A GOLDEN WELCOME: THE IWC PILOT’S WATCH PERFORMANCE CHRONOGRAPH 41 YEAR OF THE GOAT

In keeping with a revered tradition, IWC Schaffhausen welcomes the Chinese New Year with a special-edition timepiece, and this year’s release brings a first for the series: a gold coloured dial.

The Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Year of the Goat (Ref. IW388310) combines a titanium case and a black ceramic bezel with that gold-coloured dial, lending the performance-oriented chronograph its warmest expression to date. It is limited to just 500 pieces.

At New Cavendish Jewellers, we are pleased to introduce this new release from IWC. Here is everything you need to know!

THE YEAR OF THE GOAT

The 6th of February 2027 marks the beginning of the Year of the Goat, a sign in the Chinese zodiac with profound significance. In ancient Chinese, the character for goat, “yáng”, was interchangeable with auspiciousness. Many inscriptions on artefacts feature a combination based on this character that symbolises “great good fortune”.

That connotation has evolved into the modern-day view of the goat as emblematic of beauty and kindness. It is a view reflected in the Chinese characters themselves, where the character for goat is found within the characters signifying both “beauty” and “kindness”. These qualities also describe people born under this zodiac sign, who are considered compassionate and caring, as well as elegant and gentle.

A DIAL IN THE AUSPICIOUS COLOUR OF GOLD

Red and gold are omnipresent during Chinese New Year celebrations. While IWC’s previous special editions have been distinguished by rich burgundy dials, this new one is the first to feature a gold-coloured dial.

In Chinese culture, gold is associated with fortune, prosperity and prestige, so every glance at the dial serves as a reminder of the positive wishes exchanged at the beginning of the new year. 

Contrasting black subdials and gold-plated hands sit against the gold-coloured dial, framed by an understated brushed titanium case with polished edges and a black ceramic bezel. The black calfskin strap completes the look, and thanks to the integrated EasX-CHANGE® system it can be exchanged at the touch of a button, without the need for tools.

“Our new Chinese New Year edition is rich in symbolism and meaning, from the colour of the dial to the rotor on the case back,” says Christian Knoop, Creative Director of IWC Schaffhausen. He adds that the black ceramic bezel and black subdials contrast with the gold, giving the chronograph a soft and warm character that reflects the traits typically associated with this zodiac sign.

THREE GOATS AS SYMBOLS OF BLISS

The highlight of this watch is hidden from view when it is worn on the wrist. The gold-plated oscillating weight, visible through the sapphire glass case back, depicts a small herd of three goats.

For thousands of years, three goats have served as a symbol of bliss in China. The tradition can be traced back to the “Book of Changes” (“I Ching”), in which “yang”, pronounced the same way as the word for goat, represents the counterpart to “yin” and symbolises positive energy and the beginning of a new cycle. The three-goat motif has remained a popular theme throughout Chinese history, appearing on cultural artefacts as well as everyday objects dating back to the Han dynasty.

This edition’s oscillating weight reinterprets that enduring motif, integrating it into an IWC Schaffhausen watch design for the first time.

A SUBTLE NOD ON THE 8TH OF EVERY MONTH

Another detail celebrates the occasion. The day and date indication sits at 3 o’clock, and on the 8th day of each month, the Chinese character for “goat” appears in the aperture instead of the eight numeral.

ROBUSTNESS, RELIABILITY AND PRECISION

The Year of the Goat edition is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre, a mechanical chronograph movement engineered with an unwavering focus on robustness, reliability and precision. The automatic winding system provides a power reserve of 46 hours.

The chronograph counters follow IWC’s characteristic vertical subdial layout, with the elapsed minutes displayed at 12 o’clock for enhanced readability.

Other practical features include small hacking seconds, a screw-in crown, a convex sapphire glass with antireflective coating on both sides, and a glass secured against displacement caused by drops in air pressure. Water resistance is 10 bar.

IN-DEPTH SPECIFICATIONS

A WORD ON IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN

IWC Schaffhausen describes itself as the Engineer of Watchmaking. In 1868, the American watchmaker and engineer Florentine Ariosto Jones established the International Watch Company in Schaffhausen, in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, laying the foundation for the brand’s engineering approach to watchmaking.

IWC is also a pioneer in the use of titanium and ceramic, two materials that take centre stage in this limited edition.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN MARYLEBONE

With only 500 pieces being made, interest in a limited edition like this is likely to be considerable. Our expert team at New Cavendish Jewellers is on hand to answer your questions about the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Year of the Goat and to register your interest.

As an official retailer, you may visit our independent boutique at 2 Marylebone High Street, or contact us to arrange a private appointment.