IWC 2019 SIHH Pilot's Watches Novelties

patrick_y · 2019-01-14T21:30:19Z

Explore IWC's 2019 SIHH Pilot's Watch novelties: Spitfire inspiration, in-house movements, new materials, and the return of the Doppel-Chrono.

patrick_y

WPS member · IWC forum

25 replies4585 views14 photos

Patrick_y offers a compelling overview of IWC's 2019 SIHH novelties, with a particular focus on their iconic Pilot's Watches. His report captures the immersive experience of the IWC exhibit, featuring a real Silver Spitfire, and delves into the design and technical advancements of the new collection, including the return of the Doppel-Chrono and the introduction of new materials.

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Patrick_y tells WatchProSite readers about his favorite from IWC.

IWC had an impressive display this year focusing on their Pilots Watches, my personal favorite category of watches from IWC. Literally, inside the IWC World, there is an airplane! A Silver Spitfire aircraft, from the Second World War, which will be used on a special expedition flight around the globe.

A gleaming Spitfire airplane lies within the IWC "hangar" space. It really creates a theme for the IWC world we are in.

The engine is massive!

The wings are handsomely industrial.

The cockpit is definitely not a comfortable place. Keep in mind, back in the 1940s, these cockpits weren't pressurized nor climatized in the same way airplanes today are. Pilots wore thick and heavy coats to stay warm.

The inside of the wing.

One more picture of that massive engine! It's important to note, the outstanding calibers of the IWC watches have almost all transitioned to in-house movements.

This bronze IWC Perpetual calendar is great! The bronze case won't ever turn green and has a cool sandblasted finish.

I really like this Pilot's chronograph. It's got a vintage feel to it that's just great!

IWC also chose some clever straps. This pilots watch now has a cool looking NATO-like strap on it.

IWC finally brought back the Doppel-Chrono to the Top Gun Pilots watch. The first Top Gun Doppel-Chrono was launched in 2007 where it quickly became a cult object. But it was cut by IWC a few years after that. Glad to see it back again! And for those expert WatchProSite members, you probably know, the movement was designed by Richard Habring of Habring^2 fame!

Desert storm, in a desert sand color.

I really liked this watch too. Who wants a small, but awesome looking blacked-out ceramic watch. This watch doesn't look like it's trying too hard like some other watches that has been modified to be blacked out. You can tell, this one was blacked out from day one as part of its design.

The warm hues of the bronze reminds me of gold. It's kind of like the taste of wood in a wine, it's soft, it's warm, the coconut and warm spices go well on wine and often makes the wine taste better. Well, the golden hue of the IWC bronze, which will not turn green, is very desirable!

The IWC Welt; a great showing of product!

Key Points from the Discussion

IWC's 2019 SIHH display was centered around Pilot's Watches, featuring a Silver Spitfire aircraft to emphasize the brand's aviation heritage.
IWC has largely transitioned to in-house movements across its Pilot's Watch collection, signifying a commitment to manufacture capabilities.
The brand offers watches in multiple materials—bronze, steel, titanium, and ceramic—at roughly comparable price points, a strategy appreciated by consumers.
The return of the Doppel-Chrono to the Top Gun Pilot's Watch line, featuring a movement designed by Richard Habring, was a notable highlight.
The new bronze cases are sandblasted and treated to prevent turning green, developing a darker patina over time with minimal bronze smell.
There's a desire among some collectors for 'sans date' pilot watches, especially for vintage-inspired models, though modern ceramic versions are more accepting of a date display.
Ceramic cases, while hard, can be brittle and prone to chipping if mishandled during strap changes.
The 2019 collection, with new sizes, in-house movements, and competitive pricing, is considered one of IWC's strongest years in a while.

The Discussion

amanico

Jan 14, 2019

Thanks for the report, Patrick. A simple, no date, not too big Pilot watch for me. [nt]

patrick_y

Jan 15, 2019

I know!

There are no "sans date" pilot watches this year... I hope they one day fulfill your request Nico! I really like the ceramic black one. It's modern too, so I can accept the date with the modernity. But the other vintage looking ones would be more correct sans date.

amanico

Jan 21, 2019

Thanks again, Patrick. I will see that. [nt]

christianch

Jan 15, 2019

great report !! thank you!

I love the new sizes and in-house movements and the pricing ! great photos and a great opportunity to see them on the wrist. Thanks again for the effort !! love the plane photos too! Christian

patrick_y

Jan 15, 2019

I know we're a watch website and not an airplane website. But I couldn't resist!

The lighting was dark in the room and all of us had a very limited time to take photos of the watches in the dim light. Thank you for appreciating our efforts. The photos could be better, but unfortunately IWC has hundreds of guests to accommodate so I didn't want to be too selfish and take too long to take photos and put them further behind schedule. The Swiss-Germans like to be timely!

christianch

Jan 17, 2019

love the pictures! Mojave for me !! [nt]