Underrated Release and a stunning result. It shows that you don't have to reinvent the wheel to create a fresh look. What are your thoughts on the new IWC Mark XX? Did you even know that this watch was launched? 🥃
You hit the nail on the head. They fixed everything wrong with the Mk XVIII. The in house movement with insane power reserve, shorter lugs, better dial symmetry. Seems like a home run to me. Great video as always!
@@Angry_Gnome I appreciate it brother, thank you! I wonder how many are going to pick up on this? Maybe it's too little too late? Still, damn they've made a fine watch here 🥃
@@ID-Guy I'm sure the quality of an IWC is a cut above a Sinn, but visually to me, they seem very similar with this Mark XX being a little uncomfortably close to some Sinns.
This is the watch from IWC I’ve been waiting for. Got to try it on in person yesterday side by side with the Mark XVIII and the slight changes with the lug proportions makes the new release way better. The quick change strap mechanism is a huge win for me. as well. Finally jumping into the IWC brand and will purchase it soon as the blue dial arrives.
I'm so glad you called out the white date wheel being a better tonal balance against the 9 numeral than a dial-color-matched alternative. I've been saying this about certain watches for years, but most blindly adhere to "match the dial or bust" and perpetuate that sentiment throughout the community.
Thank you Nolan. I've been a purist for a long time ONLY opting for windows that hide away in the background BUT with these stark contrasting dials with big numbers, square plots it cleans up so nicely seeing white matched with everything else. Maturity in this hobby has taught me there is definitely a time and a place for everything 😉
I fully agree - white simple looks better because it doesnt leave a whole in the dial. Weirdly enough, no one ever complained about the non-dial-coloured date window of the Nautilus.
@@ID-Guy, thank you for another great review. I have learned a lot because of you. Do you think it is the same deal with Certina Action Diver 38 or 34.5 mm any colour choice? interested in your opinion, thanks
IWC is a great brand. Recently picked up a Portugieser 5007 and man, it is so impressive! I don’t like big watches, but IWC has created one of the best proportioned and balanced watches with the 5007. I’m excited to try the Mark XX in person.
Tried it on today... AWESOME watch. Beautiful crisp dial, well built and gorgeous subtle polishing against a mostly brushed case, extremely legible from any angle and distance.... seeing this watch made me realise that my Rolex chasing has been silly and I had fallen into the hype trap (although obviously rolex make very good watches).. ... I'll be getting the IWC on the bracelet when that's out.. as long as its the 5 link one with micro adjust.... shame it isn't 38mm but even at 40 it sits well on the wrist. Very thin and has a great presence... A little heavy but then again I'm used to wearing a tiny F91W Casio.... Thanks IDGuy for this great tip
IWC is really doing great improvements to their watches. The Mark XX is such a great example of perfect balance between improvement an old classic but keep it fresh , modern and interesting at the same time. IWC 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼...
So clean, right? Ah, I'm impressed. Also find it odd that nobody has even picked up or covered this in detail. Such a gem of a machine deserves more love! 🥃
Nice analysis. At first glance it doesn't seem different at all but when you actually focus on the fine details you can really start to appreciate the effort IWC put in this. I've got a Mark XVIII myself and I actually like how the date blends into the dial. But an in-house movement with a 120 hour power reserve... I'd love to have that!
I appreciate the technological improvements. I own a 74 year-old Mark XI and a 20 year-old Mark XV and prefer their smaller size, smaller numerals and the traditional shape of the hands. The Mark XX is clever but a little shouty for me. But it's entirely a matter of personal taste.
Reminds me a lot of their spitfire, a watch I've been lusting after since I first saw it. The design is simple but it feels considered and looks fantastic imo
This Mk XX made me look very hard at this lineup that's for sure! Ah, it's so great to see an idea executed well and so cleanly. Man... this is the Spitfire 2.0 🔥
Yep. Loathed the Mark XVIII. Love the Mark XX. Still hoping at some point to pick up a circa 1999-2003 Spitfire UTC. I lusted after that watch back in the day. One day!
That whole Spitfire series.... Man, a buddy owns the XV and he'd sell everything before it (his first watch) And it's not hard to see why. Such killer pieces all round. One day 😉
Until it was posted by one watch blog on Instagram (I forgot which, sorry!), I wouldn't have noticed! 72 hours would have been satisfactory, but 5 days PR is way cooler! Combined with the other updates you pointed out, I think I've found the IWC to finally buy!
After looking at the Spitfire, it's almost like this has borrowed that template and replaced the red and cream accents with white. Ah, it's clean... Thank you for sharing Danny! 🥃
I feel like this release was made for me. I've wanted one of the now older models for a long time, only the 40 hours of power is too low for me and the 51 mm lug to lug was right at the edge of the maximum for me there. This Mk XX is incredible. I plan on getting it.
Man, I've never look at IWC as much after seeing this launch. My pedantic designer brain just sees IWC and attention to detail everywhere... slimmer case, shorter lugs, manufacture movement and clean, clean dial... freaking love it 🥃
@@Anchor7 I think they said it was decreased by 2mm but that should be enough still where it’s not always hanging over one side of your wrist like the mark xviii
I love this style of watch, it’s just so clean and, important for a watch I believe, legible! It now has the in house movement it deserved at that price point. I’d prefer it on a bracelet and you could make this a do it all piece👌
There's lots of talk that these will be receiving a bracelet soon too. Ah, I dig them also. It's like IWC is looking back at their roots and giving us a fresh reinterpretation 🥃
BTW, @IDGuy, I bought this watch recently. It's....amazing. Movement is running at +2 seconds a day and keeps on ticking. The size and thinness is perfect for natos and really a strap monster. The dial layout is really well balanced and a joy to read the time on. Elegant, tough, versatile, build quality is top notch, the list keeps going. FYI - I purchased the blue dial and I recommend because the dial will change depending on the strap used.
Is the accuracy still this good after 5 months? Reading so much comments about the bad accuracy :( going to buy my in couple of weeks. Much precipitated your reply.
@@RotbartCaptain Interesting. I have not had any accuracy issues with mine. I know I purchased my Mark XX early and it's still running about the same. I bought it before the bracelet models came out and still a fantastic watch. Hope you enjoy it.
Totally agree with your take on the incremental design. Surprising how much the date window feels “right” on the XX with that small adjustment in position / in relation to the numbers. Am I the only one who thinks a red tip on the seconds hand would have just set it off?
I was lucky enough to grab the MARK XX from the NYC IWC boutique. At that time, it wasn't officially released. I went in to purchase the spitfire. However, when I laid eyes on the exclusive timepiece, it was mine especially, with its upgrades bringing the balance back to the MARK VX. I also, purchased two quick connect straps - blue/red to change things up a bit. They both look great on the watch
What your doing with this channel is fantastic. Art and design is where I come from and hearing someone speak regularly about proportion and the visual language encompassing watch design is a refreshing take many reviewers can’t muster. I enjoy all levels of watch discussion but this is where my passion lies. Thank you for doing it.
I have owned both the Mark XV black, as well as (and have kept) the much rarer white dial version, the "albino" Mark XV. Still one of my top watches of all time. Looking forward to trying out the Mark XX!
Another great review and insight, thank you! Its one of the few watch brands, thats simple class and can spot a mile away - would love to own one, one day
Love the white dial Mark xviii- might be the next ‘watch w/o numbers on the bezel’ watch I buy if I ever run out of divers to buy. So clean. Anyone else remember the gigantic IWC ad (must have been 30 meters high) as you were leaving Kowloon Station to go into the mall in Hong Kong? Great memories before the mainlanders took over…
Really great video. You are spot on, the changes are enough to make me want own this model... and I loved the Mark XVIII. Just never enough to pull the trigger after much hemming & hawing . To me moving the numerals in and making them smaller is all the difference in the world, the lug changes a giant bonus and finally the power reserve making it an absolute sweet piece.
Their watches are outstanding! A field design watch is timeless and can go with jeans and a t-shirt to a suit & tie. They duck under the radar with their simple and understated design and yet you can read the time with the flick of the wrist.
This MkXX is so slick... ah, they've done a great job here and I agree! This whole luxury field / pilot watch that rides under the radar is SUPER appealing 🥃
I had no idea this model had been released. Thanks so much for highlighting it! That particular shade of blue for the dial face is fantastic! I really love when a watch brand presents such a clean dial.
I can't believe how quiet it has been Alvin... Nobody is covering it but damn it's a beauty. I've never looked at these Pilots until now... and if I had the funds one of these would be in my collection. They've nailed it! 🥃
@@ID-Guy you and me both! I’ve often said that if I wanted to read a lot of text about a watch, I’d just get out the owner’s manual instead of having the information printed on the dial lol! I always look forward to your reviews.
Nobody ever talks about the best modern Mark, the XVI. Perfect size at 39mm, has the ETA 2892-A2 bulletproof and accurate movement, same color and correctly placed date window, and a not too busy but very attractive dial. I bought mine brand new in box for a 45% off discount back in 2010. The Rolex Explorer killer.
Agree 100%! Mark xvi tops the bill! All the proportions just right and they sorted the date window in that release. Not inside but in-line. However , this new XX is a right up there with it!
Extremely clean dials on these 16's, I must admit! The missing quarter numerals makes my head hurt a bit (but that's just me) 😆It's amazing that we can find bargain pieces like these even today, right? Sometimes the classics are where the attention should be focused. In-house is great but so is the pricing. Nothing beats those OG ETA's with years of hard labour under their belts 🥃
Totally agree with you. IWC really got it right with the MK XVI. To me, the missing 6 and 9 together with the longer quarter markers added a lot more characters to the watch. These characters are largely absent with the MK XVIII which, to me, looks quite boring and soulless. No to mention the 39mm size is simply perfect. You've got yourself a brilliant watch!
Totally agree, I bought a xvi a year ago after trying on the spitfire and the xviii. 39 mm and good proportioned lug to lug makes it the better pilot watch for me. I actually like the dial quite a lot
Dude this is awesome... May be a little big but may also be just right... I've had several wobbles while I have waited for my 36mm silver Datejust...Railmaster (40mm and the 57 anniversary), globemaster white dial, submariner two tone (if I sell a kidney), Sinn 556i...... This IWC is also a contender Brain says wait for the Datejust, heart says get any of the above and it's happy days
We're going to sit down one of these days Valera and get this checklist of yours sorted out 😉 I know a good few people who went with IWC first and never looked back. They'd sell their entire collections before getting rid of the IWC. We definitely need to get a strong series of pieces together for you 😆🥃
I have the Mark XVIII PP. Super high quality bracelet, very comfortable watch. The lug to lug is fine my 7 inch wrist, but it does lack some presence as almost too slim. A criticism is the date window being a bit inside where it should be. I’m surprised the Mark XX hasn’t fixed that fully, it still doesn’t look quite right.
That comment indeed made me think twice about how I look at date windows, normally I default to match the dial but now I will look at things with more consideration! Why did you turn black and white towards the end of the video? Not sure what it meant. I thought it was bloopers at first.
I wish you spoke about Mark XVI, in my opinion the most balanced and perfectly sized Mark. Absence of 3,6, and 9 makes it reminiscent of compass, or reminds of directional gyro in the cockpit.
So it's an aftermarket nato and clasp (that I sourced on eBay a few years ago) all generic stuff but I folded the strap on itself so you don't have to tuck it in after closing it all together. I'm a nutter when it comes to straps Christopher 😉
Great video as always, great watch too. Just wish they’d dump the date window like they have for the BP43 and it would be perfect. Once IWC have done that, I’ll be throwing my money at them.
We are a rare breed with our lack of dates Fraser 😉 I think marketing, stats and business says that the majority ask for dates on their watches in this category. But I agree... a clean dial would've made it sing even more! 🥃
I would like to agree with you on this one, but for me it just does not make sense. This was the perfect opportunity to fully rebalance the date window and rectify the most divisive issue with the XVIII (which I own in blue). The in-house movement is not that big a deal as the XVIII was already highly regulated and mine, as well as many I know of, were running less than 2 secs fast a day and you still cannot even see the movement finish on the rear side! Also, I am not excited about 120 hrs as anything between 60-80 is more than enough, this covers a weekend change; other than that I would rather my watch is not running excessively and wearing out the mechanism, when not being worn for so long. The next pilots watch for me has to be a Longines Spirit and the new 37mm option looks great!
Great review. I was only thinking today that I would love to add an IWC to the collection. Not sure which, but this is a contender, so is the 43mm, so is the Big Pilot 🤔🤣 I also have to thank you again for making me aware about the Smiths that I bought. It is a keeper for life. May I ask what strap you have with the deployant clasp. Thanks and well done on another brilliant video 🙏👏🥃
Wow 120hrs, 10ATM, with an inhouse movement (intro was very funny btw). It does a nice job of straddling tool and dress with its more polished elements and and nicer strap compared to the XVIII. Only miss IMHO would be to include an open case back showing off that movement. Great vid as always.
Agree Michael. They've nailed every area (apart from that caseback) I think it was done just to manage the thickness. Odd to imagine a brand worrying about the thickness of their watches these days 😆 Ah, I love these machines... They're really looking better by the day!
I really like this update to the Mark series. For me, I would buy this, and spend the extra money, rather than the new Tudor Ranger. Classic styling and technical improvements make this a great watch. When the bracelet comes out or is available, the easy adjustment system is a very nice touch as well.
If it was me, and I love Tudor (just bought one for myself) I'd be paying extra and buying the IWC for lots of reasons. Size, thickness and proportions. A model like the Ranger won't age as nicely as these machines (I believe). You're getting a modern - classic design that would never look out of place in a collection and could easily work with other pieces. I also think you'd never get "bored" of a watch like this with all the strap variations. Plus the majority wouldn't recognise this watch on you day-to-day 😉
A great review. And nice considered development. As I mentioned on your Insta post, I have the Mk XVI which I enjoy and at 39mm ideal for me. I agree with you that the restrained and considered development is a lesson to others. The latest Speedmaster had the same detailed but respectful consideration. I also agree about the launch. Recent media heavy launches may have helped lift sales, but to the cost of true enthusiasts. Well done IWC
Thank you Graham. It's almost as if they wanted to slide these Mk XX's in and move the Mk XVIII's along without anyone noticing. Well hey, big bonus is that we get to see them first before the masses 😉
Awesome comparison video! I agree, big improvements over the XVIII. The XV has that original Mark feel and the dang near perfect date window placement in my opinion. Same as the current model Pilot 36! For the most part, I really love the improvements they made on the XX, and I agree with you that the white wheel adds more balance, but I can't help but feel the date window is still far enough from symmetrical that it feels a bit in no man's land? Still a much better product overall to the XVIII. How do you feel about the date placement?
Love every change other than the hands not being matte black anymore. I loved that. The rest of the changes prove IWC is listening to what consumers want.
I noticed there was something different with the hands (thank you for pointing it out Anchor) I've got to agree, matte hands boost that legibility 10x more. But man, 10 bar WR, improved size... Ah, they're doing a good job 🥃
GREAT video! I personally prefer the RAF hands over the Luftwaffe hands, perhaps there will be a variant of the XX like the XVIII “Tribute to Mk 11” which I adore.
Check out "Not So Obvious Watches" he covered his personal IWC RAAF - which is an absolute beauty... very close ties to the MKXI but with a ceramic case and all sorts of tweaks 😉
Thank you for another informative and well-structured review! Just out of curiosity, is there a particular reason why you've failed to mention the Mark XII, lauded over the years by various watch publications and called 'Possibly The Most Beautiful Everyday Watch of All Time' by one in September 2021? I believe it's a very sought-after model by serious watch aficionados and IWC fans alike.
I keep coming back to this post and can’t believe such a beauty has so little coverage. I nearly gave up on watches and this one is bringing me back with a vengeance. Very special watch from iwc… pretty much close the perfect first (and potentially) last proper watch for me…with a smile… Now…where is this metal bracelet ??!!
Perfect post and my feelings exactly. This watch has convinced me that I do NOT need a Rolex..I tried it on last week and it is fantastic... it was very legible, felt heavy but not too heavy on my wrist. The word is "solid"... I'm normally into 36-39mm watches, but this IWC I can forgive.... in fact I never looked at this brand until now. And there's no going back. They are quality and you get so much for the money.... I also like the genta design of the Ingenieur from around 2013.... but I think that at my only watch, this mark xx will be the one ... the plan is to wait for the release of the bracelet and hopefully get it with a discount...as long as its that micro adjustable bracelet.... if not, then I'll still get it on the strap
@@Valera_Scotland Merci. To be honest, I never wanted à Rolex and it didn’t make me feel proud and special like this iwc. Only Omega could achieve this for me or JLC but nothing within budget or totally right. Like you said, bring me the metal bracelets (I assume standard) and let’s dance. Discount needed but that’s another story :-)
@@Valera_Scotland Merci. To be honest, I never wanted à Rolex and it didn’t make me feel proud and special like this iwc. Only Omega could achieve this for me or JLC but nothing within budget or totally right. Like you said, bring me the metal bracelets (I assume standard) and let’s dance. Discount needed but that’s another story :-)
@@goldorak5282 ha ha brilliant! Yes I'm an Omega lover, but now IWC too.. very quickly becoming my favourite brand I think steel bracelet model for £4k and I'll be getting it asap
@@goldorak5282 and p.s. "nothing totally right" is so true... I have wanted an Omega that's perfect for ages (had the first gen Aqua Terra black dial and a Speedy 1861 but sold them).. my ideal omega would be 11mm thick and solid case back, maybe 38mm case But alas they have see through cases and are just quite thick... oh and micro adjust bracelets are not really available... the models that come close for me are the Railmaster and Globemaster ... JLC is amazing.. but got the price and knowing how special they are, but 50m water resistance for most models, or less, I can't really afford one, as my watch purchase is for one main watch... So the winner does seem to be the amazing Mark XX !
@IDGuy great, informative video as always. Question - what is your nato/deployant setup on your Smiths? Would like to look into it myself for my Nivada. Cheers from Montana. 👍⌚🍷🥃🌲⛰️🐻🦬🦌
David! Hope you're enjoying your time in Montana! Yet another gorgeous place... So, it's a generic nato and deployant I found on eBay (sepparately) 😆 They're around but you have to keep searching and searching... can't say I've found more of them since my initial pickup a few years ago 🥃
agree 100% I've been waiting for them to fix the 18. I owned one, and it drove me nuts, mostly for the date, but i did not realize that moving the numerals would help so much. i like the polished hands, too. any idea if the case dimensions have changed? great review, thanks :)
There's something about the simplicity of a watch like this that deserves to be in a collection... Ah man... I hope you enjoy the hell out of them both! IWC's on my radar...
@@ID-Guy the iwc mark 18 made me sell all my other watches as its the only watch I wore for over 6 months, I just kept wanting to put it back on when I wore something else. I just love the simple design and way it looks, i love it even more now.
Flieger watches shouldn’t have a date window at all in my personal opinion! The Stowa I own looks the part without the high price ! Nice watches just my personal bug bear is day date and power indicators on watch faces as we all have a smart phone so don’t need anything other than time on a vintage inspired instrument watch . Alway great breakdown thanks . :)
Thanks for the video! Mark XX seems extremely nice… thin, not too big, great lineage. A serious alternative to the Explorer or the new Ranger. IWC is back!
Tudor does not have any prestige, they just make copies of Rolex designs, shouldn't be mentioned. Tudor is on the same level as longines and oris. Yes, it's a great alternative to the explorer, id pick it over the explorer.
A definite improvement on the previous version IDGuy, usually I prefer a date a 6 but as you mention a white disc balances this out more not only occupying the space that a white number 3 would reside but it also keeps the baton at 3. Previously I had no issue with a 3rd party movement (and still wouldn't, easy to service and regulate) but the in house calibre in this watch is an interesting choice. This could well leap onto my list of watches to see in the flesh with no initial desire to purchase but it wouldn't be the first time that I've heard and seen pictures of a watch that struck neutral or less interest that once tried have purchased. My BB Pro would be an example of that.
Love this version and Mark XV aesthetics. IWC does pay reverence to the Pilot's Watch and seems to approach each redesign with a kind of religious devotion.
Personal preferences, I've never been a fan of the Chrono arrangement having the sub-dial at the 12. If it was me, the simpler, smaller & thinner Mk XX all the way brother. It's timeless and so well executed (super versatile too for straps and daily wear) 🥃
Great release and love the changes. I also appreciate how IWC considers the user experience with a quick change strap. If IWC ever releases a similar watch in 36mm I would be very interested.
I have the blue dial IWC Pilot 36 and sourced the multi-link bracelet with alternating brushed/polished links. I've had it for three years now, and every time I start to think it's time to sell it for something else, I put it on the wrist and completely dismiss that thought.
@@ID-Guy Agreed but from another perspective, it saves my wallet and I can continue wearing my BB36. Perhaps in the future there will be a return to smaller sizes. For now I take enjoyment looking at these watches as a form of art and not something I have to have.
Sure: the XX has an in-house movement, better power reserve and a better water resistance - but it is also more expensive. And in the daily use, you would not realize the difference at this points. This is why I prefer the mark xviii over the xx - here's why: 1) the date window is black 2) The edge of the hands is matte black 3) it hat côtes de genève inside the clasp 4) the bracelet is matt. and all 4 points matter every single day when you wear the watch. and it runs around +1 sec / day (370 amplitude). soi, what ever IWC did with this movement, it's amazing.
Great question. I will really consider it if they make one available. I saw somewhere it will be available to buy along with a rubber strap but can't remember where I saw that.. May not be true
Even with the increased price on the XX, the overall price seems a little easier to justify with the changes. All the changed details are improvements, in my opinion. The curious thing to me is that, unlike the Big Pilot 43, the lume is not on all markers/numerals around the dial. That surprised me, and apparently was also the case on the XVIII. That being said, I am personally waiting for the bracelet version to come out to try one one. IWC's CEO has said that there will be one out at some point. It is kind of odd they did did not wait for that to launch, but maybe they're having supply chain issues.
Great analysis Sean. And man... these on bracelets... can you imagine with the micro-adjust etc? I'm with you that these pieces will sing with that combo (crossing fingers we'll see them out soon) 🥃
I have no idea why brands struggle to align dates. At the end of the day it's down to the size of the movement used unfortunately. I'd always opt for a no-date if the result would end up looking shoddy 😉
Seeing the footage of the movement early in the episode, but then seeing the closed caseback made me stifle a sob. Good looking engraving though! Nice watch...Glad you made a point on talking about it since they couldn't be bothered!
Right? That came to mind too as I was editing this... why hide such a gem of a movement?? And no idea why these watches aren't getting the fanfare... I think they wanted it to be a "silent release" and to sweep the Mk XVIII aside quietly 😉
I forgot to ask is the Mark 18 bracelet equal to the Mark XX or lessor in quality, and articulation. I prefer the look o the Mark 18 bracelet. Secondly how big of a difference is between the Mark 18 and Mark XX movements in terms of duarability, acucuracy and ease of service for the watch maker? I am looking for a retirement watch and will have Tudor and IWC Portugieser questions for you soon. Thank you for your time. Regars, Chris
Right after watching this video, I had a look at IWC’s website to finally see that this time, they improved at least one (to me most) important criteria: water resistance 10 ATM (prior 5 ATM). And thanks for showing your Smith field watch. Looks like that Mark XI had the hands of the RAF pilot’s watch and the dial from the German Flieger A (WWII), but with that arrow of the RAF watch (see 2:30 min). But, looking at that picture of the IWC Spitfire watch (2:03 min), there is something, I don’t understand, I don’t accept: Apart from the date window and the brand/ type print, it’s completely the German Flieger watch type A, 100%. Why did have IWC to name this watch then Spitfire (and engrave the silhouette of the plane on the caseback) ??? - I do understand if they didn’t want to call it Bf 109, FW 190 or Me 262, but there were so many other technically most interesting German planes such as the Horten H IX (first ever stealth jet fighter, 1944, German Airforce).
Thank you Gareth! A generic nato and clasp (I found on eBay) but I folded the nato on itself and secured it with a screw so there's no need to fold it when its on the wrist 😉
I like it, but still think it would so better with a slightly larger movement. The date is just barely a bit to close to center for me. It just cannot be unseen
I like the XX, I just wish they left the numerals and hour markers alone. It makes it look like a field watch with the numbers pushed in like that. Everything else looks great
In all honesty… if they had just moved the date window out instead of bringing the numerals in (as quick and easy fix) I would have bought one. The new face feels cramped in comparison… which is the reason why I went with an Archimede instead of a stowa or laco. To me the big pilot 43 has the perfect proportions although maybe a little big for some wrists
Well in my mind the mark xv is perfection. But since I am in market for this type of watch i‘ll check the mark xx in person. Especially a white dial Version could win me over.
I'm also hoping that they release it in the white dial version like they did with the Mark XVlll. For some reason though, they never offered the white dial with the bracelet. Its only available on the strap.
Underrated Release and a stunning result. It shows that you don't have to reinvent the wheel to create a fresh look. What are your thoughts on the new IWC Mark XX? Did you even know that this watch was launched? 🥃
Buy Sinn instead lol.
You hit the nail on the head. They fixed everything wrong with the Mk XVIII. The in house movement with insane power reserve, shorter lugs, better dial symmetry. Seems like a home run to me.
Great video as always!
@@Angry_Gnome I appreciate it brother, thank you! I wonder how many are going to pick up on this? Maybe it's too little too late? Still, damn they've made a fine watch here 🥃
@@salvadorHombre No arguing with that. IWC does situate themselves in a different category 🥃
@@ID-Guy I'm sure the quality of an IWC is a cut above a Sinn, but visually to me, they seem very similar with this Mark XX being a little uncomfortably close to some Sinns.
This is the watch from IWC I’ve been waiting for. Got to try it on in person yesterday side by side with the Mark XVIII and the slight changes with the lug proportions makes the new release way better. The quick change strap mechanism is a huge win for me. as well. Finally jumping into the IWC brand and will purchase it soon as the blue dial arrives.
I'm so glad you called out the white date wheel being a better tonal balance against the 9 numeral than a dial-color-matched alternative. I've been saying this about certain watches for years, but most blindly adhere to "match the dial or bust" and perpetuate that sentiment throughout the community.
Thank you Nolan. I've been a purist for a long time ONLY opting for windows that hide away in the background BUT with these stark contrasting dials with big numbers, square plots it cleans up so nicely seeing white matched with everything else. Maturity in this hobby has taught me there is definitely a time and a place for everything 😉
I completely disagree, I think the white date disk does look cheap, but to each their own..l
I fully agree - white simple looks better because it doesnt leave a whole in the dial. Weirdly enough, no one ever complained about the non-dial-coloured date window of the Nautilus.
@@ID-Guy, thank you for another great review. I have learned a lot because of you. Do you think it is the same deal with Certina Action Diver 38 or 34.5 mm any colour choice? interested in your opinion, thanks
IWC is a great brand. Recently picked up a Portugieser 5007 and man, it is so impressive! I don’t like big watches, but IWC has created one of the best proportioned and balanced watches with the 5007. I’m excited to try the Mark XX in person.
Merci IWC…just in time for my 50s…simply superb. Thank you for the news, I didn’t even realise it was out…
Tried it on today... AWESOME watch. Beautiful crisp dial, well built and gorgeous subtle polishing against a mostly brushed case, extremely legible from any angle and distance.... seeing this watch made me realise that my Rolex chasing has been silly and I had fallen into the hype trap (although obviously rolex make very good watches)..
... I'll be getting the IWC on the bracelet when that's out.. as long as its the 5 link one with micro adjust.... shame it isn't 38mm but even at 40 it sits well on the wrist. Very thin and has a great presence... A little heavy but then again I'm used to wearing a tiny F91W Casio....
Thanks IDGuy for this great tip
@Ralph Reilly fair point. They are very good watches...
IWC is really doing great improvements to their watches. The Mark XX is such a great example of perfect balance between improvement an old classic but keep it fresh , modern and interesting at the same time.
IWC 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼...
So clean, right? Ah, I'm impressed. Also find it odd that nobody has even picked up or covered this in detail. Such a gem of a machine deserves more love! 🥃
Nice analysis. At first glance it doesn't seem different at all but when you actually focus on the fine details you can really start to appreciate the effort IWC put in this. I've got a Mark XVIII myself and I actually like how the date blends into the dial. But an in-house movement with a 120 hour power reserve... I'd love to have that!
IWC is becoming my favorite brand. Beautiful, robust movements and perfectly executed dials.
Kurt Klaus is such a legend!
I appreciate the technological improvements. I own a 74 year-old Mark XI and a 20 year-old Mark XV and prefer their smaller size, smaller numerals and the traditional shape of the hands. The Mark XX is clever but a little shouty for me. But it's entirely a matter of personal taste.
Reminds me a lot of their spitfire, a watch I've been lusting after since I first saw it. The design is simple but it feels considered and looks fantastic imo
This Mk XX made me look very hard at this lineup that's for sure! Ah, it's so great to see an idea executed well and so cleanly. Man... this is the Spitfire 2.0 🔥
Yep. Loathed the Mark XVIII. Love the Mark XX. Still hoping at some point to pick up a circa 1999-2003 Spitfire UTC. I lusted after that watch back in the day. One day!
That whole Spitfire series.... Man, a buddy owns the XV and he'd sell everything before it (his first watch) And it's not hard to see why. Such killer pieces all round. One day 😉
Until it was posted by one watch blog on Instagram (I forgot which, sorry!), I wouldn't have noticed! 72 hours would have been satisfactory, but 5 days PR is way cooler! Combined with the other updates you pointed out, I think I've found the IWC to finally buy!
It's a gem of a machine. I've never paid much attention to them but this XX is a helluva contender! 🥃
Nicely done, IWC. My pal got a Spitfire a few months ago. I had it on my wrist recently - a very nice watch in all respects!
After looking at the Spitfire, it's almost like this has borrowed that template and replaced the red and cream accents with white. Ah, it's clean... Thank you for sharing Danny! 🥃
I feel like this release was made for me. I've wanted one of the now older models for a long time, only the 40 hours of power is too low for me and the 51 mm lug to lug was right at the edge of the maximum for me there. This Mk XX is incredible. I plan on getting it.
Man, I've never look at IWC as much after seeing this launch. My pedantic designer brain just sees IWC and attention to detail everywhere... slimmer case, shorter lugs, manufacture movement and clean, clean dial... freaking love it 🥃
Did they decrease the lug to lug with the xx? EDIT: just saw he mentioned it was 46. Im stoked, that was the main reason I didn't buy one.
@@Anchor7 I think they said it was decreased by 2mm but that should be enough still where it’s not always hanging over one side of your wrist like the mark xviii
@@austinzizzi1142 i may be wrong but I think it may be 46mm now. Which would be a huge reduction. But you’re right, even 2mm will help!
I love this style of watch, it’s just so clean and, important for a watch I believe, legible! It now has the in house movement it deserved at that price point. I’d prefer it on a bracelet and you could make this a do it all piece👌
There's lots of talk that these will be receiving a bracelet soon too. Ah, I dig them also. It's like IWC is looking back at their roots and giving us a fresh reinterpretation 🥃
BTW, @IDGuy, I bought this watch recently. It's....amazing. Movement is running at +2 seconds a day and keeps on ticking. The size and thinness is perfect for natos and really a strap monster. The dial layout is really well balanced and a joy to read the time on. Elegant, tough, versatile, build quality is top notch, the list keeps going.
FYI - I purchased the blue dial and I recommend because the dial will change depending on the strap used.
Is the accuracy still this good after 5 months? Reading so much comments about the bad accuracy :( going to buy my in couple of weeks. Much precipitated your reply.
@@RotbartCaptain Interesting. I have not had any accuracy issues with mine. I know I purchased my Mark XX early and it's still running about the same. I bought it before the bracelet models came out and still a fantastic watch. Hope you enjoy it.
So stunning and brave! We have never seen anything like this before. It's been integrated into everyday life.
You're so right! Pioneering! Sarcasm's a bit stale though 😉
Totally agree with your take on the incremental design. Surprising how much the date window feels “right” on the XX with that small adjustment in position / in relation to the numbers.
Am I the only one who thinks a red tip on the seconds hand would have just set it off?
Oooh an accent colour would've been tasty! Maybe it's the purist in me that loves the stark white hand 😉
Or even an entirely red second hand
No, it would look cheap.
I always enjoy your explanation and commentary. Very eloquent. This is a beautiful watch too.
Always a pleasure Scott and I loved this one (especially since literally no one has covered it and hopped onto the bandwagon... yet) 😆 Thank you sir!
I was lucky enough to grab the MARK XX from the NYC IWC boutique. At that time, it wasn't officially released. I went in to purchase the spitfire. However, when I laid eyes on the exclusive timepiece, it was mine especially, with its upgrades bringing the balance back to the MARK VX.
I also, purchased two quick connect straps - blue/red to change things up a bit. They both look great on the watch
I’m looking at buying one right now. How do you like it so far
@@bhailey66 I love this timepiece! More so than my Rolex Explorer.
I like to wear it on the red rubber strap.
Finally a face to the voice. I imagined a weather beaten face, bushy beard seaman. Great work you are doing.
What your doing with this channel is fantastic. Art and design is where I come from and hearing someone speak regularly about proportion and the visual language encompassing watch design is a refreshing take many reviewers can’t muster. I enjoy all levels of watch discussion but this is where my passion lies. Thank you for doing it.
Finally got mine on bracelet. Wow, am deeply impressed. What an amazing watch.
I own IWC spitfire 39mm definitely one of my favourite. The Mark XX is amazing 120 hours power reserve is insane, enjoyed this video.
I have owned both the Mark XV black, as well as (and have kept) the much rarer white dial version, the "albino" Mark XV. Still one of my top watches of all time.
Looking forward to trying out the Mark XX!
Good day, great vid. Thank you.
Which do you prefer Spitfire 39 mm or the Mark XX on bracelet. They have the same movement i believe.
Regards,
Chris
Another great review and insight, thank you! Its one of the few watch brands, thats simple class and can spot a mile away - would love to own one, one day
Love the white dial Mark xviii- might be the next ‘watch w/o numbers on the bezel’ watch I buy if I ever run out of divers to buy. So clean.
Anyone else remember the gigantic IWC ad (must have been 30 meters high) as you were leaving Kowloon Station to go into the mall in Hong Kong? Great memories before the mainlanders took over…
Amazing video! Thanks for all the detail. Hoping this releases with a white face like the 18
Really great video. You are spot on, the changes are enough to make me want own this model... and I loved the Mark XVIII. Just never enough to pull the trigger after much hemming & hawing . To me moving the numerals in and making them smaller is all the difference in the world, the lug changes a giant bonus and finally the power reserve making it an absolute sweet piece.
Excellent review of one of the best IWC releases in a long time.
Their watches are outstanding! A field design watch is timeless and can go with jeans and a t-shirt to a suit & tie. They duck under the radar with their simple and understated design and yet you can read the time with the flick of the wrist.
This MkXX is so slick... ah, they've done a great job here and I agree! This whole luxury field / pilot watch that rides under the radar is SUPER appealing 🥃
A real explorer competitor now with that spec
I had no idea this model had been released. Thanks so much for highlighting it! That particular shade of blue for the dial face is fantastic! I really love when a watch brand presents such a clean dial.
I can't believe how quiet it has been Alvin... Nobody is covering it but damn it's a beauty. I've never looked at these Pilots until now... and if I had the funds one of these would be in my collection. They've nailed it! 🥃
@@ID-Guy you and me both! I’ve often said that if I wanted to read a lot of text about a watch, I’d just get out the owner’s manual instead of having the information printed on the dial lol! I always look forward to your reviews.
@@ID-Guy People are blind by the hyped Rolex AP and Patek so real watch enthusiast we can enjoy IWC 😉
Nobody ever talks about the best modern Mark, the XVI. Perfect size at 39mm, has the ETA 2892-A2 bulletproof and accurate movement, same color and correctly placed date window, and a not too busy but very attractive dial. I bought mine brand new in box for a 45% off discount back in 2010. The Rolex Explorer killer.
I prefer any mark to the explorer, except maybe the mark 17.
Agree 100%! Mark xvi tops the bill! All the proportions just right and they sorted the date window in that release. Not inside but in-line.
However , this new XX is a right up there with it!
Extremely clean dials on these 16's, I must admit! The missing quarter numerals makes my head hurt a bit (but that's just me) 😆It's amazing that we can find bargain pieces like these even today, right? Sometimes the classics are where the attention should be focused. In-house is great but so is the pricing. Nothing beats those OG ETA's with years of hard labour under their belts 🥃
Totally agree with you. IWC really got it right with the MK XVI. To me, the missing 6 and 9 together with the longer quarter markers added a lot more characters to the watch. These characters are largely absent with the MK XVIII which, to me, looks quite boring and soulless. No to mention the 39mm size is simply perfect. You've got yourself a brilliant watch!
Totally agree, I bought a xvi a year ago after trying on the spitfire and the xviii. 39 mm and good proportioned lug to lug makes it the better pilot watch for me. I actually like the dial quite a lot
Dude this is awesome... May be a little big but may also be just right...
I've had several wobbles while I have waited for my 36mm silver Datejust...Railmaster (40mm and the 57 anniversary), globemaster white dial, submariner two tone (if I sell a kidney), Sinn 556i......
This IWC is also a contender
Brain says wait for the Datejust, heart says get any of the above and it's happy days
I've owned, Rolex, Omega, etc, got a iwc mark 18, puts a biggest smile on my face, would choose the iwc every time.
We're going to sit down one of these days Valera and get this checklist of yours sorted out 😉 I know a good few people who went with IWC first and never looked back. They'd sell their entire collections before getting rid of the IWC. We definitely need to get a strong series of pieces together for you 😆🥃
@@ID-Guy that would be brilliant! I'm in Kent in January just after Christmas 🎄
I have the Mark XVIII PP. Super high quality bracelet, very comfortable watch. The lug to lug is fine my 7 inch wrist, but it does lack some presence as almost too slim. A criticism is the date window being a bit inside where it should be. I’m surprised the Mark XX hasn’t fixed that fully, it still doesn’t look quite right.
Absolutely agree with you on the XX. But, just picked up a SWC hyper-g and it fills the blue pilot spot in my collection at about 1/10th the price.
would like to be this XX available with a no-date dial !! will buy that version direct !
Just got the call for the 41 Chrono Mercedes F1 model. Got the Jones for another chrono. Nice looking unique styling. Stoked!
That comment indeed made me think twice about how I look at date windows, normally I default to match the dial but now I will look at things with more consideration!
Why did you turn black and white towards the end of the video? Not sure what it meant. I thought it was bloopers at first.
I wish you spoke about Mark XVI, in my opinion the most balanced and perfectly sized Mark. Absence of 3,6, and 9 makes it reminiscent of compass, or reminds of directional gyro in the cockpit.
what's that strap and clasp combo at the 1:44 mark when discussing the Smith wristwatch? Love the channel by the way!
So it's an aftermarket nato and clasp (that I sourced on eBay a few years ago) all generic stuff but I folded the strap on itself so you don't have to tuck it in after closing it all together. I'm a nutter when it comes to straps Christopher 😉
@@ID-Guy I bet. Appreciate the quick response my guy, keep up the great work! :D
Great video as always, great watch too. Just wish they’d dump the date window like they have for the BP43 and it would be perfect. Once IWC have done that, I’ll be throwing my money at them.
We are a rare breed with our lack of dates Fraser 😉 I think marketing, stats and business says that the majority ask for dates on their watches in this category. But I agree... a clean dial would've made it sing even more! 🥃
Absolutely fantastic video!
I would like to agree with you on this one, but for me it just does not make sense. This was the perfect opportunity to fully rebalance the date window and rectify the most divisive issue with the XVIII (which I own in blue). The in-house movement is not that big a deal as the XVIII was already highly regulated and mine, as well as many I know of, were running less than 2 secs fast a day and you still cannot even see the movement finish on the rear side! Also, I am not excited about 120 hrs as anything between 60-80 is more than enough, this covers a weekend change; other than that I would rather my watch is not running excessively and wearing out the mechanism, when not being worn for so long. The next pilots watch for me has to be a Longines Spirit and the new 37mm option looks great!
Exactly. The Mark XVIII was already perfect for me, with the Santoni black strap. This new Mark XX have changes that nobody asked for.
Agree. To my eye, so much better. Looking forward to seeing the Heritage iteration in titanium.
Those Ti Heritage pieces they bring out are superb. Definitely some of the most underrated pieces from the family 🥃
Great review. I was only thinking today that I would love to add an IWC to the collection. Not sure which, but this is a contender, so is the 43mm, so is the Big Pilot 🤔🤣
I also have to thank you again for making me aware about the Smiths that I bought. It is a keeper for life. May I ask what strap you have with the deployant clasp.
Thanks and well done on another brilliant video 🙏👏🥃
Wow 120hrs, 10ATM, with an inhouse movement (intro was very funny btw). It does a nice job of straddling tool and dress with its more polished elements and and nicer strap compared to the XVIII. Only miss IMHO would be to include an open case back showing off that movement. Great vid as always.
Agree Michael. They've nailed every area (apart from that caseback) I think it was done just to manage the thickness. Odd to imagine a brand worrying about the thickness of their watches these days 😆 Ah, I love these machines... They're really looking better by the day!
I really like this update to the Mark series. For me, I would buy this, and spend the extra money, rather than the new Tudor Ranger. Classic styling and technical improvements make this a great watch. When the bracelet comes out or is available, the easy adjustment system is a very nice touch as well.
Get the iwc, pay the extra, will be worth it, you don't want a Tudor, no prestige and is in the same league as longines/oris.
If it was me, and I love Tudor (just bought one for myself) I'd be paying extra and buying the IWC for lots of reasons. Size, thickness and proportions. A model like the Ranger won't age as nicely as these machines (I believe). You're getting a modern - classic design that would never look out of place in a collection and could easily work with other pieces. I also think you'd never get "bored" of a watch like this with all the strap variations. Plus the majority wouldn't recognise this watch on you day-to-day 😉
@@coffeeboyclips1973 Have to agree with you brother. Love both brands but a different league 🥃
Very interesting review. Just a question: is the LTL 46mm or 49mm?
A great review. And nice considered development. As I mentioned on your Insta post, I have the Mk XVI which I enjoy and at 39mm ideal for me. I agree with you that the restrained and considered development is a lesson to others. The latest Speedmaster had the same detailed but respectful consideration. I also agree about the launch. Recent media heavy launches may have helped lift sales, but to the cost of true enthusiasts. Well done IWC
Thank you Graham. It's almost as if they wanted to slide these Mk XX's in and move the Mk XVIII's along without anyone noticing. Well hey, big bonus is that we get to see them first before the masses 😉
Is there a way to get some kind of IWC clasp leather strap. Not a fan of the buckle
Any information about a white dial version? Would buy a white one immediately.
Do you think it's possible to adapt the bracelet of the XVIII to the XX?
Hands down best release in the Mark series since the Mark XV. Very well balanced. Wouldn't give up my UTC 3251 for it, though.
Awesome comparison video! I agree, big improvements over the XVIII. The XV has that original Mark feel and the dang near perfect date window placement in my opinion. Same as the current model Pilot 36!
For the most part, I really love the improvements they made on the XX, and I agree with you that the white wheel adds more balance, but I can't help but feel the date window is still far enough from symmetrical that it feels a bit in no man's land? Still a much better product overall to the XVIII. How do you feel about the date placement?
Love every change other than the hands not being matte black anymore. I loved that. The rest of the changes prove IWC is listening to what consumers want.
I noticed there was something different with the hands (thank you for pointing it out Anchor) I've got to agree, matte hands boost that legibility 10x more. But man, 10 bar WR, improved size... Ah, they're doing a good job 🥃
@@ID-Guy agreed. Im mostly excited about the lug to lug reduction and the movement! Pumped up
GREAT video! I personally prefer the RAF hands over the Luftwaffe hands, perhaps there will be a variant of the XX like the XVIII “Tribute to Mk 11” which I adore.
Check out "Not So Obvious Watches" he covered his personal IWC RAAF - which is an absolute beauty... very close ties to the MKXI but with a ceramic case and all sorts of tweaks 😉
Thank you for another informative and well-structured review! Just out of curiosity, is there a particular reason why you've failed to mention the Mark XII, lauded over the years by various watch publications and called 'Possibly The Most Beautiful Everyday Watch of All Time' by one in September 2021? I believe it's a very sought-after model by serious watch aficionados and IWC fans alike.
I keep coming back to this post and can’t believe such a beauty has so little coverage.
I nearly gave up on watches and this one is bringing me back with a vengeance.
Very special watch from iwc…
pretty much close the perfect first (and potentially) last proper watch for me…with a smile…
Now…where is this metal bracelet ??!!
Perfect post and my feelings exactly. This watch has convinced me that I do NOT need a Rolex..I tried it on last week and it is fantastic... it was very legible, felt heavy but not too heavy on my wrist. The word is "solid"... I'm normally into 36-39mm watches, but this IWC I can forgive.... in fact I never looked at this brand until now. And there's no going back. They are quality and you get so much for the money.... I also like the genta design of the Ingenieur from around 2013.... but I think that at my only watch, this mark xx will be the one
... the plan is to wait for the release of the bracelet and hopefully get it with a discount...as long as its that micro adjustable bracelet.... if not, then I'll still get it on the strap
@@Valera_Scotland Merci. To be honest, I never wanted à Rolex and it didn’t make me feel proud and special like this iwc. Only Omega could achieve this for me or JLC but nothing within budget or totally right.
Like you said, bring me the metal bracelets (I assume standard) and let’s dance. Discount needed but that’s another story :-)
@@Valera_Scotland Merci. To be honest, I never wanted à Rolex and it didn’t make me feel proud and special like this iwc. Only Omega could achieve this for me or JLC but nothing within budget or totally right.
Like you said, bring me the metal bracelets (I assume standard) and let’s dance. Discount needed but that’s another story :-)
@@goldorak5282 ha ha brilliant! Yes I'm an Omega lover, but now IWC too.. very quickly becoming my favourite brand
I think steel bracelet model for £4k and I'll be getting it asap
@@goldorak5282 and p.s. "nothing totally right" is so true...
I have wanted an Omega that's perfect for ages (had the first gen Aqua Terra black dial and a Speedy 1861 but sold them).. my ideal omega would be 11mm thick and solid case back, maybe 38mm case
But alas they have see through cases and are just quite thick... oh and micro adjust bracelets are not really available... the models that come close for me are the Railmaster and Globemaster ...
JLC is amazing.. but got the price and knowing how special they are, but 50m water resistance for most models, or less, I can't really afford one, as my watch purchase is for one main watch...
So the winner does seem to be the amazing Mark XX !
Beautiful. Just wished the date window in on the 6 or at least black, not white. Would have pulled the trigger. Love IWC watches
@IDGuy great, informative video as always. Question - what is your nato/deployant setup on your Smiths? Would like to look into it myself for my Nivada. Cheers from Montana. 👍⌚🍷🥃🌲⛰️🐻🦬🦌
David! Hope you're enjoying your time in Montana! Yet another gorgeous place... So, it's a generic nato and deployant I found on eBay (sepparately) 😆 They're around but you have to keep searching and searching... can't say I've found more of them since my initial pickup a few years ago 🥃
@@ID-Guy Thanks, will take a look. 👍
whats the brand of your watch nato strap with deployant clasp? its so nice and convenient
I love the Breuget Marine 5517 Rosegold. So Beautiful ❤😅
agree 100% I've been waiting for them to fix the 18. I owned one, and it drove me nuts, mostly for the date, but i did not realize that moving the numerals would help so much. i like the polished hands, too. any idea if the case dimensions have changed? great review, thanks :)
I think a silver dial version would be wonderful addition to the series for the xx
Mark XV is the pinnacle of the Mark-series.
Probably the closest watch to perfect you can get. Well done iwc. I have a mark 18 and will also buy the mark 20 in blue.
There's something about the simplicity of a watch like this that deserves to be in a collection... Ah man... I hope you enjoy the hell out of them both! IWC's on my radar...
@@ID-Guy the iwc mark 18 made me sell all my other watches as its the only watch I wore for over 6 months, I just kept wanting to put it back on when I wore something else. I just love the simple design and way it looks, i love it even more now.
Flieger watches shouldn’t have a date window at all in my personal opinion! The Stowa I own looks the part without the high price ! Nice watches just my personal bug bear is day date and power indicators on watch faces as we all have a smart phone so don’t need anything other than time on a vintage inspired instrument watch . Alway great breakdown thanks . :)
Thanks for the video! Mark XX seems extremely nice… thin, not too big, great lineage. A serious alternative to the Explorer or the new Ranger. IWC is back!
Tudor does not have any prestige, they just make copies of Rolex designs, shouldn't be mentioned. Tudor is on the same level as longines and oris. Yes, it's a great alternative to the explorer, id pick it over the explorer.
A definite improvement on the previous version IDGuy, usually I prefer a date a 6 but as you mention a white disc balances this out more not only occupying the space that a white number 3 would reside but it also keeps the baton at 3. Previously I had no issue with a 3rd party movement (and still wouldn't, easy to service and regulate) but the in house calibre in this watch is an interesting choice. This could well leap onto my list of watches to see in the flesh with no initial desire to purchase but it wouldn't be the first time that I've heard and seen pictures of a watch that struck neutral or less interest that once tried have purchased. My BB Pro would be an example of that.
Love this version and Mark XV aesthetics. IWC does pay reverence to the Pilot's Watch and seems to approach each redesign with a kind of religious devotion.
Without the date window, I'd consider it! Have you ever looked at the Omega Railmaster from 2018? It's such an underrated watch.
Blah.
Would you go the IWC Mark XX or the (relatively) new IWC 41mm Chrono?
Personal preferences, I've never been a fan of the Chrono arrangement having the sub-dial at the 12. If it was me, the simpler, smaller & thinner Mk XX all the way brother. It's timeless and so well executed (super versatile too for straps and daily wear) 🥃
Great release and love the changes. I also appreciate how IWC considers the user experience with a quick change strap. If IWC ever releases a similar watch in 36mm I would be very interested.
I have the blue dial IWC Pilot 36 and sourced the multi-link bracelet with alternating brushed/polished links. I've had it for three years now, and every time I start to think it's time to sell it for something else, I put it on the wrist and completely dismiss that thought.
They should bring back those OG sizes of 36mm / 38mm... Alas 🥃
@@ID-Guy Agreed but from another perspective, it saves my wallet and I can continue wearing my BB36. Perhaps in the future there will be a return to smaller sizes. For now I take enjoyment looking at these watches as a form of art and not something I have to have.
Sure: the XX has an in-house movement, better power reserve and a better water resistance - but it is also more expensive. And in the daily use, you would not realize the difference at this points. This is why I prefer the mark xviii over the xx - here's why: 1) the date window is black 2) The edge of the hands is matte black 3) it hat côtes de genève inside the clasp 4) the bracelet is matt. and all 4 points matter every single day when you wear the watch. and it runs around +1 sec / day (370 amplitude). soi, what ever IWC did with this movement, it's amazing.
Very nice looking watch but do they make a bracelet for it?
Great question. I will really consider it if they make one available. I saw somewhere it will be available to buy along with a rubber strap but can't remember where I saw that.. May not be true
Even with the increased price on the XX, the overall price seems a little easier to justify with the changes. All the changed details are improvements, in my opinion. The curious thing to me is that, unlike the Big Pilot 43, the lume is not on all markers/numerals around the dial. That surprised me, and apparently was also the case on the XVIII. That being said, I am personally waiting for the bracelet version to come out to try one one. IWC's CEO has said that there will be one out at some point. It is kind of odd they did did not wait for that to launch, but maybe they're having supply chain issues.
Great analysis Sean. And man... these on bracelets... can you imagine with the micro-adjust etc? I'm with you that these pieces will sing with that combo (crossing fingers we'll see them out soon) 🥃
Why can’t they get the date more to the right for symmetry or make a no date? I’d rather have these changes than a 120 hour power reserve.
I have no idea why brands struggle to align dates. At the end of the day it's down to the size of the movement used unfortunately. I'd always opt for a no-date if the result would end up looking shoddy 😉
@@ID-Guy Looked like the Mark XV aligned much better. Probably because it was a 38mm.
Also, I didn’t see a bracelet. Is that coming later?
Seeing the footage of the movement early in the episode, but then seeing the closed caseback made me stifle a sob. Good looking engraving though! Nice watch...Glad you made a point on talking about it since they couldn't be bothered!
Right? That came to mind too as I was editing this... why hide such a gem of a movement?? And no idea why these watches aren't getting the fanfare... I think they wanted it to be a "silent release" and to sweep the Mk XVIII aside quietly 😉
@@ID-Guy I’ve got the dust pan ready
Absolute class. Great review
Thank you Konstantinos! Really enjoyed bringing this one forward 🥃
I forgot to ask is the Mark 18 bracelet equal to the Mark XX or lessor in quality, and articulation. I prefer the look o the Mark 18 bracelet.
Secondly how big of a difference is between the Mark 18 and Mark XX movements in terms of duarability, acucuracy and ease of service for the watch maker?
I am looking for a retirement watch and will have Tudor and IWC Portugieser questions for you soon.
Thank you for your time.
Regars,
Chris
Right after watching this video, I had a look at IWC’s website to finally see that this time, they improved at least one (to me most) important criteria: water resistance 10 ATM (prior 5 ATM).
And thanks for showing your Smith field watch. Looks like that Mark XI had the hands of the RAF pilot’s watch and the dial from the German Flieger A (WWII), but with that arrow of the RAF watch (see 2:30 min). But, looking at that picture of the IWC Spitfire watch (2:03 min), there is something, I don’t understand, I don’t accept: Apart from the date window and the brand/ type print, it’s completely the German Flieger watch type A, 100%. Why did have IWC to name this watch then Spitfire (and engrave the silhouette of the plane on the caseback) ??? - I do understand if they didn’t want to call it Bf 109, FW 190 or Me 262, but there were so many other technically most interesting German planes such as the Horten H IX (first ever stealth jet fighter, 1944, German Airforce).
What strap and clasp is that on the W10? It looks great!
Thank you Gareth! A generic nato and clasp (I found on eBay) but I folded the nato on itself and secured it with a screw so there's no need to fold it when its on the wrist 😉
@@ID-Guy A clever idea! But then I should expect nothing less 🙂.
I like it, but still think it would so better with a slightly larger movement. The date is just barely a bit to close to center for me. It just cannot be unseen
I have no idea why they don't squeeze a bigger cal in there (I guess the cal in the 43mm is too large by a hair) Ah well 🥃
My favorite IWC.
Maybe not for this model but how about showing renders/design mods of some watches like this channel used to in the past.i used to love that bit
I like the XX, I just wish they left the numerals and hour markers alone. It makes it look like a field watch with the numbers pushed in like that. Everything else looks great
Been waiting for a new Mark. But the white date window... and its positioning...
Anybody got lume shots?
Whats up with the Comic Sans typeface on the XX?
So no one is going to talk about how @1.45 this guy is wearing a nato? thats mind blowing
In all honesty… if they had just moved the date window out instead of bringing the numerals in (as quick and easy fix) I would have bought one. The new face feels cramped in comparison… which is the reason why I went with an Archimede instead of a stowa or laco. To me the big pilot 43 has the perfect proportions although maybe a little big for some wrists
@5:19 -- is the lug to lug 49 or 46mm?
I just wish they kept the hands!
It does look like they've polished the hands instead of the MkXVIII that had them brushed (brushing is far cleaner) 🥃
@@ID-Guy I agree. I loved the contrast of the black and white instead of the polished.
I agree with everything, but would suggest to wait until a version with a stock bracelet would be released.
Well in my mind the mark xv is perfection. But since I am in market for this type of watch i‘ll check the mark xx in person. Especially a white dial Version could win me over.
I'm also hoping that they release it in the white dial version like they did with the Mark XVlll. For some reason though, they never offered the white dial with the bracelet. Its only available on the strap.
Looks great, but I could do without the polished bezel (all polish for that matter) on a fleiger.