Actor Glen Powell spotted wearing a IWC

In the 2022 Korean War aviation drama Devotion, Glen Powell — playing U.S. Navy aviator Tom Hudner — is spotted wearing a vintage IWC Special Watch for Pilots, a historically grounded choice that perfectly complements the film's rigorous dedication to period authenticity. The watch appears on Powell's wrist against a backdrop of WWII-era aircraft and military gear, making it one of the more contextually accurate watch placements seen in a major Hollywood production in recent years.

The IWC Special Watch for Pilots, known in collector circles as the 'Fliegeruhr,' was developed in close cooperation with the Swiss Federal Aircraft Factory (F+W) in the late 1930s and formalized through the 1940s. The reference visible on Powell features the hallmark large-format black dial with high-contrast white Arabic numerals at every hour position, a prominent subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock, and a simple fixed bezel on a round stainless steel case. The dial clearly bears the 'International Watch Co. Schaffhausen' signature, consistent with civilian and export versions of this pilot's specification. The movement in these vintage references is typically a manually wound caliber based on IWC's robust ebauche of the era, regulated to strict aviation standards.

From a collector standpoint, original vintage IWC pilot's watches from the 1930s–1950s are among the most sought-after pieces in the military watch category. Genuine examples in good condition command serious premiums at auction, with provenance and dial condition being the primary value drivers. The design language of these watches directly inspired IWC's modern Pilot's Watch line, making them the spiritual and literal ancestors of references like the Mark XVIII and Big Pilot.

Glen Powell has demonstrated a genuine appreciation for period-correct accessories throughout Devotion's production. Pairing this IWC with an authentic flight suit and survival vest, the actor commits fully to the visual language of early 1950s naval aviation. Whether a genuine vintage example or a high-quality prop, the choice signals sophisticated production design.

Authentic vintage IWC Special Watch for Pilots references in collector-grade condition typically trade between $8,000 and $25,000 on the grey market depending on dial condition, case integrity, and documented provenance — a modest sum for a piece this historically significant.