7/2/2023 0 Comments Iwc spitfire chronograph![]() I increasingly value automatic movements as the onset of grey hair means I am increasingly prone to forget winding my favourite, manual watches. Convenience is assured courtesy of the rotor imparting energy to the spring barrel. The newly developed in-house movement, calibre 89365, reinforces this still further. The movement has a frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and features 35 jewels. IWC have an engineering prowess which is intrinsic to their brand DNA. The results are sublime and proffer a masculine aesthetic. The chrono pushers and knurled crown are highly polished, once again, masterfully toying with light. This is perfectly exemplified by the highly polished bezel nuzzling the satin brushed caseband and lugs. IWC masterfully manipulates the light by judiciously placing polished and satin-brushed surfaces in close proximity. ![]() The monochrome case material pleasingly harmonizes with the slate coloured dial. The watch is available in red gold, but the stainless steel version is my preferred choice. Information does not burden the brain, details are user-friendly and the data provided does not distract from the principal task of operating your plane. A slim central chrono seconds hand aims with marksman-like accuracy at the integers and numerals located on the chapter ring.Įase of interpretation is a key strength of the watch design. Their profile is reminiscent of airplane propellors, reinforcing the Spitfire persona. The hour and minute hands are fully covered with white luminous material, enhancing legibility. This small flourish of red is repeated on the subsidiary seconds hand at 6 o’clock.īelow noon, a 60-minute chrono counter is shown. The tip of a red equilateral triangle points to the date with laser-like aim. A triangular shape index resides at noon, respecting the design language of pilot’s watches from the 30’s and 40’s.Īn altimeter inspired aperture sits adjacent 3 o’clock, eloquently conveying the date with the diction of a Wing Commander in the briefing boom. White Arabic numerals impart the hours, presented in a clean, timeless font, except at 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock, where batons feature. Its sun patterned finish grasps the solar rays and bestows a luxurious feel. Let me take you on a flight sortie as we navigate the various aspects which differentiate this watch from the mundane.Ī slate coloured dial plays with light and shade with pleasing results. I have handled the watch and it is yet another IWC I would dearly love to own. The IWC-manufactured 89365 calibre is a significant progression with enhanced power reserve and flyback function. This may sound like only a minor change but it wonderfully enhances the legibility of the timepiece.Īdditional improvements include a slate coloured dial and a new movement. The case size has grown by 1 mm in diameter. The IWC Spitfire Chronograph Reference IW387803, builds upon the reputation of the former 2006 model, enhancing the offer of this charming cockpit accoutrement. However, don’t despair there is a model which offers greater accessibility but retains a suave appearance to seduce any lonely filly. This particular model may be beyond the financial grasp of some, myself included, with its luxurious case in red gold and numerous complications. I recently fell for the august appeal of the Spitfire Digital Date-Month Perpetual Calendar. However, they have not rested on their laurels, creating a vast array of new pilot’s watches for 2012 ( see more here). The watch was a tremendous success for the brand from Schaffhausen. Spitfire when they launched their original Spitfire Chronograph back in 2006. IWC captured the glamour of manning the controls of a R.A.F. Original IWC Spitfire – Photo by Dimer van Santen In my mind’s eye, I was Terry Thomas, albeit younger, and the highly accomplished pilot in my imagined cockpit. Irvin flying jacket and seducing all the local girls whilst my army based competition were posted far away. I dreamt of driving my two seater open top roadster, wearing distressed R.A.F. I think part of the allure of flight, particularly at the controls of a Spitfire was manifested by an idealized vision of myself, as an adult, living in the warm time era. His caddish demeanour and raffish good looks offered a lighter hearted depiction of flight. ![]() I enjoyed watching the comical exploits of Terry Thomas in the film, “Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines”. The thrill of flight enticed, albeit the harsh realities of conflict never permeated my naive conscious. Like many boys growing up, I dreamt of taking the controls of a fighter plane.
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