Watches

For the first time ever, IWC presents a Pilot’s Chronograph with a movement from the 69000-calibre family, housed in a reduced case size with a diameter of 41 millimetres. The IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre is a rugged chronograph movement with a classic column wheel design. It displays stopped hours and minutes in two subdials at “9 o’clock” and “12 o’clock”. The bidirectional pawl-winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours. This chronograph with a bronze case, an olive green dial and a brown calfskin strap has a unique character. Depending on the use to which it is put, bronze develops a patina in the course of time and darkens in colour, giving the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire its own unmistakable character. A soft-iron inner case effectively shields the movement from magnetic fields.

During tortuous manoeuvres involving supersonic jets like the F/A-18, pilots are subjected to high g forces. But also extended missions on aircraft carriers, where they are exposed to the humid, salt-bearing sea air, put an enormous strain on both personnel and material. The TOP GUN Chronograph was developed using robust and corrosion-resistant materials such as ceramic and titanium for the elite among the US Navy’s jet pilots. For the first time ever, IWC has equipped this classic with an in-house movement from the 69000-calibre family. Apart from its stopwatch function, the IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre also has displays for the day and date. The red small seconds hand at “6 o’clock” provides a striking colourful highlight on the black dial. The case is made of-non-reflective black zirconium oxide ceramic, the back of the case from titanium. The watch is attached to the wrist with a black textile strap.