Horological Meandering

foversta
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SIHH 2016: hands on review of the IWC Pilot's watch Mark XVIII

As usual every year, IWC had renewed a complete collection of its catalog during the last SIHH and in 2016 it has been the turn of the pilot's watches collection. IWC has not done a half job since it was an actual new squadron of watches that landed on the booth at Palexpo. The multiplicity of dial colors, sizes, complications makes the pilot's watches collection wider and deeper than ever, reminding its fundamental role in the commercial success of the Schaffhausen brand and this, whatever are the targeted markets.




In this extremely diverse context, the watch which remains the most fundamental of the collection is the Mark because it lays the framework which defines the collection and because of its simplicity, it displays more clearly the aesthetic changes made by IWC. As such, the observation of the developments between the Mark XVI and the Mark XVII and between the Mark XVII and the latest edition, the Mark XVIII, brings a very interesting and relevant indication about the brand strategy.

The Mark XVI was characterized by its 39mm case, the removal of 2-digit on the dial (at 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock) and the position of the triangle on top of the dial without any index above. The Mark XVII contrasted sharply with its predecessor although it obviously kept the same aesthetic inspiration. However, the case diameter was increased by 2 mm and the date window became more present with its shaped arc revealing three dates. Its perceived much larger size and the more ostentatious style corresponded to a period in which the customer was looking for watches with a more assertive presence on the wrist. The Mark XVII never really convinced me as it walked away from the delicate "sport chic" atmosphere of the previous Mark. Fortunately, the Mark XVIII corrects this feeling and makes a welcome turn on the wing  that reflects a more general desire for sobriety.




One never realizes how certain details, which however seem innocuous, can be fundamental in the visual impact of a watch. The Mark XVIII is a perfect demonstration and differs from the previous version by four main elements:

 - the case diameter loses a millimeter down to 40 mm
 - the date window becomes a simple window
 - the upper triangle finds its place behind an index
 - and ... the numbers 6 and 9 are back on the dial.

Beyond the more contained and therefore more elegant rendering, the Mark XVIII appears to be much more balanced because the symmetry of the dial is clearly perceptible while the absence of 6 and 9 of the Mark XVII gave a strange feeling, accentuated by the size of the date window. In fact, I have the feeling to see again the dial of the Mark XV with two small bright dots on the sides of the triangle. I can only enjoy this inspiration and since IWC had the good idea to make a date window of the same color as of the dial, the result becomes very attractive.

Silver Dial Version:




There is however something which doesn't change: the movement. The caliber 30110 animates the Mark XVIII which is not bad news. Based on a ETA2892-2 base and assembled at the IWC manufacture, it is a reliable and easily serviceable movement. I only regret its somewhat lazy winding efficiency. Its performance is in the usual standards, namely a 4hz frequency for a power reserve of 42 hours. Note that this movement is protected against magnetic fields by a soft iron inner case. The caseback is solid what is consistent with the spirit of the watch. It is simply decorated with the traditional aircraft symbolizing the collection.

Black Dial Version:




The Mark XVIII is sold with a black or silver dial. This latter dial gives the watch a larger perceived size. The watch comes with a black  Santoni calfskin strap but a metal bracelet is also available. It is also important to note that a midnight blue dial version is in the  context of the "Le Petit Prince" edition. In this case, the caseback is no longer the same ("Le Petit Prince" replacing the aircraft) and the color of the strap goes to brown.

The new Mark XVIII is therefore a watch I really appreciate. Its more contained diameter and the purity of the dial which is also simpler, more balanced and very well finished are great assets for this fundamental watch for IWC. It is an excellent alternative to its predecessor and provides a convincing flagship of the new pilot's watches collection. And it finally gives the proof that the simplicity and sobriety are the best guarantee of success for this type of watch.

Edition "The Little Prince":




Pros:
+ A more balanced dial compared to its predecessor
+ The 40mm diameter
+ The very nice Santoni calfskin strap
+ The date window in harmony with the dial color

Cons:
- The winding efficiency of the movement is not the best in class

This message has been edited by foversta on 2016-02-13 14:26:20

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