IWC Pilot's Watches are one of the most iconic military watches still in production today. As one of the few original watch manufacturers to the Royal Air Force in 1948, IWC has released this 'Tribute to Mark XI' re-edition watch as a part of a limited edition series - in the modern proportions of the latest Pilot Watches. The original Mark XI's iconic hour and minute hands have been faithfully reproduced in this latest edition as well as the 4 lumed indices at the 3, 6, 9 and at the 12 o'clock position - the iconic triangle shaped marker. Another obvious nod to the original watch are the slimmer arabic numerals and slimmer indices used on the dial. The case follows the modern Mark XVIII at 40mm and wears larger than it's size suggests - much like a pilot's watch should. It's also beautifully paired to a high quality fabric/leather strap to complete the iconic pilot's watch look. Already sold out in all IWC boutiques worldwide; we're glad to have in store only one of the 1948 pieces produced.
The prices of these watches have been steadily increasing worldwide due to limited availability. Last chance to get one which is still under international warranty!
IWC Pilot's Watch 'Tribute to Mark XI' (Limited Edition)
This is first and foremost, a highly legible tool watch. On our 6 inch wrist, it wears large - which isn't a bad thing at all. Pilot watches were originally designed to be worn over the jacket cuffs anyway, so they had to be large and highly legible, even in low lighting conditions. At first glance, the styling appears restrained and simple, but the details are what makes this watch special. The case is brushed all round, except for the edges on the lugs which are polished: just slightly. The caseback is solid and and fuss free, only with minimal information of the watch.
The main draw of the watch is of course the dial and every purposeful detail. I love the black dial - it has a matte grain-like texture, very unassuming, but of high quality. The hour, minutes and seconds hands are mirror polished and give a little bling to the otherwise reserved dial. The arabic numerals are perfect - much prefererred to the modern thicker fonts used in the current generation of IWC pilot watches in our opinion. The four rectangle lume plots, triangle orientation and hour and minute hands have an aged cream like vintage look that further lends to its vintage inspiration. Also, there is an unobtrusive date window replacing the 3 o'clock numeral, which matches the dial colour and font.
Turn the watch to its side and you can see the gently curved sapphire crystal which sits perfectly in the case. Unscrew the crown and wind the watch and you'll be surprised on the feel of the watch in general. IWC movements are of high quality in every way and you can really feel it while winding the watch and setting the time and date - every part of the watch is solid and what you have is an extremely well engineered watch that is not only utilitarian in nature but also enjoyable to own and wear.
One of the benefits of a simple watch is that you can dress it up or down easily by changing the straps. The original strap that comes with it is a mix of fabric on the topside and leather on the bottom - it feels like you're wearing a soft high quality leather strap, but with the looks of a NATO strap. Change the strap out for a steel mesh bracelet and it wears like a period correct tool watch straight out of a show from the 1940s. Lastly, if you're looking for the gentlemen's look, swap it out for a brown or black alligator leather strap and you can wear it for business meetings or dinner dates.
