IWC Pilot's Watch Timezoner Spitfire Edition "The Longest Flight"
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IWC Schaffhausen’s Silver Spitfire Touches Down In Hudson Yards
The horological flight heard round the world lands in New York City’s Hudson Yards.
By Josh Shanks
Contributor
Launched earlier this year, IWC's 'The Longest Flight' campaign sees two British pilots commandeer a fully restored 1943 spitfire around the world. The journey will see the plane traveling to 30 countries, and nearly 100 stopovers.
Can’t make it to the Singapore stop, or prefer to stay on dry land and avoid the refueling stop in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean? Don't worry, Watches of Switzerland and IWC have you covered. Starting now, you can visit New York City's Hudson Yards and get a unique look at the Spitfire collection, and even capture a #selfie with a real Spitfire engine!
The IWC Spitfire collection
Watchonista recently had the opportunity to visit this exciting new Spitfire themed pop-up. On display was nearly the entire range of new IWC Spitfire Pilot’s watches. Over the past year, Watchonista has extensively covered the novelties (HERE) and The Longest Flight (HERE). Despite being released nearly nine months ago, the buzz for IWC’s Spitfire collection is still quite strong.
The IWC Spitfire collection celebrating 'The Longest Flight' is an assortment of nine Pilot's models. The collection is comprised of three chronographs, three automatics (three-hand with date), a UTC timer, a world time (Timezoner), and a stunning Big Pilot’s Perpetual Calendar in bronze.
My favorite piece of the lot would have to be the Spitfire Automatic. Starting at just $4,350, it's also the most affordable Spitfire in the collection. It's refreshing that IWC is offering bronze as a case material in four out of the nine pieces in the Spitfire collection. Patina is certainly in fashion at the moment, and what a better way to celebrate vintage aviation than with a watch that can resemble a cockpit instrument after a long battle.
At Watches of Switzerland Hudson Yards, visitors can take the Spitfire collection for a test flight. The watches display prominently in the front entrance to the boutique and a special display facing the now iconic 'Vessel' will invite even casual observers to take flight!
Horsepower on display
If the watches weren’t enough, Watches of Switzerland and IWC have something for the gearheads. Taking center stage in the main entrance is a fully restored Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. The mighty V12 engine is the same workhorse that powered the Spitfire during World War II. Nestled alongside IWC’s novelties, this 27-liter 1,700hp Supercharged engine makes for an impressive side-attraction.
What to expect
You can’t miss it! Upon entering Watches of Switzerland Hudson Yards, visitors are greeted with the massive Spitfire engine and an assortment of the best Pilot’s watches on offer. It’s not just Spitfire novelties either! Watches of Switzerland also carries a full collection of IWC timepieces.
So what are you waiting for? Head to Hudson Yards and Watches of Switzerland’s boutique to take flight! Don't delay, the IWC Spitfire showcase will be on display only until October 8th.
(Photography by Liam O'Donnell)
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