IWC has a long and rich pedigree in pilot's watches, since the comeback of the collection with the Ref. 3711 and Ref. 3706 in the mid-1990s. Recently, the Schaffhausen-based brand has become an official licensee of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron "Blue Angels"… And here is the result of this collaboration, the new replica IWC Pilot Edition "Blue Angels" Watch Chronograph IW389008.
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, pays homage to the colors this historic group is known for and the design codes of early military observer's watches.
Sweeping over the face are two white, sword-style hands commonly found in IWC pilot collections replica. 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.
The Blue Angels Squadron
The "Blue Angels" is the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron. It was initially formed in 1946, making it the second oldest formal aerobatic team - after the French Patrouille de France (formed 1931). As other demonstration squadrons, its role is to perform aerial displays and to demonstrate U.S. Navy's skills throughout the United States, and "to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country".Case&Dial
The "Blue Angels" watch uses IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph replica 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, pays homage to the colors this historic group is known for and the design codes of early military observer's watches.
Sweeping over the face are two white, sword-style hands commonly found in IWC pilot collections replica. 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.
Caseback
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. This manufacture calibre runs at 28,800 vibrations/hour and boasts 68 hours of power reserve. The caseback of this IWC Edition Blue Angels Chronograph replica is plain steel, with a specific engraving as a testament to the licence.
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