Released in 2019, IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire is available in both stainless steel and bronze. It features a similar layout to the previous generation 7750 movement Pilot’s chronographs but with a reduced size at 41 mm and an in-house movement.
The Case and Dial
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire bears the same military styling as with the other watches in its line. The stainless steel case is a 2 piece construction with a screw down caseback. The bezel and center case is a single piece entirely brush finished. A chamfered edge at the lugs is polished.
The rest of the dial is in traditional Pilot’s watch configuration; the triangle 12 o’clock marker and arabic numeral. The hands and quarter hour markers are patina lumed, for a retroesque vintage look.
Fit with anti-reflective coating, the sapphire crystal illuminates a faint blue hue under light. The watch comes with either the leather in burnished brown or fabric strap in olive green. A closed caseback and screwdown crown helps the watch achieve a 6 bar water resistant rating.
The Movement
Unlike the older models which use a 7750 movement, the 2019 Spitfire Chronograph is powered by the 69380 IWC-manufactured calibre. The chronograph movement with a classic column wheel design has both a chronograph function and a display for the day and date. The pawl-winding system winds up in both directions and has a power reserve of 46 hours.
Concluding Thoughts
Priced at US$5950, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire is approximately the same price as Omega’s Speedmaster Professional with sapphire crystal and open caseback. It is also competitively priced with the Tagheuer Monaco which uses an ETA based movement. IWC’s move to use an in-house chronograph movement and to reduce the size of the case shows the brand’s willingness to adapt to consumer’s wants, and how it needs to stay competitive in order to stay relevant.
