produced, the Tribute to Japan rarely comes available on the pre-owned market. An exceptional timepiece built by a leader in luxury watchmaking, the Tribute to Japan is sure to be on any collector's short list of must-have timepieces.

The History: Founded in 1868 by an American watchmaking pioneer, Florentine Ariosto Jones, the International Watch Company launched in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Nestled on the banks of the Rhine River, IWC’s factory began it’s pursuit of manufacturing watches of the highest quality, utilizing modern technology, as well as some of Switzerland’s most talented watchmakers.

The Watch: The IWC Big Pilot Tribute to Japan IW5004-18 features a 46mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal and a solid case back. The case back features the Tribute To Japan 2009 marking in relief, along with an engraved aerial view of Japan and the number of this timepiece (48/100). The ivory-colored dial features applied Arabic numerals in black, with applied lumed hour markers, lumed hands, a power reserve indicator at the 3 o’clock position, a date window at the 6 o’clock position and a small seconds dial at the 9 o’clock position. The IW5004-18 has a 7-day power reserve and a water resistance rating of 60 meters.

The Details: This IWC Big Pilot Tribute to Japan Ref IW500418 is number 48 of 100 pieces produced. Originally purchased in 2009, there is some wear present that is consistent with a timepiece of this age and is visible in the photographs. Included with this timepiece are the original outer and inner boxes, the IWC International Warranty booklet and warranty card, the operating manual, and an IWC polishing cloth. This timepiece is on the original IWC brown alligator leather strap with stainless steel IWC deployant buckle.