IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX: New Release Details

India Whiskey Charlie · 2022-07-22T18:29:17Z

Explore the IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX: a new release with a 40mm stainless steel case. Discover community insights on its design, movement, and the brand's unique numbering tradition.

India Whiskey Charlie

WPS member · IWC forum

26 replies6960 views2 photos

India Whiskey Charlie's original post introduces the IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XX, a significant release that continues the brand's iconic pilot's watch lineage. This article delves into the community's initial reactions and expert insights regarding its specifications, design choices, and the intriguing numbering convention that has long fascinated collectors. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of how this new reference fits into the esteemed Mark series.

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Stainless steel case

Diameter 40.0 mm, Black or Blue dial with luminescence, Black or Blue calfskin strap with EasX-CHANGE system, Strap width 20.0 mm.

32111 Calibre
IWC-manufactured movement
Automatic, self-winding
120 hours Power Reserve
28800.0 (4.0 hz)
164
21 Jewels
Côtes de Genève, perlage

Key Points from the Discussion

The IWC Mark series has a history of skipping reference numbers due to superstition, specifically avoiding 13 and 14 which are considered unlucky in various cultures. The absence of a Mark XIX follows this established pattern.
Collectors express a desire for future iterations of the Mark series to feature a smaller case size, ideally 38-39mm, to improve date window placement or offer a no-date option, along with a bracelet option.
The Mark XVI is highlighted as a strong candidate for a perfect daily wearer due to its 39mm case, robust movement, and timeless design, even holding its own against Rolex models.
The IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVII, released in 2012, was 41mm and is sometimes referred to as the 'bastard child' of the Mark series, indicating a divergence in design or reception from earlier models.
Some collectors believe the Mark series should have concluded with the Mark XV or even the Mark XII, suggesting a preference for earlier designs or a perceived decline in subsequent models.
The recent Spitfire version of the Pilot's Watch is praised for its dial symmetry, perfect case size, and the subtle charm of faux patina on its indices.

The Discussion

LarsG

Jul 22, 2022

Thanks for posting. 5 day power reserve is impressive. Does this mean the blue dial is no longer affiliated with "Le petit prince"? Enjoy!

India Whiskey Charlie

Jul 22, 2022

Who knows? There has always been a number of blue dials not associated with Le Petit Prince.

JoshTheCanadian

Jul 22, 2022

I’m going to hold off for the Mark 30

RabidManatee

Jul 23, 2022

Ha!

I had a Mark XV, which I miss. They should have stopped there, or even arguably with the Mark XII.

David Allen

Jul 23, 2022

Disagree

I have the XVI and I think it's a candidate for a perfect daily wearer. A sleek 39mm case, robust and accurate movement, and timeless design. It holds its own against any of my Rolex watches.

RabidManatee

Jul 23, 2022

Fair enough. We can agree to disagree.