Justin Hast and IWC Museum Curator Dr. David Seyffer compare and contrast IWC Pilot’s Watches of old and new, carefully detailing what makes each model unique. They also highlight how the collection has adhered to a design that has made it an integral part of timepiece history.

The IWC Big Pilot 2002 and the Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Spitfire 2019

One word comes up repeatedly when describing the IWC Big Pilot: “iconic”. IWC Museum Curator Dr. David Seyffer and Justin Hast compare the IWC Big Pilot 2002 (Ref. 5002) and the Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar Spitfire (Ref. IW503601) explain why both aren’t just big in size but in importance as well.

The IWC Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Ceramic Chronograph 2012 and 2019

The black case of the Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Ceramic Chronograph is just one of the features that makes this timepiece stand out. Justin Hast and IWC Museum Curator Dr. David Seyffer examine the exciting particulars of the TOP GUN Ceramic Chronograph 2012 (Ref. 3880) and the TOP GUN Ceramic Chronograph 2019 (Ref. IW389101).

The IWC Pilot’s Watch UTC 2003 and Spitfire Edition “MJ2971” 2019

The Pilot’s Watch UTC Spitfire Edition “MJ271”(Ref. IW327101) is as close time travel as you can get. The UTC functionality allows you to set the time for another zone, giving you the ability to be in two places at once - at least on your wrist. Justin Hast and and IWC Museum Curator Dr. David Seyffer are back to discuss the watch that has become frequent flyer favorite and its predecessor, the UTC 2003 (Ref. 3251).

The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire 2003 and Chronograph Spitfire 2019

Justin Hast and IWC Museum Curator Dr. David Seyffer examine the evolution of the Chronograph Spitfire, highlighting the popular timepiece that took on the famous aircraft’s name - the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire 2002 (Ref. 3706) and today’s version - the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire 2019 (Ref. 387901).

IWC and the Spitfire

IWC’s 1930’s-era relationship with the UK government started with a tender for an aviation service watch that was robust and anti-magnetic. The Mark 11 Navigators Wrist Watch was the result. IWC’s Spitfire Automatic (Ref. IW326801) pays homage to this simple but groundbreaking watch. Justin Hast and IWC Museum Curator Dr. David Seyffer compare and contrast both watches, highlighting how IWC has respected the history of this classic timepiece.

The Heritage of IWC Pilot’s Watches

IWC has manufactured Pilot’s Watches since 1936. Two watches from that time period, reference 436 Mark IX and reference 431 Big Pilot, quickly became well-known timepieces among military and civilian aviators alike. Justin Hast and Dr. David Seyffer, IWC Museum Curator, discuss these watches and delve deeper into how they came to be.