Two stainless steel, white dial and functional pilot watches celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Mark Collection.
If IWC’s line of pilot watches often brings to mind the oversized, almost defiant Big Pilot models (and we mean the real ones, not the smaller, simpler 43mm versions), there’s another watch, even if more discreet , and possibly more importantly… the Mark series. Originally launched as a Royal Air Force pilot’s watch, code-named Mark 11, it later became one of the brand’s most classic series with the Mark XII launched in 1993, and is now also intended as a replica for civilian amateurs. Now known as the entry-level model in the Pilot’s Watch line, the utility watch made its way into its Mark XX version last year, with two new silver and white versions from IWC.
As a quick reminder, the IWC Mark XX is a direct descendant of the Mark 11 series introduced for the RAF in 1948, and actually went into standard production in 1993 with the Mark XII and then the Mark XV (1999), then the Mark XVI ( 2006), Mark XVII (2012) and Mark XVIII (2016). The Mark XX (and, for some reason, no Mark XIX) is a case study in design evolution and consistency, resulting in multiple evolutions in design, proportion and mechanics.
While the case retains the classic 40mm diameter we’ve come to expect from the Mark XVIII (previous models were 36mm, 38mm, 39mm, or 41mm), it features a slimmer 10.8mm profile, screw-down case Crown and comfortable water meter – resistance to 100 meters. In addition, the case length has been shortened (from 51mm to 49.2mm) to improve wearing comfort. The overall finish is the classic of the IWC pilot series. The overall shape is rough and mostly brushed, with some inconspicuous polishing embellishments to make the watch more attractive.
As for the dial, there are no surprises. This is all the Mark series, with a clean layout, highly legible markers and tracks, and a time and date display. The Mark XX brings some minor improvements, such as slightly redefined numbers and indices for improved time reading and contrast. The date disc is white with black numerals, which will not be a topic of debate on this new silver and white dial. In fact, in addition to the classic black model and the sunray-brushed blue and green versions, there are now two new models with silver-plated dials, blackened hands and black tracks-in addition to marking the hour markers are White and glowing.
The main evolution of the IWC Mark XX is a new in-house movement, the caliber 32111, which replaces the ETA/Sellita movement of past series. This engine is also used in the recently launched Ingenieur, which is part of the ValFleurier catalog (Richemont’s movement production base), but for the Schaffhausen brand it has a double pawl winding system and a silicon escapement . Additionally, the power reserve is stable for 5 days or 120 hours.
The new IWC Pilot’s Mark XX white dial watch comes with a black leather strap (IW328207) or a 5-link stainless steel bracelet (IW328208), both equipped with the EasX-CHANGE system for easy strap changes.
Technical Specifications – IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX
Case: 40mm diameter x 10.8mm height – stainless steel case with polished finish – sapphire crystal to prevent displacement due to drop in air pressure – solid steel threaded case back – screw down crown – 100m water resistance
Dial: Silver-plated dial – blackened hands with Super-LumiNova – black indexes and hour-markers except for white luminescent markers every 15 minutes
Movement: Caliber 32111 (manufactured by ValFleurier) – Automatic – 21 jewels – 28,800 vibrations/hour – 120 hours or 5 days power reserve – Silicon escapement – Hours, minutes, seconds (hacked) and date
Bracelet: 5-link brushed and polished stainless steel with folding clasp (model IW328208) or black calfskin with steel pin buckle – both with EasX-CHANGE system
Model: IW328207 leather strap
IW328208 steel bracelet