Why this is the only IWC I Love
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- Опубликовано: 6 июл 2024
- I’ve really struggled to like any IWC watches over the years. They were always too big for my wrist and the designs I found too plain to keep me engaged. But when the Spitfire auto was released a couple years ago, it started to grow on me, and once I finally got my hands on one, I think I’ve finally found the military inspired watch to add to my collection.
Join the conversation at WatchCrunch: www.watchcrunch.com/Max/posts/what-s-your-favorite-military-watch-1074
You can't find this model(even on Ebay), even if you have money. SMITHS MILITARY PRS-29AM (white dial)
Sell it and get the IWC.
Life is too short.
Got the black dial IWC Mark XX last saturday. I am very impressed and i love it. It's a keeper. It sits nicely in my collection next to my Omega's Tudor's Rolex's and Grand Seiko. Terrific watch
Good review I've had my IWC spitfire 326803 for nearly a year. I still look at mine and it blows me away congrats on you're IWC.
Brother, you nailed this review! I couldn’t agree more with all your points concerning the layout of the Spitfire, it’s a stunner!
I have already owned it for over 2 years! I really love the military watch, and the 39mm size just perfect for my not big wrist!
Thank you for your informative review!
I own the big pilot and it is by far the highlight of my collection! Great video, thank you!
Thanks Stuart! IWC is impressive in the metal 👍
I love military watches too and this is my fave! I’m glad to see you covering it
Thanks, it's still great after 6 months ownership
Happy new year ! Always a pleasure to heard of you and see one of your videos 😊 take care and stay safe !
Thanks Thomas, happy New Year to you as well 😁👍
What an stunning watch, congratulations. Nice to see those beautiful scratches, keep enjoying your watches and we’ll keep enjoying your videos
Thanks Amjed, appreciate you 😊
I bought a very similar 40mm blue dial Le Petit Prince version on their most excellent bracelet. It’s in my opinion an outstanding watch. Absolutely one of my favorites and a keeper no doubt.
That sounds perfect with the blue dial 😍
Love the design of the IWC Aviation Watches and this 39mm model was on my list for some time, but I am glad that I didn’t bought one. I found a 1940s Omega 2292 HS8 watch in decent enough condition in the city I live in and bought it immediately… The Omega 2292 is definitely my favorite pilots watch!
Thanks for the great content!
Happy 2022! It is the kind of watch that needs to be held and lived with for a bit in order to appreciate.
Exactly, after a week, I was smitten😁
I’ve had mine for about 8 months. Love it. My every day go-to. I have a family link to spitfires and it just works in every way.
Love how thin it is, gotta find a mark bracelet for it👌
I picked the 40MM Montblanc 1858 Automatic in Blue with Navy Blue Compass bezel featuring lume on the dial and the bezel. Comes with an amazing navy/black leather band from their leather source in Italy. Nice watch. I am enjoying it.
Absolutely love my mkXVIII le petit prince. Glad you like the spitfire.
really like this piece, so nice .
It's lovely 😍
Great review and great work on the channel.
I really enjoy your channel. I’m not trying to sound snooty - but a lot of watch videos annoy me. Yours are really well done. Cheers my man.
I've owned the spitfire bronze chrono. Was a great piece and the decision was either this one or the chrono. They're both excellent field watches for sure!
Awesome dude, that Chrono is the sex 😍
Thanks so much for the heartfelt, informative review. Although I recently got the Mark XVIII Heritage, I feel my decision might have been a bit too hasty. I was on the fence about the Spitfire because of the lume at only 3, 6, 9 and 12 positions. I knew, of course, it is not a cost-cutting measure, but there must be a good explanation for it. Now, after your explanation, I actually applaud IWC for sticking with the original lume positions of the radium lume on the Mark XI. Not a choice to be taken lightly. It risks a loss of sales due to guys who do want a better lume coverage. Like me, before I learned the reason! I did try the Spitfire before I got the Mark XVIII Heritage. I was surprised at the difference 1mm could make. I realized the lugs are much thicker on the Mark XVIII, which accounts for much of the larger wrist presence. And I do like the more sparse use of the faux patina on the Sptifire. I may well consider selling my Mark XVIII and getting the Spitfire. Thanks again for the great review!
Yeah that lil detail really sold me on the spitfire 👍. Glad I can help clarify
I just bought a IWC spitfire Bronze 39mm , I like it a lot ,especially the green dial.
Thanks for the review. I’ve been thinking about getting the Spitfire, thus the reason for watching. Glad you gave the lug to lug as I wasn’t seeing that on IWC’s website.
Yeah the lugs are not short 😁
I have the bronze version of this. It's so comfortable and under the radar, it's incredible. It's also more instantly readable than any other watch I have.
I bet it looks super cool when that bronze ages!
Great review here, Max! You showed me something in this video that I could never seem to quite put my finger on... I have always wondered why I preferred the IWC type A flieger design to anything from Laco or Stowa and could never figure it out. Now with this video, you helped understand the subtle tweaks and magic IWC worked with the asthetics and symmetry of this watch to make it different and just better balanced and less sparse. This helps me justify in my mind why I would want the IWC over the Germans and have a real explanation.
Thanks Marc, glad you appreciate my analysis!
Great review! I really enjoyed hearing about the aspects of dial design that make this a keeper watch for you. I've tried this watch on many times and agree it is close to perfect. I'm less a fan of the faux patina however so I've so far held off on pulling the trigger (though I get your point that it adds colour to the dial). I can't wait to see what new watches IWC has in store this year - in-house 39 mm Mark 19 perhaps??
I'm with you, until I saw the picture of the mark 11 and realized it's not just a design thing. Can't wait to see what iwc is coming up next👍
I thoroughly enjoy your videos so much such that each time you introduced your pieces, I am so hyped to go out and buy them! In fact, I already got two of the models you introed! Very dangerous LOL😅😅
Haha, I'm an enabler 😉. Cheers 🍻
Stunning watch. I have the classic white dial Mark XVIII.
My next one will be the 41mm Chronograph of the Spitfire lineup 👍
That Chrono is very sexy too 👍
please do a watch collection video, we can tell you have very talented taste and it would be fun to see everything youv collected all together!
Coming soon 😉
Max, thank you for making this video. It really helps folks like me who are still sitting on the fence. I think my watch buying journey has been leading me in similar directions to yours. I own two military heritage watches right now and am still interested in others. Now that you have owned Spitfire for a while what do you think of the long lug to lug and how it sits on your wrist. My wrist circumference is not much bigger than yours (at 7inches). Are there any other issues that have surfaced and stand out over the time you’ve become acquainted with the watch? I’m wondering if this model has been out long enough where a refresh by IWC might be imminent. Do you have any opinion on that latter point?
I have the mark 18, it's design is timeless and imo it's perfect.
Very classic 👌
Happy New Year Max. Thanks for showcasing this Spitfire. I really never paid too much attention to IWC because of the size. I thought one had to be the Tom Brady size to pull these off. So I was surprised to see this at 39mm. I'm now interested. Cheers.
Happy New Year! Glad I can share my experience discovering a new brand I love 👌😁
You’ve convinced me I need one of these
You won't be disappointed 😉
Hopefully 2022 is a good year for you channel and you get the views you deserve
Cheers Jac, happy NY 🥂👍😁
What a great channel! You got a fellow watch geek subscribing from Vancouver, BC. Great production and presentation, very enjoyable. Interesting to know about this IWC, absolutely perfect looking pilot watch, thanks! I will never buy it new in my right mind though with this pricetag and losing too much value the minute you walk out of the AD, and the brand name is just incomparable to Rolex or Omega which sell in similar price ranges. Always surprised to meet IWC fans but to each their own, whatever makes you happy! Again, thanks and genuinely enjoyed the video, on to the next one. Keep up the good work!
"Slow release Charm". Perfect!
Thanks for sharing! I LOVE IWC with its simplicity and great movement. However, I need to stack up the dineros $$ to get one and, too often, I have other "better" watches that need my attention, namely the Mühle-Glashütte MroMare Go 😍
Hope you have continued success in 2022 🙂👍🏼
Thank you for the video your watch looks amazing I want one 👍🏼👊🏼
Thanks Aldo! You should get one, won't be disappointed 👍
Great offering and review Max!
Cheers and happy New Year 🥂👍
@@WatchCrunchOfficial Likewise, Happy New year!🥂
💯 IWC are under-loved. Fantastic video!
Thanks, I'm just getting my feet wet with IWC 👌
Thoughtful analysis - this watch speaks to me on a balance and simplicity level that you articulated so well ! On the list for 2022!
Absolutely! It's that clean balanced kinda beauty
Thx for the great review what size is your wrist?
Just tried it on with the Nato and it surprised me how impressive it looks and feels on wrist.
Love IWC and your video was a pleasure to watch. I recently bought a mark XVI as my daily watch and have been thinking about a spitfire as a more modern replacement 🤨🤯
IWC has such classic designs, but the spitfire really has the flare I needed 👍
Nice watch and great review. It would be nice if you could include the model number, and link to strap, of the watches you review.
It’s a gorgeous model. It reminds me a lot to the Hamilton Khaki field, although this is a pilot. Keep up the good work.
Great review
My favorite iwc is fliegerchronograph , as well as the ingenieur model.
Just got the new Spitfire Chrono! IWC is doing some great things over there
That's a sexy watch dude, their design for the Spitfire line is on point!
I’m the owner of a Mark XV from 2000. A bit smaller at 38mm and with stick hands which are more true to the original Dirty Dozen watches. I kind of like the sword hands but that’s more of a German (Luftwaffe) thing in my opinion. Then again, IWC provided both sides in WW2 as far as I know...
It has become my everyday watch - a true keeper for sure. I recognize everything you mention about the subtle details growing on you, a watch you just come to appreciate more and more. It’s under the radar but reveals it’s true quality through your ownership.
The only watch I would consider switching it for is the IWC Mark XII, the direct successor to the legendary Mark XI but with a date and - most of all - an automatic Jaeger Lecoultre movement.
IWC’s pilot watches are truly stunning😊👍
Totally agree, I learned so much researching this video and gained a world of respect for IWC as a brand 👍
My all time favorite is the Mark XV with stainless steel bracelet.
My favorite detail on the Spitfire that I don't find on many watches is that the second and minute markers are the same length.
Cool! Very interesting detail 👍
Howdy, I stumbled into your channel. Good review. I love pilot watches too. Try the Omega MK40, ref 3520.53.
Nice review. Some of my favorite military watches weren't official military issue. But, were favorite personally acquired watches for use during the Vietnam War And, the 3 off the top of my head are the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf, Glycine Airman, and Seiko 6105, aka the "Capt. Willard". All were favorite watches used by US Military Servicemen and purchased through the PX (Postal Exchange).
I currently own 2 modern versions of these 3 watches, an Zodiac and Glycine. But, not in their traditional colors as they were during the 70s as I prefer to get something outside the norm. But, still celebrates their individual original designs. I hope to add a modern "Capt Willard" some day to the collection.
Yes the turtle and Willard are such cool watches👍😁
Great review Max, I love the looks and the style, just as you do. I just wonder how precise does the movement run in your piece?
It's been pretty good, I don't usually count sec/day but it's not bothered me when I wear it 3 days in a row
Yet another great video. Tough to beat IWC for their pilot watches.
Thanks Barry, I'm hooked 😁👍
The size of the spitfire is basically perfect, I purchased the mark xviii which I love and has replaced lots of my other watches, so simple but I do wish it had the spitfire sizing. Great video!
Would you chose the Mark 18 over the Spitfire again? I can not make a choise !
I've got a mark 18,it felt a little big on my wrist at first but once I got used to it I found its the perfect size and watch.
@@coffeeboyclips1973 My wrist is 17 cm ( 6.69 inch) : Will it fit regarding the lug to lug? What is your wrist size?
@@kaakie1 my wrist is 6.5inches, yeah it will be fine on your wrist, best to try it on.
Hey! Where did you get the strap? Is it an original IWC one? I love it! 😍
I had a co-worker rocking an IWC Aquatimer. Never heard of them before and when he handed it to me it almost took me off balance at how immediately apparent the superb quality was. A great option for people who are "in-the-know" on great, less popular, watches.
Seriously dude, it oozes quality, even in this well worn example👍
Ummm IWC are very popular, have been for decades. They have been making watches for 154 years. They sponsor a formula one team. There is a world beyond instagram, just because you haven't heard of them doesn't mean it's not extremely well known. It's actually ranked 9th most recognized watch brand in the world.
@@bdegrds so what you're saying is that it's less popular than 8 other watch brands?
@@degenerateWA out of more than 300 watch brands, 9th is extremely famous actually
@@ThePianoTester IWC is a great brand. There is no denying that. IWC is a less popular watch brand. There is also no denying that. Not really a debate on how much less; it is simply a fact that it is indeed less. IMO a pointless debate that the above commenter wanted to bring up
Love your reviews man! Really like this watch…but…is it just me or does the date wheel seem misplaced to the left by maybe 0.5mm? Not as bad as the Mark Xiii.
Cute dial and a blogegr,
I bought Rolex only before.
Being a spifire owner for 1 year.
IWC is my first choose for daily .
this. this is my favorite military watch
Such a darling 🤩
Love this video, Max! IWC is one of my favorite brands and I think it is very underrated by the watch community.
Please, make a video about Cartier Santos. My favorite is Santos 100 2878 (mid size) for small wrists.
Good call! I have a friend with a Santos, I'll look into it👌
Very nice... thanks
The piece Is almost perfect ... without date is possible to be a perfect piece
Yeah I don't like the date either 😅
Hi there! Thank you for the video. What strap do you have on this spitfire? It looks awesome with the deployment clasp.
Thanks! It's from strapcode
would love to see this IWC spitfire without a date-window at 3... then I will buy this in a blink !
Late to the party Max but that looks great on your wrist, it's a style of watch that leaves me a bit cold sometimes but this is wonderful.
Yeah it's not a complex design Morgan, but it's just so well executed. I didn't love it until I held it in my hand 🤩
Picked up the Mark XVI and I'm in love
Similar size to your watch... beautiful quirky dial
Love it
Awesome! Those older ones are gems 👌
@@WatchCrunchOfficial agreed. It's a good idea to always look back in a collection. No matter what brand
I simply adore the bracelet on the new pilots series, and am growingly enamored w pilots watches' layout. Here's the thing...ive come to the realization that what I'm looking for is Rolex or Seiko style raised numerals BUUUUUT w an outline of steel or gold around the numerals (explorer, Glasshutte seaQ,etc) which is why I've landed on the new Longines Zulu as my current grail for this purpose. Hopefully my next watch, it just ticks aaaaalllll them boxes for me. Also I think IWC could totally knock it out of the park revamping the Ingeneur,adding another datejust or aqua terra alternative😊
Can you get it without the 5 horizontal stars.
Is that the spitfire original straps or not? Could you please give us information about the straps...
Beautiful watch! I have an IWC Spitfire too.
Where did you buy this buckle?
It's from strapcode 👍
A great video, thanks!
Thanks 😊👍
Congrats my friend this is perfect watch for sure and my favorite IWC too. Really love all in this piece, just lugs too long I think, but on leather nato should be great too 👌 I tried on new green IWC chrono 41 and really was impressed how is cool watch, but spitfire still my favorite 👍😎
Thanks my dude! Your experience with watches is amazing to me, thanks for the suggestion, I'll have to check out the Chrono 👍. Happy New Year!
My favorite sub 40 iwc pilot military watch. I can't justify it though because i already have the most under-rated field watch, the Tudor Heritage Ranger.
It’s really a classic❤
Just picked up the bronze spitfire wow!
Wow, congrats 👏👏
Pls could you tell me where I can find this canvas strap?
Hey Max, nice video! have you ever tried IWC Mark XV? .Personally for me, the hands introduced after Mark15 was not appealing that much. I would not say bad or anything negative, but I found the Mark XI 's and Mark XII 's charm still embedded in Mark XV. I got one from Crown and Caliber in a good condition. It is almost 19-20 years old, but looks great and has become a beater/keeper for me..I was seeking an Explorer 36 for long , but I guess my search has ended here. Cheers !!
Yes those hands are definitely more accurate historically! I've yet to see one in person, I hope to soon👍
Fantastic review. I will get one. I already have 3 IWC Pilots. The 39mm spitfire is on my list.. I went to a recent watch convention here is San Francisco where i live and there ia German company, Laco which makes the original German pilot watches. I tried on the 55mm Type A and B watches. Amazing. How about doing a review on Laco? Thanks.
Is that watch strap from IWC or? Is there a reference for it? Thanks!
its one of my favorite watch I own. Where did you get the strap from?
It's from strapcode 👍
"72 hours of juice" haha love it!
Still have this one?
I’m seriously looking at the Mark XX. I go back and forth o. The black and green dial but for me I think the only green watch that sings to me is the Rolex Sub
I can’t stop thinking about the Spitfire since trying it on at an AD. This is the only 39mm case I know of in the IWC pilot lineup and sits in the sweet spot between 36mm and 40mm, the standard sizes of their smaller pilots.
I’ve discussed this watch with other watch fans and I’ve heard complaints about the fauxtina, long lugs, the non-color-matched-3oclock date window, the “boring design,” and the premium over Stowa or Sinn not being worth it. After handling the watch, all of those concerns are answered, but the retail price is $700-$1,000 too high, IMO.
I hope people give this watch a chance and stop getting hung up on parts like the date window. You’re right that it adds visual weight that would be lost if it were color matched. This is just another example of how this watch as a whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts.
Very well said my guy! I pulled the trigger because I got it used at a good price and it really surprised me as you said, all the niggles went away when I had it in hand 👌
I purchased new from an AD that was
Going out of business, $3350 out the door almost two years ago. In love with it and it’s a strap monster
Idk what about it but it’s a piece you will get attached to and make memories with. I’d say it is a slow burn, like a 36mm explorer may be
@@zachscheel3784 That’s a great deal! I’m glad to hear you say how it grows on you because this watch is most likely in my future. Definitely much more easy to appreciate in-person than in photos or videos, and that has been a common trait among all of my favorite watches. Anyway, I’m glad you enjoy it and hope you make many more great memories with it!
They are pilot watches but they are also refined timeless classics. Just like a barbour international jacket from the 1960s.
There are some styles that never age but do have a classic touch to them. Same with Porsche 911.
Great review! How is the rotor noise on this?
I haven't noticed it much
I was pleasantly surprised when I tried this on at an AD 2 years ago. I love the legibility and historical significant of Flieger's (especially from an original manufacturer), and the Spitfire has both PLUS an elegance to it that a Laco doesn't. However, my hesitation was the price. There seems to be a good amount you're paying for the IWC name. Maybe if I found one on the second hand market like you did...
I agree. It’s an amazing watch, and does surprise and delight in-person, but there is definitely an IWC premium. Ballpark, $3,750 (BB58 money) is the most I’d pay.
@@typebflieger iwc is not even in the same ball park ad tudor....
I think IWC is being a bit cute as I have a 2005 Mk XV derivative called in the IWC catalogue as a Spitfire with an IWC number i.e. IW3253-II Pilot's Watch Mark XV Spitfire Stainless Steel. Mind you I bought mine New,Old stock from Farren-Price in Adelaide in 2014 and it needed fair amount of new parts to bring it up to chronometer standard. Everybody notices it as it has a quite presence on my wrist. Enjoy your watch they tell a tale, always.
Perfect comments! The watch is beautiful but Stowa was the pioneer
The new Mark xx is stunning.
Check my latest vid 😉
My favourite bremont alt 1b
I love all watches by iwc there just perfect wow
Nice simple look👍 in Aviation I think only Breitling and IWC are best. Personally though I like the IWC chronograph... Simply because they have all the day and date complete. Breitling should learn a thing or two from IWC. Even with day and date, their chronograph watches design still look cool.
Own a Mark XII unfortunately not the blue platinum one but also very happy with the steel version
Such a classic 👌
Is your band also from IWC? Love the color.
Love it.
Thanks 😊👍
They are ok...I almost bought one a year ago!👍
Nice watch for an IWC
From afar have always liked the IWC Pilot, in particular this smaller variant, but go big or go home as they say. The Big Pilot, esp the Top Gun Ceramic has always been on my list. What's that a review I hear? hahaha! Happy 2022 All!
Yeah I'm working up to the big pilot dude 😎. I feel it's in my future
So is the Mark line over? It seems to have been replaced by the Spitfire line.
I think you are right? 🤔