If you’ve been following us or happen to be at SIHH earlier this year, you’d agree that 2019 is the year of the Pilot’s Watch for IWC… In particular the newly introduced Spitfire line. While there were a total of seven new models announced, the one that really needed to be talked about was the new Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire Ref IW503601, aka, the most complex Pilot’s watch ever made.
It’s hard not to find this new release attractive. The combination of the bronze case and green dial gives the watch a stealthy / military, utilitarian look. Over time, the bronze develops an individual patina as it comes in contact with moisture, air and other elements adding to the whole rustic theme. The 46.2mm case is fitted with a sapphire glass in the front and the back and is water resistant to 6 bar.
Another stand out feature, is the decidedly distinctive perpetual calendar complication. The date, day, month, year and moon phase are neatly laid out on the dial and can all be adjusted via the crown at 3 o clock. The perpetual calendar identifies different month lengths and leap years automatically and will work until 2100 without needing any correction. The double moon display shows the moon correctly for both the northern and southern hemispheres and will need to be adjusted by one day only after 577.5 years.
What makes the Spitfire collection even more special is the fact that every model is fitted with an in-house movement including this Perpetual Calendar Spitfire watch. With the help of a Pellaton winding system and two barrels, the IWC-manufactured 52615 calibre builds up a power reserve of seven days. The components in the Pellaton winding system exposed to unusually high stresses and strains are made of non-wearing ceramic.
Limited to 250 pieces, the new Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Spitfire is priced at $42,600 Australian Dollars.