Strap Guide: IWC Pilot 36

Strap Guide written by @watch.link

Introduction

It is my firm belief that the IWC Pilot 36 is an underrated and slept-on "go anywhere, do anything" watch. With classic case proportions, a highly legible dial, and a date display, it is all you really need in a daily timepiece. And to top it all off, this sunburst blue dial is one of the best blues in the game.

Here are five of my favourite straps from Delugs to pair with my IWC Pilot 36:

Light Grey Chevre Slim

In my opinion, grey straps are the perfect match for any blue-dial watch. Initially, I wasn't sure I'd warm up to this Chevre leather, but now that I've seen it in person, I think it adds just the right amount of texture to complement the light grey. I've been reaching for this strap combo the most out of all five listed here.

Mocha Babele Slim

I had never seen or heard of Babele leather before Delugs, but it was this exact leather that drew me into the brand years ago. It has easily become one of my favourite types of leather. This chocolate-coloured strap will look good on almost any watch, and the Pilot 36 is no different.

Cream Epsom Slim

Cream straps, I feel, have a certain elegance and charm to them, which I suppose is why they're often the default for many women's watches. Without a doubt though, they look great with any watch: pilot, dress, you name it! Throwing this on the Pilot before a nice dinner really elevates it above your typical tool-watch vibe.

White Rubber CTS

With 60 meters of water resistance and a screw-down crown, the Pilot 36 is actually a perfect summer watch to splash around with on a rubber strap. The white pairs nicely with the striking blue dial, and the cut-to-size aspect of this strap means you'll always get the right fit -- the clasp itself also has two holes of micro-adjustment per side!

Natural Nubuck Slim

The most studious-looking of all the strap options here, the Natural Nubuck Slim gives a really clean look that would go with any outfit. Also, of all the leather textures, I prefer the soft feel of Nubuck, which takes effectively no time to break in.