Since partnering with the BFI London Film Festival in 2014, IWC has released a number of special editions for the event.
Last year we had two limited edition Portugiesers; this year it’s a seriously good-looking IWC Pilot’s replica watch Chronograph Spitfire.
It’s a steel version of the 43mm replica watch with white numerals and hands bordered in navy blue, and 60 pieces are being released to mark the festival’s 60th anniversary.
The IWC Mens Replica dial has been somewhat stripped back – gone is the 9 o’clock counter that appeared on the original, and the day-date window at 3 o’clock is now just a date window.
It’s a clean, nicely balanced look. The many iterations of the Pilot collection mean that there’s a replica watch for just about everyone – if you want an IWC Big Pilot Chronograph, with 6-12 registers but without the three-day date window, then this is the one for you.
The thickly outlined numerals give an old school pilot’s replica watch appeal, and the hour markers are limited to 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, with the customary triangular marker at 12 o’clock.
Each one has a serial number on the caseback, along with the BFI’s logo and ‘Film Forever’ slogan. IWC is now supporting a Filmmaker Bursary Award to the tune of £50,000, to be given to an up and coming British writer or filmmaker who is premiering a film at this year’s festival.
Inside is the in-house automatic 89365 calibre with chronograph and flyback function, and a 68-hour power reserve. The Pilot’s replica watch Chronograph Spitfire comes on a deep blue alligator strap.