SIHH 2019: Four New IWC Pilot’s Watches Take To The Skies
For 2019, IWC adds a handful of new models to the popular Pilot’s Watches collection. From a limited-edition Timezoner model and a bronze beauty to a gold tourbillon and a stealth Top Gun edition, there’s a little something for all types of pilot watch fans here. Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the view.
Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Spitfire Edition “The Longest Flight”
Dedicated to the upcoming expedition of a restored Spitfire’s flight around the world, IWC introduces the Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Spitfire Edition “The Longest Flight” ref. IW395501, limited to only 250 pieces. Combining the patented Timezoner mechanism—which allows the wearer to change the time zone by simply turning the bezel—with a new in-house automatic movement (Caliber 82760 with automatic Pellaton winding). There’s also the 24-hour display in the top half of the dial and a date at 3 o’clock.
Taking its design cues from the Spitfire’s cockpit, the Timezoner Spitfire sports a 46 mm stainless steel case, a black dial, and a green textile strap. Price: $12,400 (subject to change).
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire
Inspired by the legendary Royal Air Force Mark 11 navigation watch from 1948, the brand new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire ref. IW387902 brings plenty of good stuff to the table. There’s the reduced 41 mm case size (compared to the standard 43 mm size), the beautiful bronze construction, and the new generation in-house Caliber 69380 automatic chronograph movement.
Perfectly complementing the bronze case, which will develop its own unique patina over time, is the olive green dial and brown calf leather strap. Price: $6,250 (subject to change).
Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium
IWC has been making TOP GUN, (aka the US Navy’s Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program) dedicated watches since 2007. And this year’s release is the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium ref. IW371815.
Ceratanium is IWC’s proprietary alloy composed of, you guessed it, ceramic and titanium. This means that the jet-black (a first for the Pilot’s Watch collection) 44 mm case of the watch is lightweight, tough, anti-corrosive, and scratch-resistant. With its date and day display, split-seconds chronograph, and soft-iron shield against magnetic fields, the TOP GUN Ceratanium is ready to serve. Price: $15,000 (subject to change).
Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “Le Petit Prince”
Fans of IWC will be familiar with the brand’s special edition “Le Petit Prince” models that pay tribute to French author and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The newest to join the fleet is the Big Pilot’s Watch Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “Le Petit Prince” ref. IW590303. Not only is this is the first time IWC includes a constant force tourbillon (which essentially offsets the effects of gravity for optimal precision) in one of its pilot’s watches, it’s also the first time IWC uses hard gold—a red gold alloy that is 5 to 10 times harder than standard gold.
Limited to just 10 pieces, the gorgeous sunburst blue dial encased within the 46.2 mm case of the 2019 “Le Petit Prince” displays the tourbillon, the power reserve indicator, and the perpetual moon phase display complete with the little prince. Price: $235,000 (subject to change).
