Over the past century, IWC Schaffhausen has become known for supplying field watches to various branches of the British military. While their pilot’s watches for the British Royal Air Force are likely the most well-known, IWC has also supplied watches to the British Army and deck watches to the Royal Navy. Characterised by their high-precision movements, technical features, functional design, and ruggedness, these mil-spec watches served as the inspiration for the new IWC Spitfire Pilot’s Watches. Following on from the introduction of the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 in April, the two new Spitfire models aren’t the hulking 46.2mm Big Pilot’s the Swiss watch manufacturer is famed for, instead taking on the somewhat more wearable 43mm case dimensions.
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“After introducing the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 in April, we are now adding two Spitfire models to the collection – one in a matte grey titanium case with a black dial, the second one in a warmer style in bronze with a military green dial,” explained Christian Knoop, creative director of IWC Schaffhausen. “Both feature the distinctive Big Pilot’s design with the striking conical crown in an ergonomic 43-millimetre case. However, what sets these new Spitfire models apart is their military aesthetic with closed case backs, inspired by the rugged field watches from back when the iconic Spitfire graced the skies.”
The bronze Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Spitfire takes on a warm, vintage feel. The bronze utilised by IWC contains aluminium and iron as well as bronze, a composition that makes the alloy significantly harder than standard bronze. Over time, the bronze will develop a patina, further adding to its timeless appeal and providing it with a distinct character. A green dial features retro-style Arabic numeral hour markers which are coated with a luminescent material to allow for improved readability in dark conditions. A textured green leather strap complements the hard-wearing, nostalgic character of the watch.
The grey titanium timepiece takes on a more technical aesthetic, with the black dial featuring a Flieger observation dial designed with pilots and navigators in mind; white minute and second numerals are on the outer ring, while the hours are in grey on a smaller inner ring. The field watch is fitted with a brown leather strap with contrast stitching. Both Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Spitfire releases utilise the IWC in-house 82100 calibre movement and come with a power reserve of 60 hours.
Words by Theo Rosen
