SIHH 2019 brought a wide collection of modern, gorgeous and out-of-this-world watch design. IWC’s Big Pilot series was also reinvented and IWC launched two 3-hand pilot’s watches under the Spitfire sub-range: Steel and Bronze.
In the beginning, it was rumored that the new designs will just be re-iterations of Mark XVIII. However, when the watches were released, the upgrades and improvements made it clear that these watches have their own category and can easily co-exist as separate models along with Mark XVIII.
Design
The general design for Spitfire Bronze watch is inspired by the original and legendary IWC Mark XI (a blueprint for IWC pilot’s watches). The new Pilot’s Watch Automatic Spitfire models take after IWC Mark XI and are significantly smaller than the modern Mark XVIII.
Case
IWC Spitfire Bronze watch comes with a Bronze case with a diameter of 39.0 mm. It offers a height of 10.6 mm which makes it sleeker than its predecessors. It comes with a screw in crown, and the stainless-steel model features an olive-green dial and brown calf leather strap.
The caseback is created from titanium, and a Spitfire silhouette is engraved in the center. Moreover, the model has large Arabic numerals marking the hours with a date window at 3 o’clock.
The Dial
The new Bronze Watch sports gold-plated hands on its olive-green dial. The hands are shaped like the signature Spitfire series propeller shape. The hands are covered with ample luminescence for better readability in the dark.
The dial is covered with a stunning domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. This makes the watch suitable for shiny and sunny areas. Moreover, the watch is water resistant up to a depth of 60 meters beneath the surface. The domed crystal glass is designed to withstand massive drops in air pressure.
Movement
IWC has opted to opt for an in-house movement for their brand-new Spitfire Bronze Watch. The watch uses the latest from the house of IWC: latest 32110 automatic calibre. This is a powerful movement which sports 21 jewels, and beats at 28,800vph (4Hz).
It also offers a hefty 72-hour power reserve which is way ahead of any other movement in the market. Even Rolex’s in-house movement offer a maximum power reserve of up to 70 hours only. The movement is automatic and has self-winding functionalities which is quite efficient.
Other Bells and Whistles
The new Spitfire Bronze Watch comes pre-equipped with a soft-iron inner cage to protect the movement from magnetic interference. IWC first introduced this mechanism for pilots so that their watches kept accurate time even inside a magnetic cockpit.
The Strap
The watch comes with a Brown calfskin strap which has a width 20 mm. However, if you want to enhance the overall look of your Spitfire, you can always head over to DaLuca Straps and buy yourself a gorgeous watch strap.
Price
The watch will be available for USD $4900 for now. It may seem like a lot, but given the functionality and the overall design of the watch; the price is worth it.
What Do We Have to Say?
IWC has always preferred innovation over redundancy. Even the iterations offer massive upgrades and unique features to the users. SSIH 2019 brought us the gorgeous Spitfire Bronze watch. It brings all the unique features of the Big Pilot series to a civilian’s wrist.
If you have already bought your Spitfire, you can pair with powerful and superior quality watch straps from DaLuca Straps. Whether you want a military leather watch strap or an old-fashioned vintage French ammo watch strap; we have everything to offer you. Moreover, we also offer high-quality leather care equipment for watch lovers’ community. Find your next favorite watch strap today.