IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watch Chronograph Edition "Blue Angels®"

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.