Earlier this year, watchmakers from around the world gathered to showcase their latest and most innovative creations at the 29th Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (or SIHH as it’s more commonly known). And it was at this international platform that iconic Swiss manufacture IWC Schaffhausen launched their exciting, aviation-themed Spitfire line under the wider Pilot’s Watches collection.
Named after the eponymous WWII-era British fighter aircraft, the Spitfire range pays homage to this aircraft’s exceptional engineering and sleek design. “Just like the Spitfire, [this watch collection] perfectly combines form and function,” said Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen. “The design is inspired by the puristic instrument design of the iconic Mark 11 navigation watch. This watch demonstrates our engineering expertise, as we have integrated high-quality IWC-manufactured calibres into all Spitfire models.”
The Engineering
For the first time, IWC has integrated a chronograph movement from the calibre 69000 family into its pilot’s watches. Two high-quality automatic movements from the calibre 82000 family have also been introduced. In addition to in-house production, both movements have gotten the complication treatment: the first features IWC’s patented Timezoner mechanism (that improves the performance of the time-and-date movement); while the second is a UTC function allowing wearers to view a secondary time zone on the watch.
The Design
Moving away from the traditional design and silver dials of the earlier Spitfire models, this collection uses stainless steel and shades of bronze, olive, black and brown to create a striking more Heritage-inspired look. “The colour scheme of the watch design, with its stainless steel case, its black dial and its green textile strap, is reminiscent of the cockpit of a Spitfire,” explains Christian Knoop, IWC Creative Director.
The Collection
Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire
This piece is limited to 250 watches. The heavy-duty components of the Pellaton winding are made from wear-resistant ceramic. It also has a perpetual calendar that will work until 2100. Since all displays are perfectly synchronised, the watch can be easily adjusted via the crown.
Available in bronze, on olive green dial.
Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Spitfire Edition “The Longest Flight”
This piece combines the patented Timezoner mechanism with an IWC-manufactured automatic movement and is limited to 250 watches. The watch can be set to a different time zone by means of a simple rotational movement of the bezel.
Available in stainless steel, on black dial.
Pilot’s Watch UTC Spitfire Edition “MJ271”
This model is limited to 271 watches. IWC has integrated the UTC function into their in-house calibre. And so, if the dial crosses the International Date Line, the date display changes automatically.
Available in bronze, on olive green dial.
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire
IWC presents its first Pilot’s Chronograph with a movement from the 69000-calibre family. The pawl-winding system, which winds up on both sides, boasts a power reserve of 46 hours. An inner cage made from soft iron protects the movement against magnetic fields.
Available in bronze or stainless steel.
Pilot’s Watch Automatic Spitfire
The 32110 IWC-manufactured calibre makes its debut with this piece. The robust automatic movement features a pawl-winding system that winds up on both sides and boasts a power reserve of 72 hours.
Available in bronze or stainless steel.
To learn more about the new SIHH novelties releasing under the Pilot’s Watch collection, please visit IWC online.