Hands-On: IWC Pilot's Watch Automatic Spitfire vs Mark XVIII
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- čas přidán 21. 03. 2020
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I spent about half a day at the IWC boutique on Bond Street in London and they let me get hands-on with a whole load of their watches: Pilots, GMT, Perpetual Calendar. The one that stood out the most was from their Spitfire range, the IWC Pilot's Watch Automatic Spitfire. It's a great too watch in a true sense of the definition. It also has an in-house movement separating it from the normal IWC Mark XVIII that IWC offer in its pilot watch line up.
IWC Pilot's Watch Automatic Spitfire
Specs:
CASE Dimensions:
Stainless steel case
Diameter 39.0 mm
Height 10.8 mm
Screw in crown
Water resistance 6 bar
MOVEMENT:
32110 Calibre
IWC-manufactured movement
Automatic, self-winding
72 hours Power Reserve
Frequency 28800.0 vph (4.0 hz)
164 Components
21 Jewels
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VERY INTERESTING VIDEO. CONGRATULATIONS. I LIKE WATCHES.
Just got this watch. It Looks so good on the wrist, I wear it everyday minus Tuesdays when I wear my speedy 3861. The crystal, the strap, the casing are all superb! A beautiful timepiece!
Thank you for continuing to make entertaining and informative videos during trying times. I love my IWC Mark XVIII Edition “Le Petit Prince”, which I selected over the Spitfire. A beautifully finished timepiece that gives me joy every time I wear it. It’s also the most accurate mechanical watch that I own, gaining just a fraction of a second per day. Best wishes to all fellow enthusiasts.
Spot on hit my deciding factors! I picked one of these up yesterday, it was between the Mark Heritage and the Spitfire. The in-house movement, size and overall look were the deciding factors for me.
Had mine for just shy of a year and it’s fantastic. Grows on you the more you wear it 👌
I saw the thumbnail and fell instantly in love with the IWC
Thanks for reviewing. I tried this on two weeks ago and I am completely smitten. I have a family connection to spitfires and this feels like the one for me. 😍
An update… bought it a few days ago. Still smitten.
Thanks Adrian. Spitfire is a great watch, though when you compare it to other options in the price range (either new or pre-owned), it unfortunately tends to get moved down in the queue. 👍⌚
Love the Spitfire! It’s on my radar.
I’ve had this watch for almost a year and it’s lived up to its hype. It’s a great versatile everyday wear that’s easy to dress up or down. I do agree that the retail price of this piece is a tad high. However, IWC boutiques (NOT ADs) will make you the best deals on them. I got mine for $4,000 USD while also getting a free IWC leather strap ($200 value). Highly recommend it!
Ar coating on the outer ?
Typically I've heard that the boutiques never discount watches?
I love the watch. I think it is beautiful in its simplicity and with the new movement I can understand the price better than IWC's previous offerings in this price bracket. For me, this is an alternative the explorer for example. So while it may feel a bit simplistic and sober for the price, I'd argue that is kind of the point.
Thank you for another great video during these sad times (puts a smile on our faces). I was very lucky to pick up a IWC Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Bronze Limited to 250 world wide. I can not take if of my wrist it is such an amazing watch. I have put a crocodile camouflage strap on it and it has taken it to another level. I can not wait for you to do a video on the IWC Perpetual Calendar. Take care and be safe with your loved ones.
I saw this in Schiphol airport a simple design yet stunningly perfect !
Yay, watch content! Great one, Adrian.
Good, no nonsense review (as usual). Reference the glass, pressure and poping out. The glass on my wife's Oris poped out on a plane. A little surprising and dissapointing but it obviously can happen. Keep the channel going!
I fell in love with the Mark XVIII accidentally. I went to IWC just to browse the new releases and saw the Mark XVIII in the case and fell in love with the Le petit prince blue dial version. I went back a couple days later and tried it on again and walked out with it. It’s my most worn watch
Same thing happened to me and now I love my LPP! The blue is so beautiful.
05reddragon05 I did exactly the same thing
Same thing for me, except for the white/silver version!
I own this watch for 4 month now. Splendid time piece, extremely precise (around -1 second per day). I’m fan of it’s look, readability! Can’t understand people who compare it to Hamilton! IWC watches are very well finished, you can see that every detail of the watch is nicely worked! Good job IWC, I don’t regret my purchase
I don’t understand people comparing it to a Hamilton either. It’s like people comparing a Seiko SKX to a Submariner.
Likewise, i have mine since last Nov.... feels like an occasion every time i wear it.
Muhammad Bulbulia totally agree
I've got the Mark XVI. People usually compare it to either a Stowa or Sinn 556. They are way off. People need to see the IWC in person.
I think people compare it to the Hamilton because they look similar, have silicon parts and after all they are both watches! Watch snobs do not like the comparison because of the price difference. Snobs like expensive stuff as it makes them feel special.
Walked in the ADs today to look at a Tudor for my wife, I accidentally slipped, fell and bought this exact model, that 39 mm case was what the Mark xvii needed, plus as you said, this even looks better, the fact that my family’s friend was involved in designing the original spitfire planes was the clincher for me.
Blah blah blah
Great review Adrian, am a bit obsessed with this one right now... 😬
You are the best in the game - keep it up brother, cheers.
Glad you mentioned the date wheel issue - cannot unsee which saves me some money. I love the IWC aesthetic and would look to buy one in an airport to save on the VAT. Date wheel needs to be inverted to make sense here I think!
A great watch, really well priced and awesome looks. Add in the history and it’s definitely one for the shortlist
Ive owned the IWC spitfire for a week its amazing im very happy with it worth every dollar i spent.
Looking forward to the video on the big pilot perpetual calendar!
the original spitfire (mk xv limited) with no date exemplifies the retro, esthetic vibe better imo. that watch was styled after the first pilots watch of iwc in the 30’s. unfortunately it didn’t come with an in house mvt. although late to the game, i’m glad iwc is finally putting more in house mvts in lower priced pieces. great video as always!
I have had one for about one month now. Mine is bronze with a green dial. I am tired of black dials although I admit that they are very legible. It can be hard to see the thin gold seconds hand. The accuracy is excellent - better than my much more expensive JLC. I like it.
this design is very simple, and the nylon strap is also suitable for outdoor wear,amazing
I didn’t pay much attention to IWC until watching your video. I’m now completely smitten by the Spitfire. Would love to own one someday.
Love seeing IWC get some screen time. How you feel about your Explorer is how I feel about my Spitfire Double Chrono. It’s always Rolex or Omega, etc...always reminds me of Ford or Chevy...completely forgetting Dodge. That’s IWC...they’re not for the masses, but those that choose Probus Scaffusia, are fanatical and loyal. Great review!
I have the Spitfire MK VXI that a bought new heavily discounted in 2009 as I was aware of the fact that the movement was a reworked ETA. Two months after the warranty expired the watch stopped working, I wrote a letter IWC and they told me to send it to them, the watch was fixed / serviced for free. The watch is good but not the best time keeper in my watch box, to put it politely when compared to my other pieces.
I perhaps will not buy it today at the current price point, I just picked up a Tudor GMT for less than the current MKXVlll and it absolute demolishes my Spitfire in time keeping and I am sure it will trump Mark 16 reviewed here.. A nice brand to have when you don't want the negativity of a Rolex or its flamboyance. I love it's simplicity and elegance! Nice review B & J.
Stunning piece you got there my friend, you get my attention 👍🏼👍🏼great price point, for this magnificent piece, Congrats on this beauty...
@Nigel Molesworth well my friend if you have money this is not issue great piece to have...
Great video, great watch. Just brilliant!
great video Adrian, really like your narration and visuals. as for the watch, it does look fabulous but at 4k I'd rather get a Tudor...
I have the bronze version and it is spectacular. It hasn't left my wrist since I received it about a month ago and the patina is coming along nicely, I can't wait to see how it ages. I do think the date window is a bit distracting as well, but I feel as if the white wheel with black numerals makes the missing '3' less notable (I would prefer it at 6 o'clock though). I picked mine up for $3,900 (it was one month used) and couldn't be more happy.
Keep the content coming Adrian! Lifts the spirit during Aussie lockdown... 😊
Great review, Adrian! I have to disagree on the date window... if you look at the position of the white date window versus the white numerals and look at the dial overall, I feel like the white date window gives a more balanced look to the dial than a black one would. In my mind, the alternatives for best looks here would be the white date window (which I love having a date on my watches) or to have the white "3" numeral there. I don't think the black date window would work as well.
I absolutely love this watch!
Love the Spitfire, thanks for the video!
Thanks for watching.
Hi Adrian. Awesome content as always. Would you pick this one over the Omega Railmaster?
Stunner! Next watch defo defo 👌
My favourite IWC second to the 3239 Ingenieur
They are simply nice watches to wear & own, you do find yourself looking at it from time to time and admiring the design, functionality & build quality I think I would have to spend a lot more on a watch to get the same satisfaction, it's nice to be the first owner but buy used and you get excellent value for money. The flagship store in Bomd St. London is worth a mention the people there are friendly, helpful, professional and present a positive brand image.
Understand the discussed price issue because of the off the shelf movements. But some of top high horology brands have done the same in the past and did a their job on these movements. The price is then obviously defined by the watch (case) making and not just the movement making. I own the portofino chronograph that has the valjoux 7750....and I must say that the finishing of the watch is excellent. Think IWC trumps with their finishing and their dials etc. At the end of the day... Obviously the inhouse 72PR movement for the same or similar money is even better. You could say now it's a bargain or a lot of bang für your buck like grand seiko. Before it was an upper end adequate price. Love the vids! Keep em coming... Respect!
It's a beautiful watch, it's very simple and yet complex at the same time. I like that there isn't a rotating bezel.
Thanks for the vid, Adrian. Will have to disagree about the date wheel colour though - I think it adds balance to to the dial (black might throw it off a bit). Now fussed if the lume was white or aged - it all depends on the design really - but it should be one or the other - looks quite odd. I’ve always thought the Pilot 36 was an underappreciated offering from IWC - equally at home as a dress or sporty type watch. Keep up the great content, hope you and your family stay safe
Subscribed and liked...buying an explorer mkii this week. Also have a couple IWC. Great channel we have very similar taste
This is my favorite IWC watch, it's beautiful....I'd love to own one. HATE the double dome sapphire though, why!? I'd swap that out for something different straight away.
Now's probably not the time to be dropping four grand on one though is it!? 😬
Very nice watch nice big hands a easy to read love it!!
I wish the specifications of this spitfire trickles down to future mark series watches. It’d be perfect.
Nice video! And I love and need a date on the watch :-)
Gooooooood loooooord!!!! I just loooove this watch!!!! Thank you Adrian love this video!!!!
I’m glad I’m not a lone. Thanks for watching buddy. 👍🏻
@@BarkandJack love your contents! Keep going 😉😁😁😁
Adrian, I, one hundred percent agree with you! If you have a black dial, use a black date wheel. For some reason, the while date wheel bothers me, but the Spitfire does look good, even better if it had a black date wheel.
Curvaceous. Well done
Hoping for a review of the Defy Classic Skeleton. That would be awesome :) ! Keep up the good work mate!
My god, the Defy is stunning.
I'm ok with the date window here. I think the white background helps balance the absence of a white numeral there. That said, I think if the watch was 37mm and the date window was a bit more lateral that would really make it perfect (for me)
Just was waiting until you mention about movment. Congratulates to IWC for in house movment,but for price to high though,any way watch looking good. Good video BaJ, thank you.
When will they provide new inhouse movement with sweep white second hand?
Think you summed it up perfectly Adrian though I still feel it's £500 more expensive for what it is at least.
Great review. I agree that full RRP is a bit steep but you can get good value on pre owned market . I’ve just secured a 2015 Mark XVII on bracelet from WF&Co for £2.5k which is great value imho
Thanks for the great review, and the links to the gear. What about a link to the watch?
nice watch, Adrian what is the connection between IWC and a Spitfire? I think i would buy Omega rail master for this price
I notice the minute hand jumped on yours when pulling out the crown, as on mine which also jumped when pushing the crown in thus making it a chore to set the time accurately. IWC told me that this is normal but at this price I wouldn't expect it to be.
I didn't know that iwc had created this particular in house movement. Nice. I like the placement of the date wheel. Slightly dissapointed that the screw crown yields less than 100 m water resistance.
That date window is a dealbreaker for me. I would definitely buy one if they just put a simple 3 on there.
Was hoping you'd mention the long lugs. The nato strap hides it but I do think they're longer than they need to be. The size is better, yes, but the extended lug length negates the more compact case size.
Nice looking watch and interesting package on paper. But from the previous comments I get the vibe that IWC have now definitely hit the end of the road in terms of price gauging (TBH - they probably already did this a while ago, when you consider their grey market and used prices)...
Watch is fabulous and l like it very much. Fantastic professional presentation. Unfortunately l cannot effort it.
the lug to lug is also 50mm? does it notably wear smaller compared to the Mark 18? ... was thinking of selling mmy Mark 18 and getting a Spitfire instead ,,, just because of the size ... worth it?
Your videos are so cool. So cool.
Hey Adrian, Love your Videos! What are your thoughts on the Tudor North flag ? Cheers Jakob!
What's the difference in the lug to lug measurement between the Spitfire and the XVIII? Thank you.
Thanks for the presentation Adrian. Do you have by any chance the specs on the L2L length on that piece? I wish they would loose the date window and make it 38 mm with a 46mm L2L, that would be a better proportioned watch.
I was originally looking to get one of these when they were first released. I emailed IWC and found out that the lug to lug measurement was 50mm. I tried one on and wanted to love it but these lugs were just too long for me. 38mm with 46 lug to lug I agree would be a better proportioned watch but 39mm with 47 lug to lug would have been excellent - and yes loose the date window.
Thanks. Is NATO the only strap option or is there leather available?
Is the leather strap on the mark xviii the mocha leather one on your site? It looks lighter. I want to put that on my spitfire
Date window, could it be the different type face used to the rest of the watch?
Completely agree on the date window. I wish this came without it.
Or placed at the 6 o'clock position!
Thanks for your review! Do they sell their straps in the US!
Anyone know if there is or there are plans for a steel bracelet, similar to the Mark series? I’d buy in a heartbeat...
Everything I like about this watch reminds me of the Explorer!
I’d prefer a no date version. I still think it’s too expensive even with an in house movement. A BB58 is nearly half the price, and delivers all the vintage goodness. You’re gonna have to really want a pilot/field watch to shell out on this.
for moment it is the best pilot/field watch. don't compare with stowa or other crap. this is watch for "one watch collection".
I agree and look forward to a cheaper alternative based on this watch but without the date. Hurry up Parnis.
“In house” movement at that.
Great assessment...
Fortis @ 1/5 the price
I just found out yesterday, that there is a 36mm version of this watch. Very fitting. Maybe there is an IWC for me after all.
Saw these in a boutique and finish is grade A!
What color is the NATO strap on the the spitfire?
Great channel!
Think it looks great. And has a great movement. Like the design. It's the date that is only thing that i think is wrong. It's up there with the Ingenieur wich is my favorite model from IWC.
Adrian, the date window is 'off' because it is too far in from the extreme 3 o'clock position. Got nothing to do with the background color. I suspect IWC was cost-cutting and just popped in a whatever old parts they had together, and couldn't be bothered anymore.
I like IWC, they are extraordinary watches, let's just hope that IWC returns to the Jeager LeCoultre calibers. ....
I do won’t why so many watches have date complications myself, I love my OP39 exactly because I don’t have to worry about setting date every time I put it on
Great review as always but wish you compared to your 36 mm explorer and the current rolex 39mm explorer. How does it fit on the wrist ...does it ware larger or smaller ?
We could have figure that out if he had mentioned the lug to lug measurement
Love the dial! But the second hand looks a little bit choppy, perhaps because of the 4Hz mvmt? IWC states the 32110 calibre is 28800 vph though, why it is 4Hz then?
When is the follow up video coming?
Great video. Cool watch, but at less than 40mm, it's a no go for me. I have to say, you've got me hooked on NATO straps.
Besides the color the font is another issue with the date number, having a cool font in the dial makes the standard font in the date pop even more
I had an option to pick a Tudor Black bay 58( Black) or an IWC Spitfire on Nato..... I came home with the IWC Spitfire. As much as I love the Black Bay 58, I didn't want to get another diver watch and pay full retail. I always wanted to add a good Pilot watch to my collection and this is it, specially when I got a 18% discount from an AD, it was an easy choice.
At the moment this is exactly my dilemma. BB58 Blue or IWC Spitfire. I have been leaning to the Spitfire because I already have divers and the Pilot is something different. Though I question the value, and I question the brand equity for such a piece. No rush though, but buying watches is so hard! 1st world problem of course
Hey Adrian. The question might be a bit out there but what is the one watch you would own if money was no object? Would be interesting to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
would be helpful if you mentioned the lug to lug :)
Can’t wait for a new “Mark” series haha
I think I would wait for Mark XVIIII with in house movement.
A watch that looks like a watch but it wasn't, it was a priceless piece likes a portrait painting from a famous artist.
Nice vídeo! Spitfire chronograph hands on in the future?!
Hello Adrian, regards from Spain. How would you compare this one against the Explorer I 39mm? I own the Rolex and I am considering the Spitfire for my next purchase.
Lovely looking watch.. Nice movement.. What I don't like is the 60 meter water resistant.. And the price I rather purchase a Seiko Sumo 3.. For 900 dollars SPB101J1..great review 👍