The new Spitfire Automatic 36mm in bronze - opinions?

Honestly, I was blown away when I saw Chris's Insta post with the pictures of
the new "tribute" to Mark XI in bronze and with a 36mm case. Sure, the
movement is automatic (probably Sellita) and the dial is green, but still -
it's a no-date classic pilot watch with a 36mm sandblasted case! And it's
cheaper than the current Mark XVIII! I am buying one for sure (need to set the
alarm because I'm sure the 150 pieces will sell out in no time).

However, I am very interested to hear what other collectors have to say about
this move from IWC. Is this a market probe to see if there is interest for
such timepieces (small and without calendar)? Or is it a one-time exception?

great watch. Personally not a fan of 36mm watches but this is going to be a
huge hit in my view especially given these are only 150 watches.

I was told this watch has a new in-house movement 32XXX? Not 42XXX? Very
strange……

I assumed the watch would have the same caliber as the other 36mm ones. I
haven't heard anything about an in-house replacement for the outsourced
movements in these watches.

Personally I prefer the no date. It is something that I would like to see (or
actually not see) in pilot watches as it is a complication that is not
necessary for pilots.

The size on the other hand is small, again for pilot watches. I have the
Tribute to Mark which is 40mm which I really enjoy to wear but it was actually
designed (the original one) as a watch that the pilots wor3 at their off duty
time....

A beautiful watch if it was at least 40mm....

i do believe though that it will sell out...

Cheers

Absolutely love it, but would like to see it in the metal: 36 might work on my
small wrist ;-)

I like everything about this piece in terms of design but I've never been a
fan of bronze as a case material. The size is too small for me but I like that
they are giving the smaller wristed collectors some love, plus it is true to
the original mark XI size.

The movement is a Selitta that is built to IWC specifications so it's not some
completely out of the blue movement for a LE piece. I think that's fine. I
wouldnt really want to be paying for in-house movement servicing fees for a
sub 5k watch if I could help it.