2001 IWC Mark XV Spitfire Limited Edition 38mm IW3253-05
Ref: IW3253-05
Points of Mention
This watch is sold with its original IWC inner box and paperwork, the larger outer box is no longer present. It comes paired with its 19mm IWC leather strap and signed pin buckle. The watch is from Circa 1999 and is sold in worn condition, with a few signs of wear, but overall, it is very well looked after, as you can see. A full case and buckle refurb can be provided on request at an additional cost. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Pmur7ftdTdI86U4UM9doGt4Tvvn5MP86?usp=drive_link
4K YouTube video, skip to 21:18 - https://youtu.be/wx86ZfP2KZo
The Watch
Here we have a 2001 IWC Mark XV Spitfire IW3253-05, Limited Edition 099/1000 pieces, paying tribute to the heroes of the “Battle of Britain”, the classic Mark XV was produced from 1999 until 2005, and the Mark X line of watches can trace its heritage back to 1944 when it was issued to the military. The 38mm satin brushed stainless steel case curves over your wrist with a lug-to-lug length of 47mm and a case thickness of 10mm, ensuring a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side, we have a signed "fish'' crown, used by IWC from the 1950s up to the 2000s; the Richmont Group in 2016 tried to register the fish logo but was refused by the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property as they felt it was too close to the Christian Ichthys symbol, Richmont appealed the decision, and it was overturned in 2018, and so the "fish'' logo will be seen going forward. The smooth bezel holds a slightly domed sapphire crystal AR coated above a matte black dial, and an outer minute track is precisely executed with lumed Arabic numeral indices marking the hours; Cathedral hands filled in lume are complemented by a teardrop counterweighted sweeping white-tipped second hand. Printed at 12 o’clock, we have the IWC motif, and at 6 o’clock, "Spitfire" completes this vintage-inspired pilot watch. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with the embossed Spitfire into it, inside an automatic IWC Calibre 37524, which has a base of the ETA 2892-A2, 21 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour; the movement is heavily modified by IWC. It comes paired with its 19mm IWC leather strap and signed pin buckle. This watch is sold with its original IWC inner box and paperwork.
Personal Note
I am very excited to bring this rare IWC Mark XV to the website for sale, one you do not see often and the first I have to sell. This is the reference IW3253-05 Spitfire, limited to 1,000 watches total and was made to pay tribute to the heroes of the “Battle of Britain”. The watch features a wonderful hour hand, bold luminous numerals with 'Spitfire' proudly stated at 6 o'clock, plus a wonderful engraving of a Spitfire on the case back. I would not hesitate to add this amazing watch to your collection today whilst you can, as who knows when the next one will pass through my hands!
Lugs : 19mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : Inner box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The Brand
In 1867, a passionate visionary named Florentine embarked on a quest to revolutionise the art of watchmaking in Europe by applying for a passport. Fueled by the ambition to craft timepieces using the innovative American system of watchmaking, he drew inspiration from the renowned Federal Armories at Springfield and Harper's Ferry. This meticulous system was designed for armaments requiring precision-engineered interchangeable parts—an ideal match for the world of horology. As a true pioneer, Florentine was instrumental in introducing this groundbreaking approach to the Swiss watchmaking industry. By 1868, Florentine had arrived in the picturesque town of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, where he teamed up with Charles Kidder. Together, they founded a company originally named F. A. Jones & Co. This name would evolve into the iconic IWC International Watch Company, a brand that would come to symbolise excellence in watchmaking. In 1876, after years of dedication, Florentine returned to the United States, where he eventually retired, leaving behind a legacy that lasted until his passing in 1916. The year 1885 marked a significant milestone for IWC with the launch of the first pocket watches featuring a revolutionary digital hours and minutes display known as the Pallweber system. As time progressed, the company continued to break new ground, producing one of the first ladies' wristwatches in 1899, showcasing IWC's commitment to innovation and inclusivity in horological design. In 1905, Ernst Jakob Homberger took over IWC's management on behalf of Rauschenbach's heirs, eventually becoming the sole owner after acquiring C.G. Jung's holdings in 1929. The following years saw remarkable advancements, such as the introduction of IWC's first pilot's watch in 1936, which featured a clever rotating bezel and indicator to log take-off times. The iconic Portuguese watch was designed in 1939, followed closely by the creation of the Big Pilot 52T SC, which catered to a growing demand for larger timepieces with a central second hand. During the tumultuous times of World War II, IWC introduced its first W.W.W. military watch in 1944, specifically crafted for the British military. Four years later, the Pilot's Watch Mark 11 was designed, incorporating an iron cage to protect against magnetic fields. A pivotal moment came in 1950 when Albert Pellaton unveiled the Calibre 85, IWC's first automatic movement featuring an innovative patented pawl-winding system. In 1955, Hans Ernst Homberger became the last private owner of IWC, continuing the legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. The late 1960s brought new challenges with the quartz crisis; however, IWC managed to adapt and evolve. In 1967, they launched the Aquatimer dive watch, and in collaboration with other Swiss brands, they participated in the development of the Beta 21 quartz movement in 1969. The renowned watch designer Gerald Genta made his mark in 1976 with the creation of the iconic Ingenieur, symbolising elegance and engineering prowess. A significant shift occurred in 1978 when German instrument manufacturer VDO Adolf Schindling AG acquired IWC, marking a new era for the brand. During this time, F. A. Porsche designed a groundbreaking chronograph, recognised as the world's first timepiece encased in titanium, a material primarily used in the aviation industry. The spirit of innovation that Florentine nurtured throughout his life continues to resonate in modern IWC watches. In 1990, the company unveiled a horological masterpiece: the Grand Complication, featuring a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and moon phase indicator—a true testament to IWC's craftsmanship. At the prestigious Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva in 2000, IWC dazzled attendees with the introduction of the Big Pilot's Watch. The watch showcased an exceptional automatic 7-day movement that earned accolades from watch enthusiasts and collectors alike. Since then, IWC has become an esteemed member of the Richemont Group, a collective of luxury brands. In 2017, IWC unveiled its groundbreaking invention, “Ceratanium®,” a unique blend of titanium and ceramic alloy meticulously engineered over five years of research and development. This remarkable material combines the lightweight nature of titanium with the strength and scratch resistance of ceramic, yielding a sleek, stealthy black finish that has since become iconic. Today, IWC continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking, consistently innovating and expanding the horizons of horological artistry while honouring its rich heritage.