2020 IWC Pilot’s Chronograph Spitfire 41mm IW387901

Here we have a 2020 IWC Pilot’s Chronograph Spitfire IW387901. Featuring a 41mm satin-brushed stainless steel case with a soft-iron inner case that protects the watch from magnetic fields, a subtle curve of the case leads to flowing chamfered tapered lugs, and a lug-to-lug length of 51.5mm with a case thickness of 15mm giving the watch an impressive wrist presence. On the right, we have the chronograph pushers, and in the centre, a screw-down, signed crown. The chamfered edges of the smooth bezel hold a convex AR-coated sapphire crystal on both sides. A matte black dial features a precisely executed outer minute track, with Arabic numerals and baton indexes marking the hours. Large Arabic numerals lie just underneath, coated in Super-LumiNova with the triangle and pips at 12 o’clock, a characteristic seen on many pilot timepieces. At 3 o’clock, a day/date window. The chronograph consists of a 30-minute register at 12 o’clock, a 60-second register at 6 o’clock, and a 12-hour register at 9 o’clock, each with a concentric circular pattern. Elegant sword hands coated in Old-Radium Super-LumiNova, complemented by a white tapered chronograph hand at 3 o’clock, and the IWC motif completes this military-inspired chronograph. On the reverse, a screw-down case back, with the polished Spitfire in the centre, inside an automatic IWC Cal. 69380, 33 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour, based on the ETA 7750 movement, modified by IWC to their specifications. It comes paired with two 20mm IWC straps (one new, one used) with a signed buckle, and the watch also includes its IWC presentation box and papers.

This watch is sold with its original IWC presentation box and original IWC paperwork. The watch was purchased in December 2020. It comes paired with two 20mm IWC straps (one new and one used) with a signed buckle. The watch is in worn condition, but overall it is in very fair condition, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

This is the iconic IWC Pilot’s Chronograph Spitfire, reference IW387901 in 41mm. For the money, these are definitely hard to beat if you are in the market for a mechanical chronograph, with serious history from a top Swiss brand. At 41mm, it wears great, but definitely on the slightly larger side, which is perfect for those with a bigger wrist or who enjoy bigger watches. I would not hesitate to book an appointment to try this one on for yourself, but be warned, you just may walk away with it on your wrist!

Reference : IW387901
Movement : Automatic IWC Cal. 69380
Age : December 2020
Year : 2020
Case Size : 41mm
Case Thickness : 15mm
Lug to Lug : 51.5mm
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

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 Armouries at Springfield and Harpers 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 watchmaking excellence. 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, a symbol of 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.