The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I hadn't really considered IWC before, but was nosing around and found the Spitfire Mark XVI. I'm curious about people's thoughts on the watch, as well as its UTC counterpart. It's hard to tell from stock photos, but I think the UTC might look a little better. Also, what's the movement? My understanding is the Mark XVI originally featured the ETA 2892-2A. Does that still hold, or are they using something else these days?

I think the UTC adds a little extra interest. WIthout it the watch doesn't grab me much

Hello,

the movement information is correct. I would not take the UTC, as the dial looks too fully packed. The standard automatic is a lot nicer. Although, I would rather go for the Portugieser (7day movement version)

BG
Thomas

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http://www.ellert.at

Ehh, nothing special IMO. How much would of these run?

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Breitling Navitimer 1461 jours silver dial with dark glazed cognac alligator strap

Very classy, very simple, very robust and meticulously finished.

The original Mark ## is a true classic pilots watch and is my favourite.

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$5300 on the bracelet and , I think, under 4 on the brown alligator. It's actually a pretty nice looking dial in the metal, but having had the chrono version ($4400 on strap), I can say it is nothing special IMO.

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SHARKMAN

I typically stay away from silver dial watches, much preferring black. But "silver" tpically means white or off white. It doesn't literally mean silver. In this case it does, which is what intrigues me. That, and the applied numerals and lume pattern, the simplicity of the dial, the reasonable size (which works for me) - all are in the plus category. Having said that, I can't tell if I think it's classically clean and simple, or boring. I haven't been able to round up any in-the-steel pictures. As with Breitling, there is one IWC AD in all of Oregon. I'll head over there one of these days, although who knows what they'll actually have in stock.

Have you looked at that one versus the chrono in person? The chrono dials are nicely cut and it is a day/date. But like most 7750 movements, and especially the IWC versions, it is LOUD.

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SHARKMAN

I haven't looked at any of them in person, what with only one IWC AD in the state, and me just having started considering the brand within the last few days. I haven't absolutely ruled out a chronograph, as occasionally one does catch my eye, but I'm leaning more toward a standard watch. After wearing chronos for the last several years, my wrist is starting to complain and wants something daintier.

Thanks Thomas. I'm still not clear, though: IWC isn't part of Swatch, so they can't get ETA ebauches anymore. What are they using for movements now? Assuming the guts are no longer made by ETA, how does what IWC is putting into their watches now compare to the ETA ebauches they were using?

If I remember correctly IWC doesn't actually modify the movements themselves, instead they tell swatch what they want and get the movement the way they want it from them.

As for the spitfire, I really like them. I also prefer black dials but something about that IWC always drew me to it. I got to see the utc model and the chrono in person and I liked the chrono better but that's just me. I also thought it looked a lot nicer on the brown strap as opposed to the bracelet, but I don't like bracelets.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

i think it looks pretty good. but im not a fan of the bracelet.

I just got this & I Am loving in it!

On July 9, I will add the Classic UTC from IWC.

These watches may be IWC entry watches but they are robust, elegant & classic they are simply "Engineered For Men"!
All kidding aside they are simply awesome! My grail is the Vintage Pilot Hand-Wound! Just Love It!!!


Cheers,

Enezdez

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IWC - Big Pilot 5002 - 01
IWC - Pilot Chrono 3717 - 04
Panerai - 183
Omega - Speedmaster 145.012 / 67
Rolex - Explore II (Black Dial) - 216570
Rolex - Explore I 114270
Blancpain FF 5015

Enezdez, how well do the endpieces of the bracelet fit with the lugs? I've seen some pictures where it looks like the lugs might stick out further than the endpieces. Here's a screen cap of a youtube video showing a Mark XV on bracelet, which shows what I'm talking about. Is it the same on a Mark XVI?

Well the bracelet fits snugly with no gaps between itself and the case. The lugs stick out ever so slightly when the watch is not on your wrist and you tug at the bracelet like in your picture. Hope that helps!

Cheers,

Enezdez

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IWC - Big Pilot 5002 - 01
IWC - Pilot Chrono 3717 - 04
Panerai - 183
Omega - Speedmaster 145.012 / 67
Rolex - Explore II (Black Dial) - 216570
Rolex - Explore I 114270
Blancpain FF 5015