The Blue Angels are a flight demonstration squadron part of the U.S. Navy and the second oldest in the world after the Patrouille de France. Composed of six F/A-18 Super Hornets, the Blue Angels are as legendary as it gets when it comes to flying squadrons and their blue and yellow color combo is unmistakable. To celebrate this squadron, IWC released the Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition 'Blue Angels' reference IW389109 in a limited edition of 500 pieces per year bearing the Blue Angels yellow and white crest on its dial.
The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition ‘Blue Angels’ is the third timepiece to emerge from this collaboration between IWC and the flying squadron —the picture below was captured by us during the 2012 Chicago Air & Water Show.
Equipped with a blue ceramic case in the exact same hue of blue as the F/A-18 Super Hornet flown by the Blue Angels, the IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition 'Blue Angels' is as eye-catching as it is strikingly good looking. The watch is directly Inspired by the military-exclusive watch developed with Blue Angels members in Pensacola.
Things to Know About the Watch
The blue matte ceramic case is exquisitely finished measuring 44.5 mm in diameter and 15.7 mm in thickness. The watch is features a matte grainy finishes blue dial matching the case with white Arabic numerals and the Blue Angels logo at 6 o’clock. To make things even more interesting, the Day/Date indicator at 3 o’clock features a yellow font and both the running seconds hand as well as the chronograph seconds hand are in yellow matching the hue of the Blue Angels.
The ceramic case is the result of mixing zirconium oxide with other metallic oxides and the pushers and screw-down crown are made of Ceratanium —IWC’s special alloy that combines the lightness and robustness of titanium with the hardness and scratch-resistance of ceramic. The chrono pushers feature a bright yellow ring matching the other yellow accents on the watch.
The Movement
Turning the IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition 'Blue Angels' reveals a solid case back in grade 5 titanium with a soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields. The case back features a special engraving with ‘Blue Angels’ in the characteristic font utilized by the flying squadron. The watch is water resistant to 60 meters and is powered by the IWC in-house calibre 69380. This automatic movement composed of 231 components is equipped with 33 jewels and finished with Côtes de Genève and perlage. The movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph to provide a power reserve of 46 hours when fully wound.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition 'Blue Angels' wears slightly smaller than its actual size and very close to its 41 mm Spitfire and other Pilot’s Chrono counterparts. This watch is produced in a limited edition of 500 pieces per year and delivered on a blue rubber strap with textile inlay secured by a folding claps in titanium.
Even though this watch is great looking and a perfect celebratory piece for one of the most legendary flying squadrons in the world, its price seems a little excessive despite the use of a ceramic case, the limited production and the association with the Blue Angels.
To put things in perspective, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 in stainless steel on bracelet reference IW388102 —almost identical watch— sells for $7,200 USD which gives you way more watch for the money.
Sticker Price $10,900 USD. For more info on IWC click here.
