04/16/2019

Watches Of Switzerland Unveils First Exclusive Watch In Partnership With IWC Schaffhausen

It’s flight time for the London and United States retailer with this all black, limited edition Pilot’s Watch.

By Rhonda Riche

Editor-At-Large

The IWC Spitfire line caused a stir at SIHH 2019. Part of the brand’s signature Pilot’s Watches collection, this new family created a lot of buzz because it was not only introduced in front of an actual restored British Spitfire fighter aircraft from 1943. But IWC’s connection to English aviation does not start and stop with the Spitfire.

It turns out that there is one more reason to get excited about IWC this year: Watches of Switzerland has teamed up with IWC Schaffhausen to design their own, limited edition Pilot’s Watch. Here are the flight details!

BRITISH INVASION

Watches of Switzerland has been in the watch business since 1923 and has a long history with bringing high-quality timepieces to the people. Yet the IWC Watches of Switzerland Pilot's Edition marks the UK-based luxury watch retailer’s first collaboration with the Swiss brand. It’s a fitting partnership considering IWC’s heritage producing timepieces for the Royal Air Force. Watches of Switzerland also helped create a unique version of the timepiece.

IWC Watches of Switzerland Pilot's Watch

This regal-looking watch is based on the IWC Pilot's Watch Double Chronograph Top Gun Ceratanium. The WOS version features a classic black dial but emboldens it with Watches of Switzerland's signature red on the seconds and sub-dial hands. And the silver chronograph sub-dials complements the brushed stainless steel case (which contrasts the polished bezel).

The with a date and day window is integrated into the IWC signature at 3 o'clock —another nice touch as is the attractive black calfskin leather strap with white stitching. At night, the hands and indices light up with a lovely green lume.

IWC Watches of Switzerland Pilot's Watch

Basically, it has all the polish of a nice Saville Row suit, but with a bit of the derring-do of a WWII flyboy, making it versatile enough for everyday wear.

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THE MECHANICS

Another outstanding feature of the IWC Watches of Switzerland Pilot's Edition is its integrated rattrapante complication, aka the double or split-seconds chronograph. This kind of chronograph has two seconds hands. Unlike a standard chronograph, it can time multiple events simultaneously (and to the exact second). Which makes it a very useful watch.

IWC Watches of Switzerland Pilot's Watch

IWC, of course, is a master of such movements —the Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante, introduced in 1995, is one of the most coveted rattrapante mechanisms, which is why WOS sought out this complication for its limited-edition watch.

The IWC Watches of Switzerland Pilot's Edition is also a robust tool watch, powered by the reliable automatic IWC calibre 79420, which promises a 44-hour power reserve.

IWC Watches of Switzerland Pilot's Watch

Biomechanically, the 44mm case is surprisingly light and sits quite comfortably on the wrist. Still, it packs a lot of presence.

FLIGHT TIME

Collectors will also be keen to note that the case back is numbered and engraved with the Watches of Switzerland logo.

There will be only 50 numbered pieces produced in this edition, and what's more, you can even choose your own number (subject to availability).

IWC Watches of Switzerland Pilot's Watch

If you're looking for a special collector's piece from the Schaffhausen-based manufacture or if you’re an aviation watch aficionado, the IWC Watches of Switzerland Pilot's Edition presents an unmissable opportunity. It is priced at $11,900 USD and will be available exclusively at Watches of Switzerland. To make sure you're not stuck on standby, you can pre-register now at your nearest Watches of Switzerland boutique (SoHo, Hudson Yards, or UK) or on their website. But hurry, the piece officially lands on April 19th.

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