IWC Pilot's Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Year of the Goat: First Chinese New Year Edition with a Gold Dial
Following its tradition of marking the Chinese New Year with a special watch, IWC Schaffhausen has presented the Pilot's Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Year of the Goat (Ref. IW388310). The edition is limited to 500 pieces. The Year of the Goat begins on 6 February 2027.
Gold instead of burgundy
IWC's previous Chinese New Year editions were known for their deep burgundy dials. This is the first one with a gold-coloured dial. Red and gold are the colours of Chinese New Year celebrations, and in Chinese culture gold stands for fortune, prosperity and prestige.
The gold dial is combined with black subdials and gold-plated hands. It is framed by a brushed titanium case with polished edges and a black ceramic bezel. The watch is worn on a black calfskin strap that can be changed without tools at the push of a button, thanks to IWC's EasX-CHANGE® system.
"The black ceramic bezel and the black subdials contrast with the gold-colored dial – a color lending this performance-oriented chronograph a soft and warm character that reflects the traits typically associated with this zodiac sign," says Christian Knoop, Creative Director at IWC Schaffhausen.
Why the goat brings good luck
In ancient Chinese, the character for goat, "yáng", was used interchangeably with the idea of auspiciousness, and many old inscriptions combine it into a symbol of "great good fortune". The goat character is also part of the Chinese characters for "beauty" and "kindness". People born in the Year of the Goat are traditionally seen as compassionate, caring, elegant and gentle.
Three goats on the rotor
The most original detail is hidden on the back. The gold-plated oscillating weight, visible through the sapphire case back, is shaped as a small herd of three goats. Three goats have been a symbol of bliss in China for thousands of years. The motif goes back to the "Book of Changes" (I Ching), where "yang", pronounced like the word for goat, stands for positive energy and the start of a new cycle, and it has appeared on objects since the Han dynasty. This is the first time IWC has used it in one of its watches.
There is one more hidden nod to the occasion: on the 8th day of every month, the date window at 3 o'clock shows the Chinese character for "goat" instead of the number 8.
In-house chronograph movement
The watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured calibre 69385, a mechanical chronograph movement with automatic winding and a 46-hour power reserve. The counters follow IWC's vertical subdial layout, with the elapsed minutes at 12 o'clock for easier reading, and the day and date are displayed at 3 o'clock.
Specifications at a glance
- Reference: IW388310, limited to 500 pieces
- Case: brushed titanium with polished edges, black ceramic bezel, sapphire case back
- Movement: IWC calibre 69385, automatic chronograph, 46-hour power reserve
- Dial: gold-coloured with black subdials, gold-plated hands, day and date at 3 o'clock
- Strap: black calfskin, EasX-CHANGE® system
IWC's announcement did not include a price. For availability, contact an IWC boutique or authorised retailer. More IWC pilot's watches: IWC Pilot's Watches catalogue.
Source: IWC Schaffhausen press release, 15 October 2026. More about the brand: IWC Schaffhausen.
