On August 5th, IWC’s 1943 Supermarine Spitfire fighter plane embarked on a 43,000-kilometer journey (spanning over 30 countries), making it the longest circumnavigation ever achieved by the WWII platform. As you might surmise, an undertaking of such magnificent proportions relies on impeccable planning, especially in the realm of timekeeping. So, to ensure a successful mission, IWC has outfitted the Supermarine’s pilots with the Timezoner Spitfire Edition Watch — a limited-run example dubbed “The Longest Flight.”
“The Longest Flight” watch is more than a special edition timepiece that’s been crafted to accompany British pilots Boultbee Brooks and Matt Jones around the world, it’s also a testament to the manufacturer’s exceptional aeronautical craftsmanship. This 46-millimeter stainless steel watch bears a striking resemblance to the industry’s most nostalgic flight variants, encompassing a 24-hour display (with a world timer), a patented timezoner function, and anti-reflective convex sapphire glass that’s been reinforced to battle drops in air pressure. IWC’s renowned 82760 Calibre automatic movement sits at the center of it all, while a 22-millimeter utilitarian strap — dressed in military green — provides the perfect aesthetic underpinning. The Timezoner Spitfire Edition is limited to 250 examples and is available now via IWC’s website for around $13,715.
