2016 is the year of the Pilot’s Watches. Enthusiasts of that specific style had the opportunity to see many novelties launched during the top events of the industry SIHH and Baselworld. During SIHH 2016, IWC literally marked the year with its newly released Pilot’s models. Here we are with the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Spitfire (ref. IW500917) in 18K rose gold, which is the top tier model of the new Spitfire Series.
The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Spitfire is offered in a delicate 18K rose gold case that measures 46mm in diameter and 16mm in thickness. With the bold appearance and stunning slate dial, as well as the case sporting an almost fully brushed surface, it’s quite an eye catcher on the wrist. The case has an AR coated sapphire crystal on the front and a solid 18K rose gold caseback making it water resistant up to 60 meters. The caseback of the watch features the engraved silhouette of a Spitfire, which is a famous British single-seat fighter plane.
The slate gray dial with sun-ray pattern is absolutely amazing and fits with the 18K rose gold tone perfectly. The dial’s layout is in typical pilot’s watch formation, with center seconds and classic propeller-like hour and minute hands. The date function is displayed through a window at the 6 o’clock position and the power reserve indicator is located at 3 o’clock with its own sub-dial. There is also the essential triangle at the 12 o’clock position below the chapter ring, and a tad larger Arabic numerals for hour markers.
The new Spitfire is powered by the in-house manufactured Caliber Ref. 51111 -an automatic movement with the spring-mounted rotor and Pellaton pawl-winding system. The movement beats at 21,600vph and offers an impressive power reserve of 7 days when fully wound.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Spitfire is attached to a brown Santoni calfskin strap with orange lining, secured with an 18K rose gold folding clasp.
