Without a shadow of a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful watches I’ve seen in a long time. Of course, as a WWII enthusiast a watch that sports a Spitfire is likely to win over any other watch, but just having a Spitfire isn’t the only thing that will blow you away.
The experience starts with unpackaging this beauty, it arrived in a simple cardboard box, or so I thought. Hidden inside is a beautifully polished wooden box with a metal plate on the front that has the company name on it. The box itself is wonderful, they even put felt on the bottom so it does not slide and scratch over your table or cupboard, this is not a box that you will end up throwing away.
With the box comes a leaflet with information about the Spitfire, its specifications and the story of Spitfire Pilot Bill McRae.
Inside the box is what we’ve been waiting for, the Spitfire watch. Mounted on a cushion and of course, set to the correct time and date. The watch itself is large and when you pick it up it feels heavy, but when you wear it the weight is not at all apparent. It fits very comfortably on my wrist and after a while you hardly notice it’s there. Until you look at it, then you are again reminded of the quality and craftsmanship that goes into this watch.
The wristband is of thick calf leather which is beautifully stitched and has RSC stealthily embossed and is of top quality. On the watch face is a small silhouette of a Spitfire and the RAF roundel with the RSC logo, to say that it’s all beautifully done is an understatement.
The big surprise comes when you look at the back, there you will see a top view of the Spitfire etched in the back plate and with it the unique serial number of the watch. Every watch is unique.
The watch is designed by Ronald Steffen, a Belgian watch designer. With a passion for aviation and WWI and WWII airplanes specifically he designed a range of unique watches that breath history and authenticity.
In addition to an authentic design, they do not compromise on quality. Every watch undergoes a thorough quality control with Japanese Miyota quartz technology is used inside. Complete with a two-year warranty which, probably, you will never need. The back plate is screwed, which implicates a waterproof of 5 ATM.
SPITFIRE Mk IX PILOT’S WATCH
RSC803 Historical Edition
- 48mm diameter case
- Brushed Stainless steel 316L case
- Japanese Citizen-Miyota quartz
- 5 ATM water-resistant
- Reinforced mineral crystal
- High-quality natural leather strap (4mm thick)
- XL steel buckle
- Date indication
If your heart does not go out for Spitfires, hard to imagine but it happens, Ronald Steffen has a range of other designs, both World War I and World War II and even an F-16 one!
For more information and to order this perfect Christmas present: