Borna Bosnjak
As the popularity of rubber straps becomes ever more apparent, and to aid in providing the best personal touch to their wearer's watches, IWC is introducing a slew of options for the members of their Pilot's range. Over the last 18 months the brand has updated the water resistance of their core Pilots range to 10 bar, and while most pieces within the Pilot's range are available on a swimming-ready, stainless-steel bracelet, the traditional and iconic calf skin leather straps aren't recommended to feature highly at your next pool party. The new range of EasX-CHANGE rubber straps allows for that easy transition from land to water.Not only do these straps benefit from the durability, comfort and water resistance of rubber, they also retain some familiar aspects of more traditional Pilot's watch straps. The obvious ones are the two metal rivets found on the 21mm models made to fit the 43mm Big Pilot. For the 43mm Pilot's chronograph, the 21mm straps feature no rivets, but have the signature sharp taper that many leather pilot's watch straps do. The 20mm options for the 41mm chronograph and Mk XX follow that design language.Their main claim to fame, however, is the ease of use and installation, thanks to IWC's EasX-CHANGE system. Its tool-less nature allows the wearer to swap out the strap at the push of a button, as the spring bars remain fixed in position. Where it gets even more convenient is the clasp, as it features another tool-less spring bar, allowing you to easily switch the clasp over as well. The IWC EasX-CHANGE system can easily be activated by placing your thumb on the button on the back of the strap. The pin buckle or deployant clasp from your leather pilot’s straps can also be removed and attached without tools by engaging the spring bar on the side of the buckle. After removing the pin, the buckle can be removed and reattached to the new strap.The myriad of colour options available makes the whole Pilot's collection sportier, too. In the 20mm size, you can pick from brown, forest green, navy blue, orange, ice blue, yellow and dark red. All these options are available in the riveted 21mm size, too, with the addition of black as well. Our favourite combinations were the orange strap on the 41mm Pilot's Chrono with blue dial as well as the red alongside the Big Pilot's Watch TOP GUN 43mm, matching the red Top Gun logo on the dial.To check out this new collection of rubber straps which are just in time for the Australian summer, featuring the IWC EasX-CHANGE system, head to your nearest boutique.
27.01.23