IWC presents a special watch version in honor of the mission "Silver Spitfire - The Longest Flight

In early August 2019, a carefully restored Spitfire, boasting a unique silver-chrome finish, took off from London to embark on a round-the-world flight.

IWC Schaffhausen has lent its support to the “Silver Spitfire – The Longest Flight”, as the main partner of the expedition. This summer, a carefully restored Spitfire, boasting a unique silver-chrome finish, took off from Goodwood to embark on a round-the-world flight. The aircraft, built in 1943, will cover more than 43,000 kilometres over several months, visiting some 30 countries on its way. The circumnavigation honours the quintessential design and unparalleled engineering of the iconic British plane. The expedition is the brainchild of Steve Boultbee-Brooks and Matt Jones, founders of the Boultbee Flight Academy, based on the Goodwood Estate in the south of England.

IWC boasts a history of more than 80 years manufacturing Pilot’s Watches and has previously commemorated the Spitfire, with several special-edition watches. Our dedication to this particular project once again underscores our passion for aviation. The visionary engineering and timeless design of the Spitfire are characteristics also embodied by our expertly engineered watches.

“More than any other aircraft, the Spitfire symbolises man’s dream of flying. She is a masterpiece of engineering, who was born ahead of her time and who continues to dazzle with her iconic design. We were instantly captivated by the ambitious idea of flying this aircraft around the world and we are excited to be able to help this adventure along its way,” explained Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.

As well as supporting the expedition, IWC have also announced a long-term partnership with the Boultbee Flight Academy. The institution, founded by pilots Boultbee-Brooks and Jones, is the first officially recognised Spitfire flying academy in the world. “IWC Schaffhausen shares our passion for aviation and our admiration for the Spitfire. We know we have found the perfect partner to make our vision of a round-the-world flight a reality,” explained Jones.

Last year two intrepid pilots teamed up with primary sponsor IWC Schaffhausen to make aviation history by completing the first-ever round-the-world flight in a Spitfire. Matt Jones and Steve Boultbee Brooks crossed over 20 countries and covered a mammoth 43,000 kilometres in the 76 year-old restored aircraft during their epic expedition. Now, just six months after successfully finishing the "Silver Spitfire - The Longest Flight", one half of the daring duo - Jones - has become the latest member of the IWC family to take part in the brand's online #TIMEWELLSHARED initiative. The British pilot talks about his record-breaking flight around the world. Taking a look at what the mission taught him about himself and the world around him. #IWCPilot #IWCWatches @mattjonesspitfire @thesilverspitfire