Larry & KS at the Tuesday evening event
Alan on the bridge observing planes being launched.
Nelson getting some last minute instructions before being launched.
What we all came to see.
Shing & Mark 
Tony & KK
Nelson & KK 
Michael addressing the Collectors dinner.
Another favorite of the group.
How could you come to Geneva and not visit here.
Kevin,
Great pics. We did have some fun. Until the next blue dial....
Wow, this is a great watch indeed! This is developing rapidly to my favourite of this year!
Kind regards,
Paul
Great pics, Keven...thanks for your reports!!
Kevin,
Thanks for posting these, they all look like very memorable moments!
Cheers,
Evan
Thanks Kevin for another " smiling faces" report. Great to see the excitement on the faces. Thes posts make us happy too. When you read all the posts of the SIHH attendees, there are a few watches that really stand out.
thanks for this, realy great to see these photos... and especially of the watches!
that ardoise dial pilot chronograph with brown strap does look striking (and obviously love the combo - as my first iwc IS the ardoise/brown combo!), love the altimeter-style date. i'm personally though not a big fan of the lack of transparent case-back (replaced by top gun logo/etching). couldn't IWC have made an ultrathin door of some sort (like the face of their old pocket watches) - then you'd have the option to peek inside at least into the beauty of the heart...!
teeveetee --the Ardoise dial/brown strap Chrono does have a display back. The movement is shown and has a special rotor, looking like a Spitfire plane.
The classic Pilot's watches do not have a display back only because they are antimagnetic.
Thanks for explaining that Michael.
Regards,
Kevin
MF thought the display back with Spitfire rotor was for the Perpetual Calender in RG, not the Spitfire Chrono.
MF thought the display back with Spitfire rotor was for the Perpetual Calender in RG, not the Spitfire Chrono.
Yep there does seem to be a problem on the forum.
If you check the IWV website it appears Greg is right - the Spitfire chrono has a SS back, but with a picture of a Spitfire :-)
Paul, +1
When I saw it it at the SIHH I was meditatively hooked! It's for me, right size and an absolute stunner with that ardoise Dial with red ascents - absolutely stunning.
Best regards
Mark
The new Spitfire chronograph is really beautiful. If I didn't buy my 371701 last June I might be tempted to buy this one instead!
And yes, certainly a must to visit the IWC boutique Geneva. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Although I bought my watch elsewhere eventually, the experience had definitely contributed to my decision to own my first IWC!
AL
Thanks Michael, if that's the case I think the photo & description for the spitfire chrono (IW387802) on the website is incorrect as the picture below shows it without display back. Kindest, Vinhthang
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closed-back - and may not be anti-magnetic (edit: i checked the active collection pages), if I recall correctly:
only the Spitfire Digital Date-Mth has a display back I think.
thanks for the photos shing, i do think it's a bit of a disappointment that it's not a clear back. i can't imagine why IWC would think this spitfire engraved back would be superior to a clear back (especially in this configuration with leather strap, i.e. less likely to be flown by a pilot requiring anti-magnetic up in the air)?? vinhthang
According to the collection description, this Spitfire Chrono has no anti magnetic cage, or, to state it more correctly, such a cage is not mentioned. And it has a solid back. I guess the lack of the cage is to make the watch reasonably thin: well, at 15,5 mm it is not too thin, and I am glad it is not thicker. Great, great watch...
Kind regards,
Paul
hi vinhtahang,
hmmm - my personal preference re Pilot watches is for it to have a closed back - the spitfire shape incorporated into the spitfire digital date-mth is a deal-breaker for me for now (my mind is still mulling & digesting all the 2012 models). I have the same preference with respect to Ingenieurs too - although they do not necessarily have to be anti-magnetic.
ultimately - to each his own. I think our personal watch collecting habits and preferences are moulded by the particular design aesthetics and engineering in vogue prevalent when we first came into the watch-appreciating habit -- and thereafter through logical rationalizing and emotive connections work out the likes and dislikes of our "palette" as we consider current and past models.
shing thanks for sharing your insight. between the few watch fanatics i know, including close friends in singapore, new york and here in london-- not one has said given a choice they'd prefer a closed back over a window into the inner beauty of the watch and its movement. so quite interesting to know there are those such as yourself out there (and clearly there must be very many more, as IWC wouldn't take this decision lightly i'm sure!). regards, vinhthang