In the world of pilot’s watches few can do what IWC do. Ever since the Schaffhausen based brand was chosen to build watches for the German air force in 1940, the bond between IWC and pilot’s watches have been inseparable. Recently, IWC Schaffhausen became the official licensee of the “Blue Angels®” U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron… and the result of this collaboration…. the new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Blue Angels®”
Formed in 1946, the “Blue Angels®” was a vision of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. Today this U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron is made up from 141 members of the Navy and Marines. In addition to spectacular solo performances, the aerobatic repertoire also involves maneuvers in the challenging delta formation of six F/A-18 Hornet jets. Every year, the “Blue Angels®” demonstrate their skills in front of approximately 11 million spectators.
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Blue Angels®”
Playing upon the theme of the Blue Angels, this sporty chronograph is very much in line with IWC’s current Pilot’s collection. The 44.5mm sandblasted case is very impactful and made from polished black zirconium oxide ceramic. In stark contrast to the black case is that lovely blue metallic dial and the pushers and crown which have been executed in steel.
The display of the minutes on the outer ring (in white) and the hours on the inner ring of the dial (in yellow), have all been inspired by early military observer’s watches of the 1930s and 1940s. Other details include the signature sword-style hands, arabic numerals, the timed hours and minutes which sit together on a subdial at 12 o’clock, the running seconds subdial at 6 o’clock and a date window which has been strategically placed at 3.
Armed with an in-house mechanical chronograph movement (Calibre 89361), the watch delivers a power reserve of 68 hours. Thanks to the integrated flyback function, simply pressing the reset push-button returns the stopwatch hands to zero and immediately starts a new time measurement. An inner cage made from soft iron protects the movement to prevent magnetic fields affecting its precision. The front glass features special protection to ensure it stays in place even if there is a sudden drop in pressure.
Worn on a blue textured calf leather strap, the new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Blue Angels®” is priced at approximately $16,400 Australian Dollars.