In LA for the week, received an email from IWC that Spitfires were now in boutiques, didn’t believe it, stopped by IWC in Beverly Hills, tried on the Chronograph just for fun and, with my wife’s prodding (she’s the best), walked out with it. Gorgeous. Just the right size. Also wanted to see the bronze Pilot’s watch but that comes in towards summer. Tried on a classic Big Pilot, looked at the price tag, put it away for another day.
Congratulations! I really like that they got rid of the red text that was present in the early prototype shots when it was first announced. Way better this way. Nice!
Congratulations on the watch and having found such a lovely wife! Wear it in excellent health! That watch is very much on my radar, but I have not had a chance yet to check it out. Whenever you have the time, could you please provide some additional photos and perhaps some words on how it compares to a your Speedy Pro in terms of comfort (case thickness might be an issue?), dial legibility, finish? Cheers, RP
Here are some additional side-by-side comparisons, as requested. It looks at first glance that the IWC is thicker than the Speedy, and it may very well be, but I think this is more of an optical illusion, as the Speedy has more "layers" or levels that stack up pretty identically to the IWC. The IWC definitely wears bigger, though. They both seem to weigh about the same, at least that's how it feels on my wrist. The IWC is more comfortable, marginally, but each has a different feel, as you'd expect with fabric vs. steel. As for legibility, I think that's advantage IWC - and it does so on a dial that's a millimeter smaller (41 v. 42). The numbers are bold, the hands are thicker, the seconds sub-hand it easier to see. Now, if you asked me which I'd pick if I had only one, the Speedy would have a big advantage in the "iconic" category. But that's not the only way to choose a watch and I don't have to choose only one. As it is, I'm delighted to have both in my box. But there is something about that IWC... Hope this helps.
Only in textile or leather strap, I think it looks good in both. See post below at WUS/IWC https://forums.watchuseek.com/f350/new-iwc-spitfire-range-stunning-4871917-7.html#post48919911
Not exactly an inspired video, but at least you can spend a long time looking at the dial and a nice wrist shot towards the end. The young chap also doesn't make much sense when he compares the Speedy Pro 1861 movement to the new IWC caliber. I would recommend switching off the sound and just looking at the watch
Thanks! From what I can see, this particular model is available on the IWC site; the other new watches in the Spitfire are not, yet.