The new Pilot’s Replica Watch Automatic Spitfire is equipped with new manufacture Caliber 32110. IWC presents two versions: our tested watch with stainless-steel case, black dial and green textile strap; and a version with a bronze case, green dial and dark brown calfskin strap.
These are not only the base models in the Spitfire collection, but they also embody the entry-level timepieces leading into the world of the IWC Replica manufacture.
The matte stainless-steel case with its narrow, steep bezel and massive screw-in back has a moderate diameter of 39 mm and is therefore one mm smaller than the case of the IWC Mark XVIII Fake Watch.
The height is 10.86 mm, which gives it a sporty look and is also an appropriate thickness for a classic pilots’ copy watch. Manufacture Caliber 32110 contributes to the case’s height: the movement is 4.2 mm thick. Its diameter is 28.2 mm.
TheBig Pilot’s Replica Watch has remained unchanged from 2002 to the present day, although current versions encase the improved Caliber 51111. Like the Mark models, the Big Pilot’s Watch belongs to the Classic Collection, whose watches have casebacks engraved with an image of the classic Junkers Ju 52 aircraft. The watch has a strap crafted by the artisanal Italian shoe and leather goods manufacturer Santoni.
IWC is resuming its original diameter of 55 mm. With beige luminous material and a matte case, the newcomer’s style comes very close to its predecessor, even if it has a small seconds subdial; the original model had a central seconds hand.
All are equipped with a soft-iron inner case to protect the movement against magnetic fields – the predecessor lacked this practical detail. The 48-mm version has a little window in the caseback, which offers a view of the balance and, according to IWC Replica, scarcely detracts from the protection against magnetism.
IWC also offers an elegant version of the Big Pilot’s Watch in the Spitfire collection. Here the 46-mm case is made of rose gold, a sunburst pattern embellishes the anthracite-colored dial, and an engraving of a Spitfire fighter jet adorns the back.
This line also includes a version that features the useful complication of a digital annual calendar: the 46-mm Big Pilot’s Fake Watch Annual Calendar Spitfire is powered by manufacture Caliber 52850, which amasses a seven- day power reserve and can be admired through the sapphire back.
The Top Gun Big Pilot’s Copy Watch models combine a matte-black ceramic case and a textile-look wristband for a contemporary military touch that nonetheless preserves the other traditional characteristics. Here, too, a Big Pilot’s Watch is available in the classical 46-mm size. The titanium back bears the Top Gun emblem as a relief engraving. The wristband looks like it’s textile but is actually made of patterned calfskin for greater durability.
The first ever IWC Big Pilot Replica with a carbon fibre composite case, the Big Pilot Black Carbon has a black dial with grey hands and markings, replicating the colour of the composite case. It’s livened up by red accents on the power reserve indicator and seconds hand.
The genesis of the Fake watch was formed at an IWC “design workshop” that took place in October 2018.
Despite the name change, the origins of the limited edition were not forgotten and live on in a small number of watches. Fourteen Luxury IWC Replica watches were reserved for the participants of the design workshop that gave birth to the idea.
Delivered in a commemorative box with a NATO-style strap only for the 14, these watches are identical to the standard versions save for one special detail: the “10” on the date wheel is in bright red, a reference to the 10th anniversary.
