IWC Pilot's Watch Spitfire UTC Black Bracelet (IW3251-06)

Despite the technical complexity of the split-seconds-hand mechanism, this masculine timepiece is one of IWC's toughest models. Engineered to the highest quality, the watch represents a dream come true for every man who likes to live life to the full.

Engineering is the fine art of devising smart solutions to tricky technical challenges. The new Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium is a triumph of this fine art by IWC Schaffhausen's specialists. In both appearance and function, it is a worthy addition to the legendary watch family, which dates back to 1954/55.

A dream come true in titanium

The new Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium from IWC Schaffhausen uses the trusted 79230 calibre, in a 45-millimetre titanium case, to create a surprisingly powerful presence. For the first time ever, the watch family has a rattrapante - in other words, a split-seconds hand. Strikingly technical in character, the newcomer is a real eye-catcher. Another "first" is the satin finish of the titanium case, with a silky-matt, gleaming surface. Further remarkable features include the five screw heads on the bezel, which are coated in diamond-like carbon (DLC for short). They blend in perfectly with the looks of the black rubber-coated push-buttons and crown protection. Vulcanization is indeed the ideal treatment to complement the chunky look and feel of the controls. The redesigned dial comes across as clear, attractive and definite. To help distinguish the displays, blue was used for the first time, creating a combination well suited to this timepiece. The subdials for hours, minutes and the small (hacking) seconds are recessed into the dial, while the luminescent material in the interstices of the rhodium-plated hands appears black. Its vital function in such a watch only emerges after dark. For reasons such as the weight and the case height of 16 millimetres, the designers left out the soft-iron inner case. The convex casing ring holds the promise of outstanding ergonomics and, weighing just 130 grams in total, the watch is comfortable to wear. The Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium is certainly a match for extreme situations, with proven water-resistance to 12 bar, a sturdy Ingenieur rubber strap, sapphire glass with an antireflective coating on both sides, and screwed back and crown.

Split-seconds-hand mechanism

A split-seconds-hand or double chronograph signifies a technical extension to the chronograph mechanism, allowing measurement of two different times in a single one-minute period. Put simply, if the chronograph is switched on by one push of the button, two central stopwatch hands start moving. As both hands are exactly superimposed, the second chronograph hand is not immediately visible. This retains the option of a repeat time measurement in a one-minute period. By pressing the third push-button at "10 o'clock" with the chronograph switched on, the chronograph hand on top stays still, while the bottom one runs on until held by pressing the ordinary start/stop button at "2 o'clock". This method allows measurement of two different short periods of time. Press the split-seconds- hand button again to instantly return the split-seconds hand back over the chronograph hand. It does not matter whether the chronograph hand is running or at a standstill. Achievement of this function represents the distillation of great watchmaking experience.

Titanium - an attractive material

Innovation has a long tradition at IWC: in 1980 had already pioneered the application of this futuristic material, when its titanium chronograph marked an industry first. IWC now has a wealth of experience in handling the light and practically indestructible material, which is especially compatible with the skin. By the late 1970s, the Swiss watch manufacturer had already gained sufficient know-how in the difficult processing and heat treatment of titanium by aerospace experts. Titanium is 43 per cent lighter than steel, yet stands out for its total corrosion resistance and low thermal and electric conductivity. As one of the most exclusive and expensive materials, titanium also has a unique colour, which reinforces the look and masculine character of the Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium. This is an Ingenieur worthy of the name, in both function and appearance.