IWC have been making their Pilot’s Watch Chronograph since 2006, and this year, this family of IW3777 watches have only minimal differences with respect to the series introduced in 2012. The dial has been tidied up, removing the minute numerals that were previously incorporated into the chapter ring, and removing the triple date display. Apart from this the watches are pretty much identical to those of the previous generation, with three subdials for chronograph minutes and hours, and continuous seconds on the left. They are 43 mm in diameter, 15 mm thick. They all have a soft iron inner case for magnetic protection, and a solid caseback, with an engraving that denotes their belonging to the different families, Classic, Spitfire, or Petit Prince.
They are all powered by the ETA 7750, a tried and trusted movement used in hundreds of different references by many watch brands. IWC extensively modifies the movement supplied by ETA, changing some components and checking other fundamental parts – such as the hairspring – in a process that increases the accuracy and durability of the movement. IWC call this self-winding movement their Calibre 79320, and it runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hertz), with 44 hours power reserve. The movement includes the stop-seconds function for precision time-setting (stopping the movement when the screw-in crown is pulled out). As is typical for the ETA 7750 movement, the pushers require a fair amount of pressure to start, stop and reset the chronograph. All the watches have 6 bar water resistance.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph IW377709
The watch has a black Santoni calfskin strap with stainless steel pin buckle, though two-tone textile straps similar to the historic NATO straps are also available. Price €5,650 incl. tax, £3,890 incl. VAT. Available from April 2016.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph IW377710
The watch has a steel bracelet with fine-adjustment clasp, though two-tone textile straps similar to the historic NATO straps are also available. Price €6,750 incl. tax, £4,650 incl. VAT. Available from April 2016.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire IW377719
The bezel of this version is polished to mirror finish, likewise two rows of links in the stainless steel bracelet. The slate-coloured dial has sunburst pattern finish. The solid caseback has an engraving of a Spitfire. In addition to the metal bracelet, two-tone textile straps similar to the historic NATO straps are also available. Price €6,750 incl. tax, £4,650 incl. VAT. Available from April 2016.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Le Petit Prince” IW377714
Blue dial, case with contrasting polished and satin-finished elements, brown Santoni calfskin strap with stainless steel pin buckle. Price €5,650 incl. tax, £3,890 incl. VAT. Available from April 2016.
