IWC - Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Spitfire IW329701 and IW329702

IWC adds two Spitfire models to its Pilot's Watches collection: Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Spitfire titanium IW329701 and IW32970 bronze. Price and specs

With the Spitfire line of Pilot’s Watches, IWC pays tribute to one of the most celebrated British aircraft in the history of aviation.

After the launch of the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 last April, the Schaffhausen-based brand is now adding two new Spitfire models to the collection – one in a matte grey titanium case with a black dial, the second one in a warmer style in bronze with a military green dial. 

Characterised by the unmistakeable Big Pilot’s design with the large conical crown and an ergonomic 43 mm x 14.4 mm case, both timepieces are powered by the IWC-manufactured 82100 calibre, a self-winding movement equipped with the efficient winding system developed by IWC’s former technical director Albert Pellaton during the 1950s, which uses the slightest movements of the rotor in either direction to wind the mainspring. Components like the automatic wheel and the pawls are made of zirconium oxide ceramic to significantly reduce wear. 

Beating at the frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, this movement offers a power reserve of 60 hours. A soft-iron inner case protects it against magnetic fields.

The first model, the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Spitfire ref. IW329701, features a case, case back and crown made from lightweight and robust Grade 5 titanium. Its dark grey matte colour is the result of a special surface treatment in which the components are first polished and then sandblasted. 

The unusual design of the black dial was inspired by historical observation watches. Only the minutes and seconds are printed in white on the outer ring, while the hours appear smaller and in a more discreet grey print on the inner ring. This layout enhances the readability of minutes and seconds - much more important than the hours for a pilot – at just a glance. 

Delivered with a brown calfskin leather strap with contrast stitching, the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Spitfire ref. IW329701 has a price of Euro 9,650 (including VAT) / US$ 8,950 (excluding local sales taxes).

Case and crown of the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Spitfire ref. IW329702 are crafted from a special bronze alloy that also contains copper, aluminium and iron. This specific composition makes the resulting alloy around 50 per cent harder than standard bronze. 

The dial has a military green colour that well harmonises with the bronze of the case. The gold-plated hands and the hour markers have been coated with a luminescent material to improve legibility in darker environments.

Matched to a green buffalo leather strap and featuring a titanium caseback, the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Spitfire ref. IW329702 retails at Euro 10,100 (including VAT) / US$ 9,350 (excluding local sales taxes).

Water resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar ( 100 metres / 330 feet), the two new Spitfire models feature IWC’s EasX-CHANGE system that makes it possible to replace straps and bracelets in a second at the touch of a button and without needing any additional tools. Several strap options made from calfskin and rubber are already available as accessories. iwc.com