![]() The movement was designed and produced in-house with the help of Richemont’s Group sister company ValFleurier. The movement is used in the IWC Ingenieur and in the IWC Portugieser. The manufacture calibre is part of the 96000 family, introduced in 2016. However, the watch is powered by another interesting engine – the Calibre IWC 69380. The Spitfire aeroplanes were powered by Rolls Royce engines. Not Rolls Royce powered, but independent and refined Other than the one based on personal preferences. Hard to decide… The design is pleasant enough not to impose a serious debate. While a part of me wishes and says that a negative printing (white paint on a black background) will be more appropriate, the other part finds the dial better balanced on this way. Now, regarding the black on the white print of the day/date: I am a bit split in two. On the right side of the dial are visible, under two apertures, the day and the date complications. The day and date are also available on the IWC Spitfire. The indexes and registers are, as the time display and chrono’s seconds’ register, in plain white. Unfortunately, the chronographic function suffers in low light from the lack of luminescent paint. The subdials are recessed and decorated with a circular pattern. The chronograph uses central seconds, 12 o’clock 30-minutes counter and a 12-hours counter placed at 9 o’clock. This helps for rapid recognition of the position of the time instrument and its hands. The triangle with two dots is inspired by the cockpit instrumentation. The black background offers a strong contrast. 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock are enhanced with additional indexes, painted with an aged looking Superluminova. The Roman hour numerals are printed with white ink. The low light capabilities are well exemplified in the video above. The time is displayed with the help of skeletonised rhodium-plated hands, filled with powerful luminescent. Presented with a vintage aura, the watch has a series of elements that betrays the modern origin. IW387901 is designed as a proper pilot’s instrument. IW387901 How to look good there, up in the air, down on the ground ![]() the dial of the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire Ref. The IWC in-house calibre offers a nice haptic feedback. As mentioned in the previous articles, I take into account, on my watch preferences, also on the feel of the crown and pushers, not only on the appearance. The crown is decorated with the brand’s embossed logo. The push-buttons have a cylindrical form and a mirror polish. The Spitfire chronograph is built to inspire simplicity and robustness. The Spitfire has straight-forward pushers and a solid crown. The brushing is smooth and offers a solid protection against superficial scratches. A nice touch is given by the subtle polished chamfering of the lugs. The lines are kept simple, probably to inspire the vintage feeling. The case is relatively simple constructed: brushed surfaces, curved lugs and an interesting bezel. Big enough to make the dial to look good, small enough to fit a relative smaller wrist size (as mine, where 41mm is a perfect size). The reviewed piece comes is a nice 41 mm diameter steel case. The overall look is proportional with a touch of vintage elements Perfect sized and sturdy The Spitfire Chronograph comes in an ideal size. The collection paid a tribute to the legendary Spitfire, the British Royal Air Force aeroplanes. The IWC Schaffhausen introduced the Spitfire Collection in 2003. The highlights included anti-magnetic properties, resistance to temperature’s fluctuations and robustness. The watches were destined for the civil aviation. The IWC started to produce its first pilot watches in the mid-1930s. But let’s go deeper after the wrist shot video. The IW387901 is a balanced piece: good size, nice dial with some classical pilot’s watches elements and a manufacture calibre. I love the pilot’s watches and the chronographs and this mixture with vintage elements is a winning deal. My first impressions about this chrono were positive. The one with the Spitfire in the IWC’s booth… I have mentioned something in the third part of my SIHH 2019 report. I got the chance to meet the reference IW387901 in person during the SIHH 2019 show. IW387901 IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire Enjoy! IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire Ref. Today, I will focus on the steel version. The only differences between those two reference numbers being the case material and dial colour. The bronze version made the headlines a few days ago with a new campaign movie. One of the collections, the Spitfire, contains two interesting pieces in steel and bronze – the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire Ref. IWC introduced at SIHH 2019 several pilot’s watches. The dial of the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire Ref.
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