Overview
- IWC introduced the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive at Watches and Wonders in Geneva, priced at $28,200, with confirmation it is certified for use on Vast’s planned Haven-1 station.
- The watch drops the crown for a patent-pending bezel control called the Vertical Drive that a side switch toggles for gloved use.
- Timekeeping tools include a 24-hour scale for Coordinated Universal Time, an integrated second time zone, and a new automatic caliber 32722 movement with a 120-hour power reserve.
- Vast tested the piece in Long Beach for 10g vibrations, pressure changes, and material compatibility, then cleared it for flight under senior mission manager Kelton Temby.
- The build uses white zirconium oxide ceramic, IWC’s Ceratanium for the bezel and back, and a fluorinated rubber strap to handle vacuum, radiation, and extreme heat and cold, reflecting lessons from Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn about tracking UTC and mission time.