Felix Scholz
Last night, Time+Tide, along with IWC and Kennedy Watches & Jewellery, hosted an intimate gathering at IWC's Melbourne boutique. And even though it's officially ticked over to spring, the evening was brisk, so the horological faithful were truly faithful. But once ensconced in the warm, well-lit space, the cold melted away in the presence of some serious watchmaking heat, in the form of IWC's 2019 Pilot's collection, which has been a real standout this year.?After some initial opening words from Brand Director Florian Gutsmiedl, Andrew and I did a quick flyover (if you'll pardon the pun) of the history of IWC's Pilot's watch, this year's highlights (more on that in a second), and the impressive expedition that is The Silver Spitfire's Longest Flight which sees a single Spitfire, made in 1943, and two pilots making a 44,000-odd kilometre trip of more than 100 legs, covering off more than 30 countries, all supported by IWC. Sadly, the Silver Spitfire isn't making it to Australia, but we've got the next best thing the watches.I had the pleasure of wearing the new, time-only Top Gun in Ceratanium, an eminently wearable bit of uncomplicated kit that I deeply regretted taking off at the end of the evening. Other fan favourites from the new releases included the new bronze-and-green Spitfires, particularly the Mark XVIII and the Chronograph. The revamped Timezoner, and Top Gun Double Chronograph in Ceratanium also received a lot of love.?On top of that, guests had a chance to get up close and personal with the business end of a watch, thanks to one of IWC's watchmakers, who was more than willing to let them have a try on the tools. And finally, one lucky guest (well done, Hayden!) walked away with some seriously special cufflinks, in the form of the mighty Big Pilot crown. We're more than a little jealous.?Thank you to everyone who attended, and thanks to IWC Australia and the Kennedy team.[su_custom_gallery source=”media: 54263,54262,54261,54260,54259,54258,54256,54255,54254,54253,54252,54251,54250,54249,54248,54247,54246,54245,54244,54243,54242,54241,54240,54239,54237,54236,54235,54234,54233,54232,54231,54230″ limit=”30″ link=”lightbox” target=”blank” width=”160″ height=”210″ title=”never”]Made in partnership with IWC. However, the opinions?expressed in this article are our own in?accordance with our Editorial Policy.
13.09.19