Maybe it’s just me, but when I think of IWC, I think of one thing: big, bold pilot’s watches. This may be because of IWC marketing or because of some algorithmic bias or because I happen to know a few collectors who own those. But that’s an inaccurate assumption, because once you go beyond the billboards and the boutique lineup, and you look at all that’s available on the secondary market, you begin to see the true range of this brand. Sure, there are two pilot’s watches on this list, but there’s also a diver, a Gérald Genta creation, and what could be considered IWC’s own grand complication. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 5 revenue-leading IWC watches on Chrono24.
IWC Pilot Chronograph IW389101
This is perhaps the best example of a sports watch that’s packed with information but legible at the same time. This Top Gun watch balances a three-register chronograph with day and date complications and makes it look easy. The key here is what graphic designers would call “visual hierarchy,” meaning your eye is drawn to the most important information first (hours and minutes) before parsing through the supplementary details. It uses high contrast to its advantage, and it looks absolutely killer in black ceramic.
IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar IW503605
For an even bigger, even bolder, even more complicated version of the last watch, look no further than the IWC Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar. With a diameter of more than 46mm, it’s certainly not a small pilot, and it fits quite a bit into the space. You of course have a commanding perpetual calendar across four registers, and because it’s IWC, you also have a year indication near 7 o’clock. Top it off with an oversized crown, and you’ve got a watch that makes a statement and can back it up.
IWC Ingenieur Automatic IW328903
IWC’s newest star in the lineup is, as you know, quite the recurring character. Originally designed as an anti-magnetic watch for scientists and engineers, the appropriately named Ingenieur was later revamped by star designer Gérald Genta into the integrated bracelet format we know today. In 2024, IWC relaunched this model with particular fanfare for the teal dial version seen here. After investing even deeper into this model with their 2025 novelties, it’s safe to say that this model will continue to be a tentpole for the brand.
IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar IW3750
This is not a watch for everyone, but those that like it, love it. The IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar ref. IW3750 was a groundbreaking release when it debuted in 1985. It was the first perpetual calendar with a movement controlled entirely by the crown. All other QPs back then (and even now) require special tools to activate minuscule pushers tucked into the side of the case. This design, spearheaded by Kurt Klaus, instantly became the most user-friendly perpetual calendar on the market. IWC even added a chronograph on top because why not? The suspended case design can be a divisive feature, but the inner workings of the watch are universally respected.
IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Charles Darwin IW379503
When we said IWC had range, this watch is what we were talking about. Not only is it a diver, but it’s a bronze diver with a chronograph and an internal rotating bezel on a rubber strap. At 45mm, it’s a hefty and formidable piece with added weight from the bronze case. The choice of bronze also means the look of the watch will evolve (Darwin pun) over time as it gains patina from exposure to the elements. You can, however, always wipe away that patina to restore the bronze to its original luster. Consider it a watch and a science project all in one.
