My Conclusions Concerning New Pilots

After handling everything at the show there are certain conclusions to be drawn.
First, if you like big watches then you will probably like the new line. If not, you will not be happy.

The Spitfire line has been elevated in my eyes. The dial looks superb and each piece is wonderful especially on the brown strap. The double date chrono Spitfire is superb but at its price it will be out of range for most of us.

The ceramic pilots are very nice.but they will cost you.

To me the double chrono is the hit of the show. I like the 46mm size and it just looks right.

If you like the rustic look the Miramars are really cool.

New bracelets with adjustable clasp are very nice, especially when your wrist swells in warm climates.

There are several limited editions planned but no info can be released at this time.

I know some of the US list prices $$. But I will not post unless MF approves.

Hi Alan,

Thank you for your comments.

Never paid much attention to the Spitfire line but the chrono-only model has really caught my eye (along with the St Ex chrono).

Hope the prices will be released soon.

Jon

Hi Alan,

Thanks for your insights. It is highly appreciated.

Hi Alan,

Many thanks! Love the Spitfire chrono as well - it's on my short list.

Cheers,

David

Greetings Alan:

Thanks for keeping us in the loop with your insight and pic's. I was at my AD today and he has the pricing (USD). My eye is on the new Spitfire Chrono as many have already commented on.

Understanding that the Spitfire's now have in-house movements, I was prepared that pricing would reflect this upgrade, but was blown away when I heard the verdict. WOW !!!! is all I can say. After I picked myself up off the floor, I commented to my sales guy...I won't even bother asking you what the DigitalDate RG goes for. Seems IWC has got very aggressive in it's pricing. However, that said, I'm looking forward to holding that beauty in my hands and I have no doubt that it will be a best seller. Really am glad to see that grey dial paired with SS and tan strap. Beautiful...Beautiful !!!

Again, thanks for keeping all of us connected to the action.

Andy

Alan I ll have to agree with you my friend, thanks for posting and keep everyone informed.
On pricing we ll have to understand that IWC is going towards complete in-house movement use and in that path the prices are elevating.
Just think of a competing model from another company using in-house movement too and look at the price ratio. Look at AP models pricing for instance or JLC. Changed your mind?

Alan:

Not sure if this question has been asked and answered.

Has any new variations from the rest of the colections been unvailed? Or does IWC @ SIHH only focus on the "Year Of The ****" ?

Thanks,

Andy

All I saw were new Pilots. There are some limited editions planned for the other lines but these will be few. MF will comment if he can on this but it is not my place to reveal anything before it is authorized.

I will say I saw or heard about at least four special edition BP's.

Actually, I did see one other non Pilot. The Laureus Portofino for this year. Check Kevin's earlier post.

Hi Alan,
thank you for you conclusions. From only being virtually close to the new watches your opinion seems to be matching my thoughts quite well.
Especially the judgement of the double chrono. That one seems to be very balanced, right in size with a lot of presence on the wrist.
A real eyecatcher.

Thanks Alan, very good SIHH report and fair comments. BR. Carlo

Thanks everybody for all the updates from SIHH! its been exciting following the news updates from the couch. ;)

There's one question I haven't seen answered. What is the movement in the double chrono? The description on the website is suspiciously silent about this... could it be that it's not an in-house movement?

Hi XVRD,

The double chrono uses the same movement as before: it is a Valjoux 7750 Chrono base with an IWC rattrapante module. I don't know the number since it maybe changed. Previous IWC rattrapante modules were gold plated and it's now changed to rhodium.

Thanks Alan for your excellent reporting. I looked forward to your posts every evening when I arrived home. I have fallen in love with the ardoise dial SS Spitfire Chrono., but now have some tepidation about the pricing. Oh well...who knows what the year will bring!

Thanks. I always thought the Spitfire chronograph was a misfit in the pilot collection, but the new look is puts it on a par with the Big Pilot. I Definitely like the white gold version.

Thank you Alan for all of your observations and information. And thank you for the lume shot - that answered my question.

It will be interesting to see what effect the expected higher prices have on the second hand market for the existing Top Gun / Pilots range - whilst the new ones are mostly in house movements, one would expect the higher prices to help prop up the second hand market even without the in house movement.

The great thing is that what you like is the stainless version, which has an Ardoise dial. There is no white gold version; the only gold one is red gold.