IWC: Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Spitfire

Over the years, IWC Schaffhausen has manufactured numerous field watches for different branches of the British military. Arguably, the most famous one is the Mark 11, a navigation watch engineered in 1948 for the British Royal Air Force. However, IWC has also supplied watches to the British Army and deck watches to the Royal Navy. These mil-spec service watches were characterised by high-precision movements, extreme ruggedness, functional designs with easily legible dials, and purpose-built technical features such as soft-iron inner cases to provide protection against magnetic fields. The Spitfire Pilot’s Watches reflect this chapter in the brand’s history. Featuring a distinctive military design, they take their name from the iconic British aeroplane of the time, one of the most sophisticated developments in the history of aviation. 

“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. 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,” explains Christian Knoop, Creative Director of IWC Schaffhausen.

The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Spitfire features a case, case back and crown made from lightweight and robust grade 5 titanium. The dark grey matte colour results from an elaborate surface treatment in which the components are first polished and then sandblasted. The design of the black dial was inspired by historical observation watches. Only the minutes and seconds are printed in white on the outer ring, while the hours appear smaller and in a more discreet grey print on the inner ring. Traditionally, this layout made it easier for pilots and navigators to read the minutes and seconds at just a glance. They needed this information to perform tasks like celestial navigation during visual flights. The distinctive field watch design is complemented with a brown calfskin leather strap with contrast stitching. (Price €. 9.650)

The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Spitfire features a bronze case and crown as well as a titanium case back. Alongside copper, the bronze used by IWC also contains aluminium and iron. This specific composition makes the alloy around 50 per cent harder than standard bronze. Additional characteristics include the material’s exceptional biocompatibility and its ability to develop a unique patina over time, which will give each timepiece a distinct character and look of its own. The warm colour of the bronze harmonises with the military green dial and the gold-plated hands. Both the hands and hour markers have been coated with a luminescent material to facilitate readability at night. The timepiece is fitted with a green buffalo leather strap with a unique texture. (Price €. 10.100)

The two new Spitfire models feature IWC’s EasX- CHANGE system which allows the wearer to quickly and easily change the strap at the touch of a button without any additional tools. Several alternative strap options made from calfskin and rubber are also available as accessories. 

At work inside the case is the IWC-manufactured 82100 automatic calibre movement. It features the efficient winding system developed by IWC’s former technical director Albert Pellaton during the 1950s, which uses the slightest movements of the rotor in either direction to wind the mainspring. Other components, like the automatic wheel or the pawls, are made of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. When fully wound, the mainspring holds a power reserve of 60 hours. 

Both versions of the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Spitfire are available through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners or online at IWC.com. They are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefiting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.