By Cody D. Smith
Have you ever found yourself wondering if you could somehow merge the idea of humanitarianism and horology into one solitary idea? This year IWC has done just that with the Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Edition. This particular watch is limited to 1,500 individually numbered pieces, so if you plan on acting out on this idea, now is the time to strike and own a quality timepiece with some serious history. You will also feel good knowing you can glance at your wrist and realize that what you are wearing is helping impoverished and otherwise disadvantaged children across the world.
History Of Laureus Sport For Good Foundation
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation was founded in 2000 as a program to help kids who face particularly difficult social issues such as poverty, homelessness, war, violence, drug abuse, discrimination, and curable diseases. They utilize the unifying power of sports to provide these less fortunate children overcome and rise above the plights they deal with on a daily basis where they live. The program was founded by Richemont and Daimler, and continues to be supported by companies like Mercedes-Benz, Allianz, and as this article will cover, IWC Schaffhausen.
Overview
This model by IWC is the classic Pilot’s Watch, a cornerstone by all means for the company. The Mark XVIII is part of their annual contribution to the foundation. They are characterized by their striking blue dials as well as commemorative caseback engravings to show the current years contribution to the foundation. With this year’s model, however, you are receiving a 41mm case that happens to be a glossy black ceramic. The offering this year features small detail changes such as individually numbered pieces rather than the former “one out of 1,500” engravings. This is a nice touch that make the watch feel a bit more exclusive knowing that you know the exact time that it came out of production. It also features a black date wheel, another break from the past iterations of this model. Luminescent hands provide legibility in the dark along with the classic pilot watch dial layout. This is a watch that is elegantly simple yet makes a statement at the same time. Another nice touch is the strap, which is a nicely embossed black calfskin strap that fits the rest of the theme very well.
Specs
Brand: IWC Schaffhausen
Model: Pilots Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation”
Reference: IW324703
Diameter: 41mm
Case Material: Ceramic
Dial: Blue
Indices: Arabic
Lume: Yes, on both the hands and the markers.
Water resistance: 60 Meters.
Strap: Embossed Black Calfskin
Movement
Caliber: 3511
Functions: Hours, minutes, date, and hacking seconds.
Diameter: 25.6mm
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800vph
Jewels: 25
Pricing and Availability
Price: $5,650
Availability: Immediate
Limited Edition: Only 1,500 pieces created for this commemoration.
Final Thoughts
If you are in the market for a watch that will provide you a modern interpretation of a classic, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Laureus Edition is one that will provide that as well as the gift of knowing that you are making a difference in a child’s life somewhere in the world. Every time you glance at the time on your wrist, you will feel comfort knowing that you are supporting a great cause and also get the privilege of owning a limited run watch that looks great and carries a heft heritage along with it. This year’s Laureus edition is worth a serious look if you desire to check these boxes. For more info, visit IWC online.
