IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Blue Angels®” IW389008

Schaffhausen, 20 November 2019 – This year, IWC Schaffhausen became an official licensee of the “Blue Angels®” U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron. To mark this occasion, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer is presenting the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Blue Angels®” in a case made from polished black ceramic with a blue dial. The design, featuring an outer dial ring which shows only the minutes, is inspired by early military observer’s watches.

In 1946, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Chester W. Nimitz had a vision to create a flight demonstration squadron in the U.S. Navy. The “Blue Angels®” U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron is made up from 141 members of the Navy and Marines. In addition to spectacular solo performances, the aerobatic repertoire also involves maneuvers in the challenging delta formation of six F/A-18 Hornet jets. Every year, the “Blue Angels®” demonstrate their skills in front of approximately 11 million spectators.

SPECIAL EDITION COMMEMORATES THE BEGINNING OF THE LICENSE

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Blue Angels®” was designed in collaboration with members of the flight demonstration squadron. The sporty chronograph is housed in a case made from polished black zirconium oxide ceramic and features a blue dial. The display of the minutes on the outer ring and the hours on the inner ring of the dial is inspired by early military observer’s watches. The watch is worn on a blue calf leather strap. The crest of the “Blue Angels®” is engraved on the case back.

The IWC-manufactured calibre 89361, a precise and robust chronograph movement, shows the timed hours and minutes together on a subdial at 12 o’clock. The flyback function allows the stopwatch hands to be reset by simply pressing the reset push-button, making it possible to instantly start timing again. The automatic winding system builds up a power reserve of 68 hours. An inner cage made from soft iron protects the movement to prevent magnetic fields affecting its precision. The front glass features special protection to ensure it stays in place even if there is a sudden drop in pressure.

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Blue Angels®” will be available from November 2019 in IWC boutiques and from authorised retailers.

BLUE ANGELS

The Blue Angels are the United States Navy’s flight demonstration squadron. Initially formed in 1946, it is the second oldest aerobatic team in the world. Its mission is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. Hand-picked from the fleet, the team 141 members represent over 800,000 active, reserve and civilian Navy and Marine Corps personnel. Participating in air shows and flyovers, the Blue Angels perform for more than 11 million spectators each year.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN

In 1868, the American watchmaker and entrepreneur Florentine Ariosto Jones travelled from Boston to Switzerland and founded the ‘International Watch Company’ in Schaffhausen. His visionary dream was to combine advanced American manufacturing methods with the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers to make the best pocket watches of his time. In doing so, he not only laid the foundation for IWC’s unique engineering approach but also established the centralised production of mechanical watches in Switzerland.

Over its 150 year history, IWC Schaffhausen has developed a reputation for creating functional complications, especially chronographs and calendars, which are ingenious, robust, and easy for customers to use. A pioneer in the use of titanium and ceramics, IWC today specialises in highly engineered technical watch cases manufactured from advanced materials, such as titanium-aluminide and Ceratanium™. Preferring the principle of “form follows function” over decoration, the Swiss watch manufacturer’s timeless creations embody their owners’ dreams and ambitions as they journey through life.

IWC sources materials responsibly and takes action to minimise its impact on the environment, creating intrinsically sustainable timepieces that are built to last for generations. The company prides itself in training its own future watchmakers and engineers, as well as offering an excellent working environment for all employees. IWC also partners with organisations that work globally to support children and young people.