BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
IWC is a maker of quality wristwatches, but its designs are what I’d call ‘safe’. Oh, sure, it’s capable of going completely bonkers when it wants to (see the Big Pilot’s Shock Absorber XPL as an example), but the fact remains that it hardly ever does this. I’d say its designs are bordering on Rolex levels of safeness. Before half of Switzerland invades my living room, I should clarify that a ‘safe’ design isn’t bad, but it doesn’t jump out of the screen at me. Perhaps you, dear reader, think differently, in which this next piece will be something that catches your eye.
You might remember that back in July, we showed you the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX, it really doesn’t feel that long ago, and now I’m scared the year’s nearly over. Anyway.
The Mark XX is based on Mark 11, which was made by IWC and issued to the UK’s Ministry of Defence. It came with a clean and no-nonsense dial coloured black or blue with a sunray effect. I’m pleased that IWC has kept that effect for the new addition, which has a green dial with a matching leather strap. A bracelet is optional and easily fitted thanks to IWC’s EaseX-CHANGE quick-change system for its straps.
The new watch also features the same 40mm x 10.8mm stainless steel case as before, which is 100m water resistant and features a closed caseback. Like before, this caseback conceals a self-winding in-house-made calibre 3211 with a 4Hz beat rate and remarkably long 120-hour power reserve. It has an engraving of a Junkers Ju 52, an Axis plane, on the back. The cockpit dials of the Ju 52 supposedly inspired IWC’s designers when they made the Mark 11, which was then issued to the Allies. One could see this as a joke or even an insult, but we should remember that Switzerland’s neutrality cuts both ways.
This non-limited piece costs $5,250 on the strap or $6,150 on the bracelet before tax.
Visit IWC here.
