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The legendary British Spitfire plane was the inspiration for IWC’s Spitfire Watch line which the Swiss watchmaker began producing in 2003. Spitfire Chronograph Watch is created for the ultimate performance just like its namesake.
In 2012, the year of the Pilot’s Watches, IWC completely reworked this range of watches. The new Spitfire Chronograph got a new dial details and it comes with an increased case diameter which is now 43 mm instead of the previous 42 mm. The watch with an unmistakably masculine appeal is crafted either from high-quality stainless steel or 18-karat red gold. The striking round case is 15.5 mm thick. On the right side of the case, there is a screw-in crown, as well as two rugged-looking chronograph push buttons. The case incorporates a fixed bezel crafted from matching material (steel or gold).
IWC Pilot's Spitfire Chronograph Watch IW387802
For the first time, the Spitfire Chronograph is equipped with the in-house manufactured Caliber 89365 mechanical chronograph movement. High precision and long-term reliability are guaranteed. The new IWC-manufactured mechanism has a flyback function that enables an ongoing time measurement to be “deleted” without an intermediate stop whilst a new one is started.
Further, the Spitfire Chrono is equipped with a soft-iron inner case for the protection against magnetic fields (up to 80,000 amperes per meter) which can be found near the electronic instruments.
IWC Pilot's Spitfire Chronograph Watch IW387802 Caseback
The case of Spitfire Chronograph timepiece is coated on both sides with scratch-resistant sapphire glasses with antireflective coatings that protect the watch from everyday wear and tear. The watch is also secured against displacement by drop in air pressure and allows 60 meters (2000 feet) of water resistance.
The Three-dimensional Nature is Fully Visible on the Dial
An ardoise dial features the raised Arabic numerals and hour markers at the quarter hour, as well as recessed counters. The center of the dial is also elevated, which gives a decidedly three-dimensional feel. The color of the dial evokes associations with the elegant fuselage of the famous British fighter and reconnaissance plane, while the propeller-like hour and minute hands, as well as sub-dial hands reminisce of the Spitfire’s propeller blades.
The hands are domed with luminescent material from shaft to tip and guarantee the outstanding legibility even in deep darkness. A 60 minute chronograph counter is situated at the 12 o’clock position, while a small hacking seconds counter is placed on the opposite side, at the 6 o’clock position. The right date of the month and the right day of the week are displayed at the 3 o’clock position. A countdown scale with white Arabic numerals and indices is positioned at the outer rim.
IWC from Schaffhausen offered two types of wristlets. For those who prefer stainless steel bracelets, there is a model IW387804 which is secured to the wearer’s wrist with a five raw bracelet that incorporates a fine-adjustment clasp that permits the length to be modified as desired. If you like more timepieces attached to the leather straps, you can go for the model IW387802. This version of Spitfire Chronograph is accessorized with a brown alligator leather strap. There is also a red gold model (the referent number is IW387803). This version comes with a brown alligator leather strap with a pin buckle.
IWC Pilot's Spitfire Chronograph Watch IW387804
IWC Pilot's Spitfire Chronograph Watch IW387803
The British single-seat fighter aircraft Spitfire that was used by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, has already earned the lasting cult status in its home country. Time will tell whether it will be the same with the Spitfire watch line that comprises, besides this model, Spitfire Double Chronograph, Spitfire Mark XVI and Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month Watch.
The model IW387803 is really the best one. I like the ardoise color of the dial, it looks very nice in combination with this great brown leather strap. Of course, the design of the dial is very nice, too. As I said in my recent comment, IWC watches are absolutely the best ones! I like this watch very much!
I can’t believe that I didn’t wait for a couple of months to buy a watch. I bought a Tag Heuer two months ago, and I’m not so happy with it. It’s okay, but I expected more from a watch which costs $5300. For that amount of money, I could buy a nice watch from IWC brand.