IWC Schaffhausen and the Boultbee Flight Academy, in collaboration with Aviation Adventures Ltd, have celebrated the official start of the “Silver Spitfire - The Longest Flight” expedition in Goodwood.
Over the last two years, more than a dozen specialists have worked to restore an original Spitfire MK IX aircraft. To the roaring applause of more than 400 guests, the “Silver Spitfire” finally took off from Goodwood Aerodrome on 5th August, beginning its much-anticipated circumnavigation of the globe which will cover more than 43,000 kilometres. IWC supports the mission as its main partner and official timekeeper.
During their journey through the different time zones, pilots Steve Boultbee-Brooks and Matt Jones will wear the Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Spitfire Edition “The Longest Flight”. As the official watch of the expedition, this timepiece makes it possible to set the time to a different time zone by simply turning the bezel to the desired location.
Follow their journey here:
https://www.silverspitfire.com/about/flight-tracker/
On Sunday evening, ahead of the flight, IWC hosted a private dinner with the two pilots and their crew at Goodwood House. On the Monday, guests gathered on the Goodwood Estate for a big farewell party. The funfair atmosphere included live music, an air show and other attractions. Amongst the guests were British actress Rosamund Pike and former Formula One™ star David Coulthard, both IWC brand ambassadors, British actors Taron Egerton and Finn Cole, as well as TV and radio presenter Dermot O’Leary.