Seven new references by IWC take inspiration from the classic Mark 11 Pilot
With its passion for aviation, IWC Schaffhausen has long been inspired by the Spitfire, Britain’s iconic World War II fighter. The relationship is set to become even stronger this year as the brand releases not one, not two, but seven new references to celebrate the year in which British pilots Steve Boultbee-Brooks and Matt Jones will attempt the first round-the-world Spitfire flight.
The new releases—which boast fresh designs and colour schemes that eschew shiny silver dials and sunburst patterns in favour of a traditional matte instrument dial layout inspired by the original 1948 Mark 11 Pilot—are fitting tributes to the duo’s challenging adventure, which will cover more than 43,000 kilometres and take in 26 countries.
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Two different colour schemes are used across the seven references: a black dial paired with a green textile strap recalling the cockpit of an original Spitfire aircraft; and a bronze case, matte olive-green dial and brown calf leather strap reminiscent of traditional military colours.
The big news for this particular collection is that IWC is using strictly in-house movements only, unlike in many of its previous pilot watches. As one might imagine with seven references available, there is a wide range of options on the table, from the entry-level Automatic in steel, to the gargantuan Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar, which packs an impressive seven-day power reserve and a crown-adjustable perpetual calendar that will run without correction until 2100.
With a hefty 46.5mm diameter, this beast is not recommended for the slender of wrist nor the shallow of pocket.