iwc schaffhausen doppia corona | IWC Schaffhausen

The IWC Schaffhausen Doppia Corona, often referred to as the Doppelchronograph, stands as a testament to IWC's unwavering commitment to horological innovation and its deep-rooted history in crafting pilot's watches. This exceptional timepiece, more than just a watch, is a meticulously engineered instrument designed for aviators and those who appreciate the intricate mechanics of a split-seconds chronograph. Its robust construction, coupled with its sophisticated movement, elevates it beyond mere timekeeping, placing it firmly within the realm of Swiss luxury watches and a proud member of the IWC Schaffhausen family. The Doppia Corona is more than just a watch; it's a symbol of precision, reliability, and the adventurous spirit of flight.

A Legacy of Aviation Heritage: The IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watch Doppelchronograph

IWC Schaffhausen’s association with aviation dates back to the 1930s when it began producing specialized timepieces for pilots. These early pilot's watches were characterized by their large, legible dials, robust cases, and reliable movements, designed to withstand the rigors of flight. This legacy continues to this day, with the IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Watch collection remaining a cornerstone of the brand's identity. The Doppia Corona, specifically the IWC Schaffhausen Pilot's Double Chronograph Automatic, embodies this heritage, incorporating features specifically tailored for the demands of the cockpit.

Engineered for Flight: Features and Functionality

The IWC Schaffhausen Doppia Corona is not simply a visually appealing timepiece; it's a precision instrument packed with features designed for optimal performance in challenging environments.

* Soft-Iron Inner Case: One of the defining characteristics of the Doppia Corona is its soft-iron inner case. This crucial component acts as a Faraday cage, shielding the movement from the harmful effects of magnetic fields. In the cockpit, pilots are exposed to a multitude of electronic devices and instruments that generate strong magnetic fields. These fields can negatively impact the accuracy of a mechanical watch, causing it to gain or lose time. The soft-iron inner case effectively mitigates this risk, ensuring the Doppia Corona maintains its accuracy even under intense magnetic interference. This feature is not just a gimmick; it’s a critical element for a watch intended for aviation use.

* Sapphire Glass Secured Against Drops in Pressure: Another vital feature for a pilot's watch is its ability to withstand rapid changes in pressure. The Doppia Corona utilizes a sapphire crystal, renowned for its scratch resistance and exceptional clarity. However, the sapphire crystal is not simply pressed into the case; it is specifically secured to withstand significant drops in pressure. This is particularly important for pilots who may experience rapid ascents or descents, which can cause pressure fluctuations within the aircraft. A standard watch crystal might pop out or crack under such conditions, rendering the watch useless. The Doppia Corona's pressure-resistant crystal ensures the watch remains functional and reliable, regardless of the altitude or the pressure changes experienced.

* Double Chronograph Rattrapante Complication: The heart of the Doppia Corona lies in its complex and sophisticated double chronograph, also known as a rattrapante. This complication allows the wearer to measure two separate durations simultaneously. Unlike a standard chronograph, which can only time a single event, the rattrapante features two central seconds hands. One hand, the chronograph seconds hand, starts and stops as a standard chronograph. The second hand, the rattrapante hand (from the French word "rattraper," meaning "to catch up"), can be stopped independently to record an intermediate time, while the chronograph seconds hand continues running. When the rattrapante pusher is pressed again, the rattrapante hand instantly "catches up" to the chronograph seconds hand, running in perfect synchronization. This function is incredibly useful for timing laps in a race, measuring multiple stages of a journey, or any situation where intermediate times need to be recorded without interrupting the overall timing. The intricate mechanics of the rattrapante complication are a testament to IWC's horological expertise.

* Automatic Movement: The Doppia Corona is powered by a robust automatic movement, ensuring reliable and accurate timekeeping. Automatic movements are self-winding, meaning they are powered by the motion of the wearer's wrist. This eliminates the need for manual winding, making the watch convenient and practical for everyday wear. The specific caliber used in the Doppia Corona varies depending on the model and year of production. However, all IWC automatic movements are known for their durability, accuracy, and precision engineering.

* Legible Dial and Hands: A critical element of any pilot's watch is its legibility. The Doppia Corona features a clear and uncluttered dial, with large, luminous numerals and hands. This ensures that the time can be easily read, even in low-light conditions. The use of Super-LumiNova on the hands and numerals provides long-lasting luminescence, allowing for clear visibility in the dark. The dial layout is thoughtfully designed to minimize clutter and maximize readability, making it easy for pilots to quickly and accurately assess the time.

Hands-On with a 1998 Doppelchronograph: A Timeless Classic