Last week, famed pilot watch manufacturer IWC unveiled its latest release, the new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Blue Angels.” The blue-clad model is a special edition of the Schaffhausen-based brand’s Pilot’s Watch Chronograph series, released in partnership with the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels.
The Blue Angels are the United States Navy’s flight demonstration squadron. The group was formed in 1946 — making it the second oldest aerobatic team in the world — and since its creation has showcased countless flight demonstrations and undertaken innumerable community outreach projects. As part of the 141-member team’s work, they participate in air shows and flyovers across the United States, performing for more than eleven million spectators each year. The group is likely best known for they flyovers at major sporting events, such as Super Bowl 50 in 2016, which have inspired awe and excitement for generations of Americans.
The “Blue Angels” watch uses IWC’s Pilot’s Watch Chronograph design with a few unique changes. Foremost, the piece uses a 44.5-mm, polished black zirconium oxide ceramic case, differing from the steel commonly used in other Pilot Chronographs — though the new model still uses brushed steel for the chronograph pushers and crown. The dial of the watch is executed in a sunray blue — complemented by the matching calf leather strap securing the watch to the wrist— and accented with outer white and inner yellow minute/hour rings. The brand has stated that these aspects are influenced by “early military observer’s watches,” which is a reference to the wartime-era German B-Uhren watches that still exert heavy influence on IWC’s pilot watch designs, today.
Sweeping over the face are two white, sword-style hands commonly found in IWC’s pilot’s collections. An integrated subdial toward the 12 o-clock position tracks both the chronograph minutes and hours, while the running seconds are displayed on another subdial near 6 o’clock. Inside the new model, behind a specially engraved caseback, is the IWC-manufactured Caliber 89361, an automatic movement that stores a 68-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The new “Blue Angels” watch is the first model released since IWC announced its extended eight-year warranty program, which you can learn more about, here. The special edition will be retailed by the brand at a price of $10,900; it is available at IWC boutiques and authorized dealers across the U.S.A. as of this month.
