Bradley Cooper wears an IWC Big Pilot IW500901 in the 2015 movie Aloha.
Bradley Cooper plays Brian Gilcrest, a military pilot contractor that needs to return to Hawaii to oversee the traditional blessing of a pedestrian gate. This gate is important to billionaire Carson Welch’s (Bill Murray) plans to construct a space centre nearby.
On arrival in Hawaii, Brian finds his ex-girlfriend Tracy (Rachel McAdams) married with two kids. One of which he later finds out is actually his daughter.
Emma Stone plays Captain Allison Ng, a young spritely “quarter Hawaiian” love interest that shares the same fascination with space and exploration as Brian did as a youngster. Brian would eventually turn his affections from Tracy to Allison.
Whilst generally considered a box-office flop (generating $26 million at a cost of $52 million), I really enjoyed seeing Bradley Cooper wear a watch he clearly admires, in a plot line that makes complete sense for him do do so (ie a pilot wearing a pilot watch).
Bradley Cooper’s IWC Big Pilot
Cooper wears the statement watch throughout the movie. There’s actually few scenes where he doesn’t wear it. This wasn’t some prop decision, this is most likely Cooper’s personal watch as he is a long-time fan of IWC.
He’s been spotted wearing the exact same watch multiple times, including to the tennis with Gerrard Butler and to the movie premier of the Guardians of the Galaxy (both below):
In 2018, IWC decided to cement their relationship with Cooper by making him an official brand ambassador saying:
“With his pursuit of quality and creativity, he is a perfect match for IWC”
IWC Big Pilot Pros and Cons
Pros
- At 46mm, this watch WILL make a statement
- Iconic design stays true to original 1930’s model
- Whopping 7 day power reserve
- Luminous hands super easy to read on large black dial
Cons
- Not very affordable (approx Check on Amazon)
- This is a BIG watch – will take some getting used to if you haven’t worn a 46mm watch before
- True pilot watch – emphasis on practicality of telling time, not wearing it day-to-day.
IWC Big Pilot Specs
- Case size: 46mm
- Case thickness: 16mm
- Movement: IWC in-house calibre 5111
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Case: Stainless steel with protection against magnetic fields
- Band material: Calf leather (Santoni)
- Band width: 20mm
- Water resistance: 60m / 200 feet
- Other features: Date display at 6 o’clock and day display at 3 o’clock
The IWC Big Pilot is an impressive watch that incorporates vintage 1930’s design into a practical, well designed iconic timepiece. If you like larger watches and have a good sized budget to spend, this is definitely worth adding to your shortlist.
Check out IWC Big Pilot Prices
Citizen Eco-Drive Avion – Cheaper Alternative to the IWC Big Pilot
Want to pull off a similar look to the IWC Big Pilot, but don’t have that sort of cash handy? Then, the Citizen Eco-Drive Avion is a great choice. Featuring a slightly smaller size of 45mm and also in stainless steel, this watch might be the sensible introduction to big watches you need before investing in something more expensive.
Citizen Eco-Drive Avion Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large 45mm size is still a big statement
- Much more affordable ($138.98)
- Vintage design inspired by 1950’s
- Solar powered – no need to change batteries. Ever.
Cons
- Dial readability is good, but is more crowded than the IWC Big Pilot
- Doesn’t have the same luxurious feel and finishing touches as the IWC Big Pilot (ie Santoni calf leather strap)
- Quartz movement, not automatic like the IWC
Citizen Eco-Drive Avion Specs
- Case size: 45mm
- Case thickness: 13.5mm
- Movement: Japanese Quartz with solar powered battery
- Crystal: Mineral
- Case: Stainless steel
- Band material: Calf leather
- Band width: 23mm
- Water resistance: 100m / 330 feet
- Other features: Chronograph with 1/5th second and 12/24 hour time. Date display between 4 & 5 o’clock.
Check out Citizen Eco-Drive Avion Prices
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