Every now and again they make something special. Lot’s of watches are forgettable. The IWC oilot mark xx is not one of those. It’s a special one. This video covers why
I have an IWC Mark XX (black with black strap) and I love it. It is beautiful in its simplicity, and I love looking at it. It looks great with a t-shirt and jeans as well as a fancy business suit. It's my favorite watch.
Awesome case for the Mark XX, only thing missing is how they made the 20 so much better than the 18 from tiny revisions like the date window, upped the WR, more wearable case dimension, new movement with more PR, subtle changes to the indices. No revolutionary changes except for the inhouse movement but all in all they took a great watch, tweaked the details and made the end product much better as a result. The sum of all the changes add up to more than the individual changes so to speak. Great review!
Went into IWC today because of this video and i can verify it is absolutely beautiful! Blue sunray that bracelet wow ezx change straps , thank you for pointing this out and finding my next watch. Btw beautifully articulated too
Cool! Thanks for the positive feedback. It's really appreciated and helps me tune into what works well in terms of style and content. Hope to see you back for more :-)
Perfect summary of the design. I really enjoyed the "substraction" part and point of view. I think this is the reason why Grand Seiko doesn't speak to me that much.
Thanks for the feedback. GS is a weird brand with some really die hard fans. I dig the dials but like I said - sometimes just overengineered. Be sure to come around another time 👍😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Sure I'll do and already subscribed too 👍 I find Mark XVIII excellent too, and planning adding one to the collection in 2-3 months. A lot of GS designs are too angular and "pointy" for me, but great watches nonetheless.
Own a mark 18 and love it, chose it over the watches you mentioned, it's simple and classy. I would buy the xx but find I prefer the black date window of the 18,apart from that the xx is better in every other way.
I should have known this channel earlier. I have the same thought about GS even when I like them a lot. Good job man. Subcribed and cheers from Vietnam
Hi! I realize I’m a little bit late to the party here, but I was wondering if you would be willing to share your thoughts on the Mark XX vs similarly priced Grand Seikos (SBGA375 and SBGR321 for example) for use a daily wear, dressy steel sports watch. I think you have a lot of great insights and ideas about watches and would love your input.
This review has just made me subscribe to your channel. This is the first video I've ever watched of you, but your descriptive ability and vocal tone paired with the visuals helped me to understand this product immensely! You covered it from top to bottom, from the watch's presentation, to the features it offers, to innovations present in this model (from previous versions)- and all the way to a breakdown of its competitor brands like Rolex, Omega and Seiko! A joy to listen to you speak & I will be watching more of your videos surely. P.s. After researching IWC and making two prior visits, I actually went in to shop and bought the IWC Pilot Mark XX today, (stainless steel bracelet in white*)- simply put, from the moment this piece was placed onto my wrist in the store, I knew it was right... the watch chose me. No other watch in the store fit my style as well, or looked as elegant as this one. I'm a happy buyer! 🙂 & Merry Christmas!
I am a new subscriber to this channel and just watched the video. It is an outstanding review of the IWC Mark XX! So insightful. And I feel this watch is almost perfect in every way! I am surprised IWC doesn't appear to do more marketing for it. Such a great watch; and I plan on buying it one day - hopefully sooner than later!
Thanks a ton and welcome aboard.🤜😀 It’s really appreciated. IWC are very quiet with their marketing of this watch which is wierd because it is such a strong offering.
I have a soft spot for a lot of IWC watches. The whole pilot thing sells well with me. I do wish that they hadn't raised the prices as much as they did when they started doing "in-house" movements in their accessible models. The old ETA prices would have been good for the in house models.
What a great review and channel - Thanks! I have a modest collection of good watches, but my Mark XVIII is the one I choose most every time. Simplicity, utility, size, wrist feel, looks - it has everything. But the XX has some upgrades that make it compelling. Shorter lug-to-lug width, power reserve, etc. The date window is my only issue on both. Wish they'd just eliminate it completely.
Thanks for the feedback. It's really appreciated 👍😃 It's always tough when a brand updates a model. You love the one you have (hopefully), and then they improve. Keep the old? Buy the new? Have both (luxury option)? Always tough....
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch went to the dealer here in NYC to try out the XX . It’s perfect . But I’m sticking with the XVIII . Overall a little simpler and not enough of a change to merit the upgrade yet I think
Nice analysis! What's your opinion of the Big Pilot 43mm vs the Mark XX? If you had the choice what would you go for? The BP43 is even more restrained in it's dial with no date making it very clean.
Good question. Part of me is a purest which means a big pilot needs to be BIG and would lean towards the 46mm version. Then again. the 46mm is unwearable (on my wrist). Then again, I own a mudmaster and that thing is 50mm or something.... It's a tough call but the thing that puts me in the Mark XX corner is that the Big pilot 43 is almost all dial. With that big empty dial and no noticable bezel, pushers (like the chronos) etc it comes off as really eye catching and even a little too much. You gotta put them on the wrist and go with what your gut says. I do like the big crown though in itself. Would look wrong on the XX, I assume......
I agree. I own a mark xviii (black dial, steel bracelet) and I thought about get a mark xx instead, because of all the improvements, especially the movement. But there are four things I like better about the XVIII: 1) the black outline of the hands 2) the completely matt bracelet 3) the black date 4) côtes de genève on the clasp. this all together makes the mark xviii the better looking watch that adds a extra smile every time you open the clasp. and in daily wear, the disadvantages don't really make a difference. except in the head. at least till now.
That’s what makes watches so much fun. We see the same watch and appreciate and notice different things. If I was offered an Xxviii I would never be disappointed
I almost bought a mark18 petit prince on bracelet-great do everything watch. I was a little disappointed with the lume. Definitely buy it on the bracelet (which is probably the best in the business)!
Great points, you’ve managed to discuss all of the things that bug me about other brands. I’ve owned a seamaster and prior generation speedy, and their bracelets were deal breakers. I also agree about the GS cases being too much, I would actually argue the ceramic seamaster is also over done in that regard as well. Maybe my tastes are too simple, but I love a clean dial with Arabic numerals. I have a background in aviation so this watch spreaks to me on many levels. The people that say these are overpriced have likely never handled one, but the “value” argument in watchmaking is insane anyways. Love the content thank you!
I currently have the Sinn 556 I-RS and will be upgrading to the IWC Mark XX. For the same reason I love the 556, the Mark XX is a great execution of luxury and simplicity as an everyday tool watch.
I have been watching watch reviews from your channel and got a lot out of them. Many thanks! I bought the green dial version with brown leather strap early last year. For me, the green dial goes extremely well with the brown leather strap. I didn't pay attention to much of the technical spec and was simply impressed with their "IWC-manufactured" calibre at this price range (it turns out that the calibre is actually made by a sister company within the corporate group, which to me is still fine). But now I have compared the specs to other watches I have, such as Cartier Tank, a Grand Seiko and JLC Reverso, I am now even more impressed with this IWC timepiece. None of these other watches beat the Mark XX in terms of the specs. It is simple but very elegant, an excellent casually dressy watch.
I bought an XX on a bracelet with blue face. It'a a beautiful watch ... without being overly flashy. Looked at the XV111 but needed the strap to taper.
Are you having problems with the movement with the jumping minutes? Im between these and the 18. I like the 18 black date wheel and hour hands better, but everything else I prefer the 20. Im thinking about using these with the rubber b strap as everyday beater
Love your opinion! I’m literally about to buy it and I saw there’s a Silver Plated White dial, with looks much better in person than pictures: can I get it opinion on the white vs the blue? Thanks!
Nice video. New to the channel, really enjoyed this one. Thoughts on the dial color? This will be my next watch, I'm just torn between classic black and the bit elevated blue...thoughts? I have a pretty sizeable collection with currently a pretty even split in various dial colors. This one will give either black or blue a slight edge in my collection - the tie breaker, so to speak. Thanks!
Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it. Tough call on the dial. I'm partial to the blue, but the black on the other hand is more rugged/utilitarian / looks more like a pilots watch. Both are easy colours to style... I dunno. Tough choice.... 😀😂
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I feel that haha. I already have a Speedy Pro and a BB58 in black, along with a GS Soko Shadow that's a dark gray. In blue, I have the PRX and Omega SMP. I love the black, but also feel like it might cut into those others a little more, especially the GS, which is a similar style.
Its the best review of a watch I saw for the moment. Got me hooked on Mark XX white on bracelet. At the moment, theres no other model Id rather like, I couldnt clearly explain why before your theory of addition/substraction. Especially comparing with the GS white birch
Always a tough choice when you have a previous version of the watch. I have the same conundrum with the new speedy vs the previous model. Get the explorer (if you can) 🙏🤜
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch thank you much - new Speedy sapphire is fantastic if you're not a hesalite purist, also the bracelet is a nice upgrade and I've heard they now added a micro adjust clasp. Speedy is my all time favorite but I also work in the space industry so it's a must.
Getting my Mark XVI today. Can't wait! They are quirky and brilliant. Mark XX is awesome but I prefer the less shiny more tool looking older models (12, 15, 16 mainly).... and the 16 is half the price, if that matters
Good choice. It's a stunner and although some purist would say that 43mm is not a big pilot, I wouldn't agree. I think it's excellent at that size. 😀😀😀
Love IWC, Only thing I don't like about Mark XX is Arabic numbers are closer to the center of dial than Mark 18....but I will definitely upgrade my 18 to 20 in year or so
Upgrading is always a tough choice. Hardly ever does a watch improve every single thing. There’s often one or two things that get subjectively worse Thanks for watching 😀💪
Good point about subtracting. True luxury is all about just the right amount of restraint. Grand Seiko struggles with this. The super fancy dial doesn't seem to match the utilitarian case and ordinary bracelet. Even the name Grand Seiko sounds clunky. Unlike most people, I think the problem is in the Grand, not the Seiko, part of the name.
Is anybody aware, did they fix the issue of the jumping hand when pulling out the crown, that seems to affect the new calibre that is powering this model?
My only and major problem with this watch, the lack of a colour matched date wheel. A simple thing to do. I can get the point of added visibility, but is there really a pilot who misses the date?! Also the placement at 3 without colour matching further hurts the symmetry.
I just got mine. It is an attractive watch, without question. But I can't help but think that without "IWC" printed on the dial, it's just another nicely legible pilot watch with black dial (mine), white arabics, and big hands.
I have one, my first luxury watch... I was going to buy a black dial but fell in love with the green the moment I saw it... the photos just don't do it justice it is on a different level to the other options.
I think you made excellent points, especially about bracelets, the Seamaster bracelet is atrocious. One aspect I wish more watch manufacturers would adopt is minimalism like H. Moser does, Just list the brand name on the dials, no need for the extra fluff like automatic, swiss-made, or chronometer..we know it has it! No need to clutter the dial, in my opinion at least.
I have a real hankering for this watch. There are several clinchers which I need to check out for myself....the comfort of the strap for a start....it looks so cool. The dial too how does it respond in different lighting conditions, the brilliance (a rarity) of the 'on the move' extension by simply depressing the the IWC logo...whoa!! Tell that to other brands. I love my Grand Seiko and my two tone Explorer but, if the thermometer mercury rises beyond the normal, the bracelets can become handcuffs. (I am such a klutz, I still struggle with removing my Rolex and mucking about under a linen table cloth with the reverse fold of the bracelet link.) The power reserve is great too.... Thus the final Clincher will be how does the IWC XX sit on my wrist....and that is the moment of truth - I will either buy it, or not.
I already own a IWC GST Chronograph and looking for a everyday watch which I can also wear easily the weekend at the beach. We love at réunion island. I hesitate buying a second IWC. Also looking at the seamaster but I don’t like the pointer. Probably the Mark XX is just the right one…
Mine was running fast +16sec/day, a bit much for a brand new watch - it's now in Schaffhausen for recalibration. Together with the in my eyes outdated magnetic protection, i don't see the Cal. 32111 on par with those from Rolex and Omega. The later ones also come with COSC and Metas certification, IWC doesn't provide any of it. Let's see how it runs after the recalibration.
Pretty sure the fonts are the same. They have however shifted all the fonts inwards alowing for more space between the minute markers and the numerals. Also the actual font size seems to be 0,5 to 1 font point smaller - but that might be an optical illusion as a consequence of the move of the numerals inwards. It’s subtle but makes a huge difference
The mark xx tapers. I don’t have the numbers at hand but I’m thinking about 2 over the length of the bracelet which is nothing compared to something like the new speedy that goes from 20 to 15.
Tell me to just go buy the Mark XX and to overlook the apparent excessive cost. I want one versatile luxury watch for a milestone, and I think this is it. AD should discount anywhere around 10%? More?
Interesting idea. They just came out with a white dial version, that although with date looks pretty cool (in photos at least - have yet to see the white in the metal)...😊
Their failure to fix the placement of the date window is inexcusable for me. Now that they use an in house movement, the date window placement is the first thing they should’ve fixed.
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch agreed. Either do it right or don’t do it at all. I was in the market for the Mark XVIII, but once I saw how asymmetrical the date window was as compared to the placement of the 9, I couldn’t unsee it. Completely ruined the watch for me. i was really looking forward to the Mark XX since you’d think they’d fix that with the new version and in house movement. But for some reason they kept the dial asymmetrical. Drives me nuts.
I agree that the movement could have had a slightly larger diameter. However, the dial looks quite balanced with where the date window is placed. I wear my green dial version on the steel bracelet with a lot of pleasure.
Forgot to say in my honest opinion. 😆 Watch design is good, bracelet not so much. PR, bracelet QC mechanism is GOOD! Let's see where IWC goes from here!
They are doing good stuff. Their chronos are super cool, the portugese, the portofino, heck even their dive watch I like. They are definitely worth paying attention to
For me it depends on how you define best. Lange do finishing and movement way better than IWC but aesthetically the odyseus doesn’t appeal to me. Now a zeitwerk on the other hand….. 😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I was thinking the same before I held the Odysseus in my hand. It's really a great piece of hardware. Not saying the mark XX isn't. I think you're right with your assessment. It's the number one every day watch there is at the market right now.
I think it will be better to try and voice facts and not present opinions. It comes over as product placement. It is important to differentiate between military and civilian pilots watches as military watches are usually to a war department’s specification and at a cost effective price, therefore the quality needn’t be top notch and a steel bracelet would be superfluous to specifications. A civilian pilot watch can be as luxurious as the pilot prefers. Let’s face it, if you can afford to run a plane then a luxurious watch is a no brainer, but military pilots are unlikely to employ such a watch as IWC in their normal working life, unless they end up flying a desk.
There's no disputing that the IWC Pilot Mark XX is a consumer luxury item. Historically IWC has produced many mil-spec watches especially in and around ww2. Hamilton and others did for the us back in the 70s and 80s. Marathon also did for a while. I'm not sure if there's even a market for mil-spec watches anymore, although I know Garmin gets used a lot in the USAF, whether that's in an official capacity or coincidence, I don't know.
I’ve watched a lot of your videos I’ve been really impressed and there’s been hardly anything I’ve disagreed with until we get to this. This watch is wildly overpriced for what it is.
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch when you look at this watch on a leather strap, you have to wonder about the cost of it , is it better than the ranger ? The dial is certainly a much better design, but the cost of that is negligible as it’s printed . Yes it is a very good movement but not better than the kenissi . The same movement is in the baume Riviera. For me, this is an example of Wild over pricing. In English pounds on a strap this is a £2800 watch with IWC written on it.
I agree and disagree. I do agree that it is overpriced, but not that overpriced. I would say 5k-5.5k eur for the one with the metal bracelet would be perfect, they sell it on iwc website for 6800…
I have an IWC Mark XX (black with black strap) and I love it. It is beautiful in its simplicity, and I love looking at it. It looks great with a t-shirt and jeans as well as a fancy business suit. It's my favorite watch.
Totally agree. Wish I owned it as well....
Thanks for commenting as well 😀
The bracelet looks incredible
Awesome case for the Mark XX, only thing missing is how they made the 20 so much better than the 18 from tiny revisions like the date window, upped the WR, more wearable case dimension, new movement with more PR, subtle changes to the indices. No revolutionary changes except for the inhouse movement but all in all they took a great watch, tweaked the details and made the end product much better as a result. The sum of all the changes add up to more than the individual changes so to speak. Great review!
Glad you found it helpful and usefull. 😀👍
Went into IWC today because of this video and i can verify it is absolutely beautiful! Blue sunray that bracelet wow ezx change straps , thank you for pointing this out and finding my next watch. Btw beautifully articulated too
This is one of the best watch reviews I’ve watched in a long time. Simple, straightforward, sensible.
Cool! Thanks for the positive feedback. It's really appreciated and helps me tune into what works well in terms of style and content. Hope to see you back for more :-)
Already subscribed brother, and am looking forward to the next reviews!
Perfect summary of the design. I really enjoyed the "substraction" part and point of view. I think this is the reason why Grand Seiko doesn't speak to me that much.
Thanks for the feedback. GS is a weird brand with some really die hard fans. I dig the dials but like I said - sometimes just overengineered. Be sure to come around another time 👍😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Sure I'll do and already subscribed too 👍 I find Mark XVIII excellent too, and planning adding one to the collection in 2-3 months. A lot of GS designs are too angular and "pointy" for me, but great watches nonetheless.
One of the most insightful watch reviews I've seen...and I watch a lot of reviews. Thanks a ton.
Wow! Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated. Hope to have you drop by another time 👍😀
I always enjoy watching your videos. You comments are insightful and succinct. Keep up the great work.
Thanks, will try my best 😀
Own a mark 18 and love it, chose it over the watches you mentioned, it's simple and classy. I would buy the xx but find I prefer the black date window of the 18,apart from that the xx is better in every other way.
They are both great watches, but yes, they nailed it with the mark xx
I should have known this channel earlier. I have the same thought about GS even when I like them a lot. Good job man. Subcribed and cheers from Vietnam
Wow. Thanks. Your comment and reaction is really appreciated and yes ... GS is good but it is a very distinctive style that isn't for everybody 😃👍
Hi! I realize I’m a little bit late to the party here, but I was wondering if you would be willing to share your thoughts on the Mark XX vs similarly priced Grand Seikos (SBGA375 and SBGR321 for example) for use a daily wear, dressy steel sports watch. I think you have a lot of great insights and ideas about watches and would love your input.
This review has just made me subscribe to your channel. This is the first video I've ever watched of you, but your descriptive ability and vocal tone paired with the visuals helped me to understand this product immensely!
You covered it from top to bottom, from the watch's presentation, to the features it offers, to innovations present in this model (from previous versions)- and all the way to a breakdown of its competitor brands like Rolex, Omega and Seiko!
A joy to listen to you speak & I will be watching more of your videos surely.
P.s. After researching IWC and making two prior visits, I actually went in to shop and bought the IWC Pilot Mark XX today, (stainless steel bracelet in white*)- simply put, from the moment this piece was placed onto my wrist in the store, I knew it was right... the watch chose me. No other watch in the store fit my style as well, or looked as elegant as this one. I'm a happy buyer! 🙂
& Merry Christmas!
Thanks so very much. Happy you found my video useful and welcome aboard 😃😃
I am a new subscriber to this channel and just watched the video. It is an outstanding review of the IWC Mark XX! So insightful. And I feel this watch is almost perfect in every way! I am surprised IWC doesn't appear to do more marketing for it. Such a great watch; and I plan on buying it one day - hopefully sooner than later!
Thanks a ton and welcome aboard.🤜😀
It’s really appreciated. IWC are very quiet with their marketing of this watch which is wierd because it is such a strong offering.
Great video. IWC gets a lot of flak for their prices, but when you see them in real life they are quite beautiful and are masterfully made pieces.
I have a soft spot for a lot of IWC watches. The whole pilot thing sells well with me. I do wish that they hadn't raised the prices as much as they did when they started doing "in-house" movements in their accessible models.
The old ETA prices would have been good for the in house models.
What a great review and channel - Thanks! I have a modest collection of good watches, but my Mark XVIII is the one I choose most every time. Simplicity, utility, size, wrist feel, looks - it has everything. But the XX has some upgrades that make it compelling. Shorter lug-to-lug width, power reserve, etc. The date window is my only issue on both. Wish they'd just eliminate it completely.
Thanks for the feedback. It's really appreciated 👍😃
It's always tough when a brand updates a model. You love the one you have (hopefully), and then they improve. Keep the old? Buy the new? Have both (luxury option)? Always tough....
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch went to the dealer here in NYC to try out the XX . It’s perfect . But I’m sticking with the XVIII . Overall a little simpler and not enough of a change to merit the upgrade yet I think
Just purchased the XX, can’t wait to wear it!
Good choice! 😊😊
Very informed and thoughtful, thank you
Thanks for the feedback - Much appreciated 👍
Nice analysis! What's your opinion of the Big Pilot 43mm vs the Mark XX? If you had the choice what would you go for? The BP43 is even more restrained in it's dial with no date making it very clean.
Good question. Part of me is a purest which means a big pilot needs to be BIG and would lean towards the 46mm version.
Then again. the 46mm is unwearable (on my wrist). Then again, I own a mudmaster and that thing is 50mm or something....
It's a tough call but the thing that puts me in the Mark XX corner is that the Big pilot 43 is almost all dial. With that big empty dial and no noticable bezel, pushers (like the chronos) etc it comes off as really eye catching and even a little too much. You gotta put them on the wrist and go with what your gut says. I do like the big crown though in itself. Would look wrong on the XX, I assume......
I agree. I own a mark xviii (black dial, steel bracelet) and I thought about get a mark xx instead, because of all the improvements, especially the movement. But there are four things I like better about the XVIII: 1) the black outline of the hands 2) the completely matt bracelet 3) the black date 4) côtes de genève on the clasp. this all together makes the mark xviii the better looking watch that adds a extra smile every time you open the clasp. and in daily wear, the disadvantages don't really make a difference. except in the head. at least till now.
That’s what makes watches so much fun. We see the same watch and appreciate and notice different things. If I was offered an Xxviii I would never be disappointed
I like the slightly longer lung-to-lug distance on the Mark XVIII but the XX is also very nice.
I almost bought a mark18 petit prince on bracelet-great do everything watch. I was a little disappointed with the lume. Definitely buy it on the bracelet (which is probably the best in the business)!
It is really versatile. As of yesterday they discontinued the mark xviii. Now it’s spitfire or mark xx only!
Got this watch in blue with the bracelet. I think I couldn't get another watch, which would satisfy me more in the price range up to 15k.
Preaching to the choir. I think it’s an amazing watch! 😀🤜
...i just fell for it. The simplicity, clairity and still elegance does it for me
It's an amazing watch 😃
Great points, you’ve managed to discuss all of the things that bug me about other brands. I’ve owned a seamaster and prior generation speedy, and their bracelets were deal breakers. I also agree about the GS cases being too much, I would actually argue the ceramic seamaster is also over done in that regard as well. Maybe my tastes are too simple, but I love a clean dial with Arabic numerals. I have a background in aviation so this watch spreaks to me on many levels. The people that say these are overpriced have likely never handled one, but the “value” argument in watchmaking is insane anyways. Love the content thank you!
Thanks - and thanks for sharing 😃😃
Does this have a full balance bridge and silicon spring ?
I currently have the Sinn 556 I-RS and will be upgrading to the IWC Mark XX. For the same reason I love the 556, the Mark XX is a great execution of luxury and simplicity as an everyday tool watch.
Good choice! No. EXCELLENT choice .😀😀
I have been watching watch reviews from your channel and got a lot out of them. Many thanks! I bought the green dial version with brown leather strap early last year. For me, the green dial goes extremely well with the brown leather strap. I didn't pay attention to much of the technical spec and was simply impressed with their "IWC-manufactured" calibre at this price range (it turns out that the calibre is actually made by a sister company within the corporate group, which to me is still fine). But now I have compared the specs to other watches I have, such as Cartier Tank, a Grand Seiko and JLC Reverso, I am now even more impressed with this IWC timepiece. None of these other watches beat the Mark XX in terms of the specs. It is simple but very elegant, an excellent casually dressy watch.
Thanks for watching and sharing 😀
I bought an XX on a bracelet with blue face. It'a a beautiful watch ... without being overly flashy. Looked at the XV111 but needed the strap to taper.
Totally with you 😀😀
Are you having problems with the movement with the jumping minutes?
Im between these and the 18. I like the 18 black date wheel and hour hands better, but everything else I prefer the 20.
Im thinking about using these with the rubber b strap as everyday beater
I could do without the date completely. It's the complication I dislike the most on any watch.... 😀
If you wind the watch nearly to full , the minute hand wont jump during the adjustment
Love your opinion! I’m literally about to buy it and I saw there’s a Silver Plated White dial, with looks much better in person than pictures: can I get it opinion on the white vs the blue? Thanks!
BLue for me, but it's very much up to you. Blue is a little more formal I feel where the white comes across as more "navy". 😊
Beautiful explanation, understated is underrated!
THX 👍👍👍
Nice video. New to the channel, really enjoyed this one. Thoughts on the dial color? This will be my next watch, I'm just torn between classic black and the bit elevated blue...thoughts? I have a pretty sizeable collection with currently a pretty even split in various dial colors. This one will give either black or blue a slight edge in my collection - the tie breaker, so to speak. Thanks!
Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it.
Tough call on the dial. I'm partial to the blue, but the black on the other hand is more rugged/utilitarian / looks more like a pilots watch. Both are easy colours to style... I dunno. Tough choice.... 😀😂
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I feel that haha. I already have a Speedy Pro and a BB58 in black, along with a GS Soko Shadow that's a dark gray. In blue, I have the PRX and Omega SMP. I love the black, but also feel like it might cut into those others a little more, especially the GS, which is a similar style.
Its the best review of a watch I saw for the moment. Got me hooked on Mark XX white on bracelet. At the moment, theres no other model Id rather like, I couldnt clearly explain why before your theory of addition/substraction. Especially comparing with the GS white birch
Thanks - Glad my little theory resonated with you 😃😃
Timely video, I'm looking at getting the blue XX right now, currently have a XVIII heritage, debating between the XX and the explorer...
Always a tough choice when you have a previous version of the watch. I have the same conundrum with the new speedy vs the previous model.
Get the explorer (if you can) 🙏🤜
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch thank you much - new Speedy sapphire is fantastic if you're not a hesalite purist, also the bracelet is a nice upgrade and I've heard they now added a micro adjust clasp. Speedy is my all time favorite but I also work in the space industry so it's a must.
Getting my Mark XVI today. Can't wait! They are quirky and brilliant.
Mark XX is awesome but I prefer the less shiny more tool looking older models (12, 15, 16 mainly).... and the 16 is half the price, if that matters
Good choice! 😀😀
Just added IWC Big Pilot 43 Blue dial. My new everyday watch, just stunning
Good choice. It's a stunner and although some purist would say that 43mm is not a big pilot, I wouldn't agree. I think it's excellent at that size.
😀😀😀
Wow. Quite a well done analysis. I’m sold.
Glad to hear it! 😃
I was never any prouder about my Ingy 3570 with bracelet until watching this vid, except for the 42hr PR.👍
42 hours ain't much by todays standards but it'll get the job done 😀😀
Hi! Would you recommend the iwc mark xx or Tudor black bay heritage (burgundy) bezel
I would recommend both. Both excellent watches in my opinion. It's down to aesthetics I think - which one do you like most? 😃😃
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch thanks for the response! I like both but only can buy one! Hence the dilemma
Love IWC, Only thing I don't like about Mark XX is Arabic numbers are closer to the center of dial than Mark 18....but I will definitely upgrade my 18 to 20 in year or so
Upgrading is always a tough choice. Hardly ever does a watch improve every single thing. There’s often one or two things that get subjectively worse
Thanks for watching 😀💪
Good point about subtracting. True luxury is all about just the right amount of restraint. Grand Seiko struggles with this. The super fancy dial doesn't seem to match the utilitarian case and ordinary bracelet. Even the name Grand Seiko sounds clunky. Unlike most people, I think the problem is in the Grand, not the Seiko, part of the name.
I agree completely. GS could do a lot to become a stronger brand. Thanks for sharing 👍😀
This is the best review I’ve ever heard, well done.
thanks 😊
I'd love to see the how the green dial looks with the black leather strap that comes with the black dial.
Pretty sure you can buy the strap separately directly from IWC. Not cheap but my guess is it would work rather well…. 😀
Is anybody aware, did they fix the issue of the jumping hand when pulling out the crown, that seems to affect the new calibre that is powering this model?
Good question. I actually own the watch now. Didn't at the time of recording. I have not experienced the problem you mention myself.
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My only and major problem with this watch, the lack of a colour matched date wheel. A simple thing to do. I can get the point of added visibility, but is there really a pilot who misses the date?! Also the placement at 3 without colour matching further hurts the symmetry.
I just got mine. It is an attractive watch, without question. But I can't help but think that without "IWC" printed on the dial, it's just another nicely legible pilot watch with black dial (mine), white arabics, and big hands.
It is a very simple design, yes 😃😃
I have one, my first luxury watch... I was going to buy a black dial but fell in love with the green the moment I saw it... the photos just don't do it justice it is on a different level to the other options.
I think you made excellent points, especially about bracelets, the Seamaster bracelet is atrocious. One aspect I wish more watch manufacturers would adopt is minimalism like H. Moser does, Just list the brand name on the dials, no need for the extra fluff like automatic, swiss-made, or chronometer..we know it has it! No need to clutter the dial, in my opinion at least.
Moser own the space of dials that do nothing and do it superbly. Totally agree that more should try there hand at "less is more"
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I have a real hankering for this watch. There are several clinchers which I need to check out for myself....the comfort of the strap for a start....it looks so cool.
The dial too how does it respond in different lighting conditions, the brilliance (a rarity) of the 'on the move' extension by simply depressing the the IWC logo...whoa!! Tell that to other brands. I love my Grand Seiko and my two tone Explorer but, if the thermometer mercury rises beyond the normal, the bracelets can become handcuffs. (I am such a klutz, I still struggle with removing my Rolex and mucking about under a linen table cloth with the reverse fold of the bracelet link.)
The power reserve is great too.... Thus the final Clincher will be how does the IWC XX sit on my wrist....and that is the moment of truth - I will either buy it, or not.
You're going through the right thought process. Let me know what you end up deciding 😃
You are the philosopher of the wristwatch world!
(Lol, I mean that as a good thing!) I think I might go for a XX as well!
Very kind of you, thanks 😃
I already own a IWC GST Chronograph and looking for a everyday watch which I can also wear easily the weekend at the beach. We love at réunion island. I hesitate buying a second IWC. Also looking at the seamaster but I don’t like the pointer. Probably the Mark XX is just the right one…
Mine was running fast +16sec/day, a bit much for a brand new watch - it's now in Schaffhausen for recalibration. Together with the in my eyes outdated magnetic protection, i don't see the Cal. 32111 on par with those from Rolex and Omega. The later ones also come with COSC and Metas certification, IWC doesn't provide any of it.
Let's see how it runs after the recalibration.
Mine runs spot on, but never good to hear about QC issues 😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Quick follow up: now it runs +1sec/day and the world is alright again
I especially like the (new?) font on the Mk XX
Pretty sure the fonts are the same. They have however shifted all the fonts inwards alowing for more space between the minute markers and the numerals. Also the actual font size seems to be 0,5 to 1 font point smaller - but that might be an optical illusion as a consequence of the move of the numerals inwards.
It’s subtle but makes a huge difference
Clean watch. Which one did you end up buying?
Cheers
I own the mark xx now - Blue dial 😃😃
Enjoy it!
So, does the bracelet on the Mark XX tapers or not? Because in the XVIII it didn’t…
The mark xx tapers. I don’t have the numbers at hand but I’m thinking about 2 over the length of the bracelet which is nothing compared to something like the new speedy that goes from 20 to 15.
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch Yes, but it is good news I think it didn't taper at all, like the XVIII
20 to 18 it tapers
Great review and a great watch!
Is the mark xx luminous in the dark?
Yes. .😀
What an interesting analysis of what makes a good luxury steel sport watch. Sure, it's one man's thoughts, but what thoughts they are!
The IWC bracelet is awesome.
Thats an amazing watch , when you wear once you throw away all rolexes !
I wouldn't go that far but it is very very good 😃😃😃
Very nice but I think I still prefer the BP43 on the bracelet.
The BP is a very nice watch and the crown is just way cooler 😀
what an analysis. chef kiss
👍 Thanks
I love the older version. I’m not a fan of the polished bracelet and how they polished the hands instead of the matte black.
That's the beauty of small changes. They will appeal differently. Always stick with what you like 👍👍
Great take on the Grand Seiko! 6:52
It's what I personally think at least, not being an engineer myself .......😀👍
Bravo 👏
Thanks 😀
Tell me to just go buy the Mark XX and to overlook the apparent excessive cost. I want one versatile luxury watch for a milestone, and I think this is it. AD should discount anywhere around 10%? More?
Debating wither to buy the Mark XX in green. This video pushed me to buy!
Always do what's right for you - 😊
Would love to see a limited edition without date window and with Eastern Arabic numerals ١٢٣
Interesting idea. They just came out with a white dial version, that although with date looks pretty cool (in photos at least - have yet to see the white in the metal)...😊
Their failure to fix the placement of the date window is inexcusable for me. Now that they use an in house movement, the date window placement is the first thing they should’ve fixed.
I could do without the date window completely, but that's just me 👍😁
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch agreed. Either do it right or don’t do it at all. I was in the market for the Mark XVIII, but once I saw how asymmetrical the date window was as compared to the placement of the 9, I couldn’t unsee it. Completely ruined the watch for me. i was really looking forward to the Mark XX since you’d think they’d fix that with the new version and in house movement. But for some reason they kept the dial asymmetrical. Drives me nuts.
No failure. I think it's exactly where it should be.
@@vloh168 Don't be too sensitive brow,lol
I agree that the movement could have had a slightly larger diameter. However, the dial looks quite balanced with where the date window is placed. I wear my green dial version on the steel bracelet with a lot of pleasure.
Nice one!
Thank you! Cheers!
I wonder if theyll minimize it to a 36.
We can dream 😀🙏
Hope not. It’s a pilots watch
great post
Thanks! .😃👍
Mark XX is the best of the bunch imo.
It's my favorite for sure. 😁
IWC nailed the Spitfire
They very much did 😃
nice
Forgot to say in my honest opinion. 😆
Watch design is good, bracelet not so much. PR, bracelet QC mechanism is GOOD! Let's see where IWC goes from here!
They are doing good stuff. Their chronos are super cool, the portugese, the portofino, heck even their dive watch I like.
They are definitely worth paying attention to
Your way off on Grand Seiko. Don’t agree at all.
The Finish work is the standout and it looks less prominent in the metal. It all blends well.
To each his own, I suppose. We all like what we like and that's what makes watch collecting so much fun.
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Better than a lange Odysseus? Maybe relative to the price, yes. But not piece by piece.
For me it depends on how you define best. Lange do finishing and movement way better than IWC but aesthetically the odyseus doesn’t appeal to me.
Now a zeitwerk on the other hand….. 😀
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch I was thinking the same before I held the Odysseus in my hand. It's really a great piece of hardware. Not saying the mark XX isn't. I think you're right with your assessment. It's the number one every day watch there is at the market right now.
I think it will be better to try and voice facts and not present opinions. It comes over as product placement. It is important to differentiate between military and civilian pilots watches as military watches are usually to a war department’s specification and at a cost effective price, therefore the quality needn’t be top notch and a steel bracelet would be superfluous to specifications. A civilian pilot watch can be as luxurious as the pilot prefers. Let’s face it, if you can afford to run a plane then a luxurious watch is a no brainer, but military pilots are unlikely to employ such a watch as IWC in their normal working life, unless they end up flying a desk.
There's no disputing that the IWC Pilot Mark XX is a consumer luxury item. Historically IWC has produced many mil-spec watches especially in and around ww2. Hamilton and others did for the us back in the 70s and 80s. Marathon also did for a while. I'm not sure if there's even a market for mil-spec watches anymore, although I know Garmin gets used a lot in the USAF, whether that's in an official capacity or coincidence, I don't know.
Please increase the volume of your videos
Noted. Will do.
I’ve watched a lot of your videos I’ve been really impressed and there’s been hardly anything I’ve disagreed with until we get to this. This watch is wildly overpriced for what it is.
I would be surprised if anybody agreed with me every single time on ever single thing. 😃
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch everyone loves this watch bar me, I like it but I thinks it’s overpriced
@@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch when you look at this watch on a leather strap, you have to wonder about the cost of it , is it better than the ranger ? The dial is certainly a much better design, but the cost of that is negligible as it’s printed . Yes it is a very good movement but not better than the kenissi . The same movement is in the baume Riviera. For me, this is an example of Wild over pricing. In English pounds on a strap this is a £2800 watch with IWC written on it.
I agree and disagree. I do agree that it is overpriced, but not that overpriced. I would say 5k-5.5k eur for the one with the metal bracelet would be perfect, they sell it on iwc website for 6800…
talking about luxury watches and using the term "overengineered" is kind of weird, isn't it?
Sinn 556 is easily £ for £ best
Sinn need more recognition for whta they do. My personal dream right now is the 105 utc 😀😀😀😀
Seiko to me feels cheap and I will never spend a penny on them
They’re good for the price but several do come across as flimsy braceletwise 👍
Nice watch but Rolex DJ and OP are miles better !
And more expensive .... .😀
Thank you sir, very pleasant review
Thanks a ton. Really appreciated. Hope to have you by for more in the future 👍😀
Search youtube about new IWC XX movts bug 🙈
Scared to see what pops up 😂😂