Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Fashion & Style

IWC’s 75th anniversary pilot watch is an understated gem

IWC's pilot watches have come a long way since 1948, but the focus on beauty and function remains consistent

BethAnn Mayer
By
IWC

IWC Schaffhausen’s Mark Series 75th anniversary is so nice, the brand celebrated twice with a pair of new versions of the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX. The three-quarters-of-a-century mark calls for gifts made of diamonds or gold for wedding anniversaries. The new IWC watches are more understated, but stunning nonetheless.

All about the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX

Both are silver-plated. One also has a stainless steel bracelet, while the other is designed with a black calfskin strap. The dial is white with black accents — a classic combination for a timepiece with a deep history. The Mark Series began in 1948 after a request from the British Royal Airforce. Military pilots who wore the watch, codenamed “Mark 11,” nicknamed it “the navigator’s wristwatch.”

Recommended Videos

These special IWC pilot watches weren’t available to civilians until 1993 with the release of the Mark XII. The first launches of the Mark XX were released in 2022 — the first new version of the iconic timepiece since 2016’s Mark XVIII. That one had blue, green, and black dials, making the celebratory release for this year distinct (and refined). More than style, the high-contrast numerals make the watch a cinch to read, a practical-yet-fashionable feature. The luminescent elements on the dial also make the watch readable in various lighting conditions.

Related

IWC pilot watches may have roots steeped in British military history, but they’re powered by contemporary technology. The in-house 32111 automatic movement boasts 120 hours of power reserve. The watch’s front glass is designed to stay put even if the wearer experiences sudden pressure drop — a common event for pilots in cockpits, passengers, and other adventurers at high altitudes. Speaking of adventures, the IWC Mark XX watches, the two newest releases, are housed in a 40-millimeter stainless steel case that boasts 100 millimeters of water resistance, just like the initial Mark XX releases. This makes the timepieces perfect for sports and beach days.

The new IWC Mark XX watches are available now. The calfskin wristwatch costs $5,250, while the stainless steel version is $6,150. Buyers can purchase the new Mark XX watches at IWC.com or in person at IWC boutiques or authorized retailers. Because the price tag may make the watches an investment for some, IWC is offering registration under the My IWC care program, which includes a six-year extension to the standard International Limited Warranty that lasts two years.

Are watches a good investment in this economy (the one with a recession looming)? That depends on who you ask, but experts say it’s important to consider brand, scarcity, condition, and personal preference. They’re not a necessity, but the new IWC watches, indeed, are gorgeous additions to any collection.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
BethAnn Mayer
BethAnn Mayer
Contributor
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
Angelus debuts Chronodate luxury watches with a modern twist on a retro design
Say hello to 2023's Chronodate from Angelus
angelus reveals chronodate luxury watch models an gold black rubber 3 4

There are dozens of watch companies to choose from when looking for something unique and different to add to your collection. There are also just as many that can give you something of class and sophistication that stood the test of time and will still be striking and stylish when you go to pass it down to your children. One of the premiere makers of luxury watches to unveil a new and exciting watch for 2023 is Angelus. Their addition to the number of extraordinary timepieces to feast your eyes upon at Watches and Wonders 2023 is their second straight year of Chronodates.

 

Read more
Arnold & Son unveils rare watches at Watches and Wonders 2023
Take a look at these rare pieces from Arnold & Son
arnold and son double tourbillion novelty watch a s tourbillon wg malachite 3 4

From the cradle of the Swiss watchmaking industry in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Arnold & Son has brought some of the most beautiful and unique watches on the market. They introduced the HM Perpetual Moon, giving us the most significant moon phase on the market. Let's also not forget the beautiful Globtrotter Platinum, which gave us the watch face with a deep blue globe in the center and a 24-hour clock.

Now, the watchmaking house that has come to define the classics has dropped new Double Tourbillion options at Watches and Wonders. While every watchmaker looks to make a splash with a new piece sent to the market, Arnold & Son did so with rare style with this piece of brilliance. These are unique novelty pieces — which means for the vast majority of watch enthusiasts, they're only something to look at.

Read more
Here are all the new watches Rolex just unveiled
Check out Rolex's 2023 lineup of new watches
Rolex GMT-Master II

When you think of luxurious, timeless watches, Rolex is near the top of the list of the best brands you can opt for while shopping for a new addition to your collection. And, just like any brand looking to keep their consumer base engaged and always coming back for more, Rolex has released a new line of 2023 models for you to feast your eyes upon.

The list consists of updates to some of their most popular lines and exciting installments into the luxury brand's extensive catalog of high-quality timepieces. Take a look at the nine new Rolex watches you can pick up to elevate your collection to the highest possible quality.

Read more