This varying degree of light you did was a really new and genius thing, I never saw that, and it is so obvious and so useful, yet never seen anyone do it. It also changes the watch completely on every degree of light.
I've owned both the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical, Stowa Flieger, Oris Big Crown Pointer Date etc. The IWC Mark may share the same esthetics as those watches, but the level of finishing is simply not comparable. Glad you pointed this out in the video. It is like comparing an Hamilton dive watch to an Omega Seamaster 300....
@@daveLin104 It depends what you look for in a watch. If you just want a pilot style watch, but don't really care about the dial or case finishing or the quality of the bracelet, then no, the IWC is not worth it compared to a Laco.
@@daveLin104 Its kind of subjective. The leap in quality is not linear. A watch costing 1000 dollars may be somewhat closer to 10x the watch costing 100 bucks, but a watching costing 10000 bucks will not be 10x the 1000 buck watch. It costs a lot more in terms of skills and engineering to take things to the next tier after a certain point. Everybody has to decide where that point is and what is important to them.
I own a mark 18, the finishing and overall look and feel is amazing, I looked at the mark xx and that was also stunning, I prefer the black hands and black date window on the 18 though. For me these are the perfect every day watches, the lume looks nice and lasts the whole night, done have any negatives and wouldn't change anything.
I’ve handled this watch. It is gorgeous. However, with the large dial, and still long lugs, I felt it wore too big for my 16.75cm wrist. I wish IWC would make this watch with smaller proportions, perhaps 37.5 or 38mm with a L2L of 46.5 or 47mm.
@@CombatRat I've thought about it but it has a rather generic movement and 36mm is sma for a pilot watch. Even if they made it 39mm and 47mm it would be doable for most
@@4booger403 Agree. Like you said, 38mm with 46mm lug to lug would probably be perfect, but we'll just have to dream and wait. The 36mm is the only alternative size unfortunately.
Good point, the thing a lot of people don't get who blindly compare the IWC to other Fliegers. The Sinns, Stowas and Lacos are great value watches, but compare nowhere in terms of design, execution, workmanship, movement, pedigree, etc. In addition, many overlook the important fact that the IWC pilots have some special features that many lack, namely anti magnetic protection, screw down crown, double domed crystal (better aesthetics), crystal blow out protection, etc. With the in house movements, its leapt even further, but even with the ETA/Sellati movements in the previous iterations, the movement was superior as they used the higher grade 2892/SW300 in top specs, regulated, adjusted built and designed to IWC specs. Many were even decorated. Overall the IWC pilots are still the King of the Fliegers.
Agreed, I have the XVIII heritage and debating adding a XX. My heritage averages +1sec p/d and the antimagnetic aspect is huge for me (why I love Omega) due to my occupation. I see a lot of comments bringing up the Longines Spirit and while it's a nice bang for the buck it doesn't have that simplistic perfection that really needs to be experienced first hand. Plus I can't get over the 5 star rating it gave itself. The IWC definitely isn't for everyone but I quite enjoy mine.
@@coffeeboyclips1973 I see your name in all the IWC videos, we actually chatted when I was shopping my XVIII thanks for helping me get it over the line. There's just something special about IWC!
@@nash9625 haha, yeah, I think I'm obsessed with the brand since I got my iwc, glad you like yours. What annoys me is when people bash thr brand without having experienced the watch in person.
The Mark XX is excellent. I’ve thought about getting the green version on bracelet since it came out. Eventually I decided to get the Longines Spirit in 37mm on bracelet. Fits even my 8” wrist wonderfully! Would love to see a comparison though? 😏
Ever since I got the IWC Pilot's Chronograph 41 and Stowa Flieger Classic, I've been wanting the Mark XX. I'll be looking to get the blue dial on bracelet. Great showcase of the watch!
Almost all luxury manufacturers ask $1000 or more for the bracelet version. Omega charges $1k just for the sapphire crystal version of the Moon Watch. A Rolex bracelet by itself is around $3,500-4k
So Mark, do you like it? 😎 Thanks for the video. It's a great one, though for me I would prefer the Spitfire. I have the Nivada Chronomaster and incoming a Sangin Instruments Overlord. Those two kind of do it for me (for now) re military/pilot-type watches. ⌚👍
Thank you for the review! I am having a hard time seeing the difference between this and a Stowa? Except the 120 hour PR, it seems to have less features. The lume is much less, no display caseback, no blued hands, and white date window.
The finishing looks good, but it is not reflective of its msrp. IWC pricing comes from buying into the brand's history. I only ever considered one with a reasonable discount.
Great watch. Still I'll keep my sinn 556a wich does that style for 1/3 of the price. But a something with mark 11 dial and handset could be something to push me over the fence.
You should check out the Longines Spirit Titanium. For about half the price, the case finishing and dial finishing are both at least on par with IWC. Lume is also far superior with every indices lumed. I have owned the IWC LPP Chrono before and I'm blown away by the value of the Longines.
I've owned a spirit, I would say the iwc is a level above in case finishing etc, the Longines is a great watch for the money, for me the design on the iwc is better and that's what ultimately made me buy it and sell the Longines.
The Spirit appears to be an excellent watch for the money but it doesn't really have a classic pilot design, so I wouldn't put it in a direct comparison with something as iconic as the IWC Mark series. I mean if Longines didn't market it as a pilots watch, would anyone even consider it one?
I agree with Kevin. The dial on the spirit titanium is possibly even done better than any Mark. That said, i do believe one could own both without any overlap. The iwc has brand equity, simply gorgeous blue dial, better slimness+wearability and almost double (120h) the pwr reserve, higher vph 28.8k (vs 25.2) going for it. The longines spirit titanium has more intricate dial details which are a real treat for the eyes when you take the time to look, grade 5 titanium case+bracelet so its superlight, no date :). Both have long ass lugs, polished and brushed finishing including bevelled edges (perhaps better on the iwc?), great AR coating, inhouse movements and heritage.
I've always liked this watch, but I feel a flieger should be a no-date. The not-quite-aligned date window just throws off the visual balance. Maybe you could work put an Average Bros Limited Edition.
You sure its an "in-house" caliber? Baume &Mercier uses the same caliber in its Clifton series. So more like an in-group movement. And I disagree on you "cant compare it to..." comment. If a product is so good, it shpuld have no problems being comapret to other. Other than that, nice rewiev.
Why not show off the new in-house movement instead of a solid caseback with an airplane? I just don’t see where the $6K price tag, on a steel bracelet, is close to worth it.
I like the super high finish on my Rolex and JLC, but when it comes to a pilots tool watch I just want it utilitarian. Give me a beaten up bead blasted Laco or fully brushed Sinn any day. High polish on a pilots watch is just…not right. The only thing I envy is their sweet micro adjustment on their Breitling-style steel bracelet.
I compared them at my AD and it was really interesting. At first glance, the Spirit has a lot more bling and super-impressive detail work on the dial that I thought the IWC was lacking, but then looking at the IWC, it’s restraint and understatement really spoke to my own sensibilities. In comparison, the Spirit’s dial came off as overdone, and a little too dressy for an everyday watch I would wear with my usual hyper-casual attire. It feels like the Spirit was trying TOO hard to look luxurious, I guess. By contrast, the IWC is more discreet and confident in the way its design is pared back to the essentials but then executed and detailed at an incredibly high level. It won’t impress anyone across the room and there are plenty of cheaper watches that look just like it from a distance, but up-close and and on wrist, there’s a level of refinement that the Spirit lacked to me. Also, importantly, the fit of the IWC (on my wrist, anyway) was more comfortable and remarkable in how it put a large, legible dial inside a compact and comfortable case. The 40mm Spirit’s longer lugs hung over the sides of my wrists and made the whole watch feel too big for me, but I’ve heard the 36mm Spirit is proportioned much better and I’m eager to try that one on.
@@MeestroDavid I think the 40mm Spirit is only 0,9mm longer in lug to lug in comparison to the IWC. It is still 1mm but not a big difference at all. Maybe it is what you wrote first that it sits better on your wrist. Overall I have also seen both watches and both are awesome timepieces! IWC feels more traditional and solid whereas the Spirit is more modern and appealing but both really are classic styles and great timepieces.
Lack of lume kills it for me. What a half-@$$ application on a $5K watch. I’d rather get a high end STOWA or Laco Flieger Pro and save thousands of dollars.
I think the Longines Spirit beats the older IWC Mark XVIII hands down. Better dial, better movement, better water resistance, better lume at half the price. My $100 homage flieger has better lume than the IWC Mark XX.
Disagree, I've owned both, iwc is better in every way, you get more lume on the Longines but the way iwc have put lume on suits the style of the watch. The longines is a good watch for the money.
@@coffeeboyclips1973 I haven't owned both but here is my take. The Longines case has beveled edges while the IWC's case is simpler. The Longines dial has applied indices while the IWC's is printed. The IWC uses basically an off the shelf ETA 2892 while Longines has a modified 2892 with longer power reserve (72 hours vs 42 hours), silicon balance spring and chronometer certification. On the water resistance, Longines gives you 100m vs 60m for the Mark XVIII. Could you explain why the IWC is better in every way?
@@domokun938 OK, the reason thr iwc is better is because -design -case finishing -case back -iron inner cage -blow out protection -better ar coating, longines shows scratches -better leather strap, bracelet -looks like a proper pilots watch -brand prestige, iwc is on the same level as Rolex, maybe even higher -movement is top grade with a high beat rate, smoother sweep You need to see the iwc in person then you will realise it's thr better watch. I'm a big longines fan but the spirit is not better or even on the same level. Longines has more wr but it's not a watch you are going to go diving with so 60m is more than enough.
@@coffeeboyclips1973 thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you on most of the points. i haven't had the chance to see the polish of the IWC up close vs the Longines. Agree with you on brand presitge, although i must say that historically in the pilot category Longines is actually as strong as IWC eg. Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh etc. Longines were pioneers. I felt the case of the Longines was better due to the bevelling and the dial was better due to applied indices vs printed dial as I mentioned.
Date window is still not proper even with basically an in house eta from the Richmond group. Trash Also who wears a watch on the right wrist? It’s so messed up ruins entire review.
@@qwertyman9560 IWC needs to tone down the lug to lug to around 46mm, not 49mm like here. But your big man monkey brain can't comprehend what i'm saying.
![Average Bros [Mark Alamares]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/AMTyfBoS_HGUS5NeMIdml3FQHYPLCvE10yYPfvjGSZRfNEkgmgSJlVqPFEQ4yky_fTnRrnqQ=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
This varying degree of light you did was a really new and genius thing, I never saw that, and it is so obvious and so useful, yet never seen anyone do it. It also changes the watch completely on every degree of light.
I've owned both the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical, Stowa Flieger, Oris Big Crown Pointer Date etc. The IWC Mark may share the same esthetics as those watches, but the level of finishing is simply not comparable. Glad you pointed this out in the video. It is like comparing an Hamilton dive watch to an Omega Seamaster 300....
Is your IWC far better than the Laco is it worth ao many times more .
@@daveLin104 It depends what you look for in a watch. If you just want a pilot style watch, but don't really care about the dial or case finishing or the quality of the bracelet, then no, the IWC is not worth it compared to a Laco.
@@daveLin104 Its kind of subjective. The leap in quality is not linear. A watch costing 1000 dollars may be somewhat closer to 10x the watch costing 100 bucks, but a watching costing 10000 bucks will not be 10x the 1000 buck watch. It costs a lot more in terms of skills and engineering to take things to the next tier after a certain point. Everybody has to decide where that point is and what is important to them.
I own a mark 18, the finishing and overall look and feel is amazing, I looked at the mark xx and that was also stunning, I prefer the black hands and black date window on the 18 though. For me these are the perfect every day watches, the lume looks nice and lasts the whole night, done have any negatives and wouldn't change anything.
Finally held a couple of IWCs at an AD, you are spot on with the inability to really compare to the watches half the price.
I’ve handled this watch. It is gorgeous. However, with the large dial, and still long lugs, I felt it wore too big for my 16.75cm wrist. I wish IWC would make this watch with smaller proportions, perhaps 37.5 or 38mm with a L2L of 46.5 or 47mm.
Might want to look at the 36mm version, although I don't think it received similar updates yet.
@@CombatRat I've thought about it but it has a rather generic movement and 36mm is sma for a pilot watch. Even if they made it 39mm and 47mm it would be doable for most
@@4booger403 Agree. Like you said, 38mm with 46mm lug to lug would probably be perfect, but we'll just have to dream and wait. The 36mm is the only alternative size unfortunately.
I've seen in the IWC CEO's Chris saying that 36mm version coming soon
Yeah pigs fly too my friend. Get ready for even larger watches!
Good point, the thing a lot of people don't get who blindly compare the IWC to other Fliegers. The Sinns, Stowas and Lacos are great value watches, but compare nowhere in terms of design, execution, workmanship, movement, pedigree, etc. In addition, many overlook the important fact that the IWC pilots have some special features that many lack, namely anti magnetic protection, screw down crown, double domed crystal (better aesthetics), crystal blow out protection, etc. With the in house movements, its leapt even further, but even with the ETA/Sellati movements in the previous iterations, the movement was superior as they used the higher grade 2892/SW300 in top specs, regulated, adjusted built and designed to IWC specs. Many were even decorated. Overall the IWC pilots are still the King of the Fliegers.
Agreed, I have the XVIII heritage and debating adding a XX. My heritage averages +1sec p/d and the antimagnetic aspect is huge for me (why I love Omega) due to my occupation. I see a lot of comments bringing up the Longines Spirit and while it's a nice bang for the buck it doesn't have that simplistic perfection that really needs to be experienced first hand. Plus I can't get over the 5 star rating it gave itself. The IWC definitely isn't for everyone but I quite enjoy mine.
@@nash9625 well said, I've owned both spirit and the mark 18, the iwc is better in every way, the design and finishing are perfect
@@coffeeboyclips1973 I see your name in all the IWC videos, we actually chatted when I was shopping my XVIII thanks for helping me get it over the line. There's just something special about IWC!
@@nash9625 haha, yeah, I think I'm obsessed with the brand since I got my iwc, glad you like yours. What annoys me is when people bash thr brand without having experienced the watch in person.
Just buy the Mark XII with the JLC movement, the best there is.
Love this watch, especially in the blue dial and new bracelet. On my wish list for sure.
The Mark XX is excellent. I’ve thought about getting the green version on bracelet since it came out. Eventually I decided to get the Longines Spirit in 37mm on bracelet. Fits even my 8” wrist wonderfully! Would love to see a comparison though? 😏
Someone already did. What is your thought on Longines now vs Mark XX?
@@mn1801 hello! Remains unchanged
This is the best review online for this watch!
Oh wow, thank you for the feedback!
I like the dial design of mark 12 and 15 better. I wish IWC will release an updated version of those soon.
Ever since I got the IWC Pilot's Chronograph 41 and Stowa Flieger Classic, I've been wanting the Mark XX. I'll be looking to get the blue dial on bracelet. Great showcase of the watch!
My thoughts exactly. Blue on a bracelet. I have been pricing it and they want over a $1,000 for a bracelet, which is ridiculous.
@@rickjason215 IWC is asking $1500 for the bracelet alone!
Almost all luxury manufacturers ask $1000 or more for the bracelet version. Omega charges $1k just for the sapphire crystal version of the Moon Watch. A Rolex bracelet by itself is around $3,500-4k
So Mark, do you like it? 😎 Thanks for the video. It's a great one, though for me I would prefer the Spitfire. I have the Nivada Chronomaster and incoming a Sangin Instruments Overlord. Those two kind of do it for me (for now) re military/pilot-type watches. ⌚👍
IWC makes some excellent watches indeed.
Very insightful comments. In my opinion they beg for upgraded video, but the insights are appreciated none the less.
Great review any thoughts on the accuracy?
The Mark XX is one of my personal favorites. Strap could be a little better but I bet it gets better after wearing it for a little.
I love the quote : the daddy of pilot watch !
Beautiful IWC, hard to decide between Mark XX, or Oris Big Crown 5 Days, Cal 403
Mark XX every day
Beautiful watch! A comparison video with the Laco Flieger Pro would be nice :)
Agreed. Let's see it!
In 38 mm, with a sandwich dial or applied indices, a black date disc with white numerals: that is my idea of a Mk XXI 😉
I own this one and to me, it’s IWC’s Explorer. Just a perfect all rounder.
I would do the metal band and then I would buy the exact same leather band, but in brown. I think it’s beautiful
Thank you for the review! I am having a hard time seeing the difference between this and a Stowa? Except the 120 hour PR, it seems to have less features. The lume is much less, no display caseback, no blued hands, and white date window.
My thoughts as well. I'm struggling with the 4x price difference.
The finishing looks good, but it is not reflective of its msrp. IWC pricing comes from buying into the brand's history. I only ever considered one with a reasonable discount.
Great watch. Still I'll keep my sinn 556a wich does that style for 1/3 of the price. But a something with mark 11 dial and handset could be something to push me over the fence.
IWC is leagues above a sinn 556. Hardly even comparable.
Bought the blue dial on Monday with an additional brown leather strap. It’s a beautiful watch.
You should check out the Longines Spirit Titanium. For about half the price, the case finishing and dial finishing are both at least on par with IWC. Lume is also far superior with every indices lumed. I have owned the IWC LPP Chrono before and I'm blown away by the value of the Longines.
I've owned a spirit, I would say the iwc is a level above in case finishing etc, the Longines is a great watch for the money, for me the design on the iwc is better and that's what ultimately made me buy it and sell the Longines.
The Spirit appears to be an excellent watch for the money but it doesn't really have a classic pilot design, so I wouldn't put it in a direct comparison with something as iconic as the IWC Mark series. I mean if Longines didn't market it as a pilots watch, would anyone even consider it one?
I agree with Kevin. The dial on the spirit titanium is possibly even done better than any Mark. That said, i do believe one could own both without any overlap. The iwc has brand equity, simply gorgeous blue dial, better slimness+wearability and almost double (120h) the pwr reserve, higher vph 28.8k (vs 25.2) going for it. The longines spirit titanium has more intricate dial details which are a real treat for the eyes when you take the time to look, grade 5 titanium case+bracelet so its superlight, no date :). Both have long ass lugs, polished and brushed finishing including bevelled edges (perhaps better on the iwc?), great AR coating, inhouse movements and heritage.
An amazing watch. Thanks for the great video!
Would you go Mark XX or the IWC Chrono 41 (in-house movement version)?
Fantastic review, you have a sharp eye for quality. 👌🏻
I just bought this watch and on the leather of the strap i dont see it say iwc with a serial# does that mean my strap js after market?
I've always liked this watch, but I feel a flieger should be a no-date. The not-quite-aligned date window just throws off the visual balance. Maybe you could work put an Average Bros Limited Edition.
Really great watch to wear❤
You sure its an "in-house" caliber? Baume &Mercier uses the same caliber in its Clifton series. So more like an in-group movement. And I disagree on you "cant compare it to..." comment. If a product is so good, it shpuld have no problems being comapret to other. Other than that, nice rewiev.
I’ll be keeping my Stowa Flieger Classic 40
Very, very nice!
This is more of a lineage to the British Raf more than the German BUhr but IWC have been on the both sides of the spectrum.
This review is pushing me towards a purchase, lol!
Accuracy of this movement? (+/- a day)
Not sure why anybody wants this with a strap. Because their bracelets are the best in the business!
Yeah people who say the age old thing about it looks like a watch you can buy for $100 have clearly never actually held an iwc
Now the website says the power reserve is only 72hrs.
Oddly enough, the 120hr PR is under the case drop down, so looks like a pretty high level typo 🤣
Why not show off the new in-house movement instead of a solid caseback with an airplane? I just don’t see where the $6K price tag, on a steel bracelet, is close to worth it.
I like the super high finish on my Rolex and JLC, but when it comes to a pilots tool watch I just want it utilitarian. Give me a beaten up bead blasted Laco or fully brushed Sinn any day. High polish on a pilots watch is just…not right. The only thing I envy is their sweet micro adjustment on their Breitling-style steel bracelet.
Compare it to a Longines Spirit and let us know how that comparison goes :)
Agreed. I was thinking the Longines Spirit probably has 90-95% of the finishing at half the price.
I compared them at my AD and it was really interesting. At first glance, the Spirit has a lot more bling and super-impressive detail work on the dial that I thought the IWC was lacking, but then looking at the IWC, it’s restraint and understatement really spoke to my own sensibilities. In comparison, the Spirit’s dial came off as overdone, and a little too dressy for an everyday watch I would wear with my usual hyper-casual attire. It feels like the Spirit was trying TOO hard to look luxurious, I guess. By contrast, the IWC is more discreet and confident in the way its design is pared back to the essentials but then executed and detailed at an incredibly high level. It won’t impress anyone across the room and there are plenty of cheaper watches that look just like it from a distance, but up-close and and on wrist, there’s a level of refinement that the Spirit lacked to me. Also, importantly, the fit of the IWC (on my wrist, anyway) was more comfortable and remarkable in how it put a large, legible dial inside a compact and comfortable case. The 40mm Spirit’s longer lugs hung over the sides of my wrists and made the whole watch feel too big for me, but I’ve heard the 36mm Spirit is proportioned much better and I’m eager to try that one on.
@@MeestroDavid I think the 40mm Spirit is only 0,9mm longer in lug to lug in comparison to the IWC. It is still 1mm but not a big difference at all. Maybe it is what you wrote first that it sits better on your wrist. Overall I have also seen both watches and both are awesome timepieces! IWC feels more traditional and solid whereas the Spirit is more modern and appealing but both really are classic styles and great timepieces.
No comparison IWC all day long!
Video makes this watch look dead
Lack of lume kills it for me. What a half-@$$ application on a $5K watch. I’d rather get a high end STOWA or Laco Flieger Pro and save thousands of dollars.
I think the Longines Spirit beats the older IWC Mark XVIII hands down. Better dial, better movement, better water resistance, better lume at half the price. My $100 homage flieger has better lume than the IWC Mark XX.
Disagree, I've owned both, iwc is better in every way, you get more lume on the Longines but the way iwc have put lume on suits the style of the watch. The longines is a good watch for the money.
@@coffeeboyclips1973 I haven't owned both but here is my take. The Longines case has beveled edges while the IWC's case is simpler. The Longines dial has applied indices while the IWC's is printed. The IWC uses basically an off the shelf ETA 2892 while Longines has a modified 2892 with longer power reserve (72 hours vs 42 hours), silicon balance spring and chronometer certification. On the water resistance, Longines gives you 100m vs 60m for the Mark XVIII. Could you explain why the IWC is better in every way?
@@domokun938 OK, the reason thr iwc is better is because
-design
-case finishing
-case back
-iron inner cage
-blow out protection
-better ar coating, longines shows scratches
-better leather strap, bracelet
-looks like a proper pilots watch
-brand prestige, iwc is on the same level as Rolex, maybe even higher
-movement is top grade with a high beat rate, smoother sweep
You need to see the iwc in person then you will realise it's thr better watch. I'm a big longines fan but the spirit is not better or even on the same level.
Longines has more wr but it's not a watch you are going to go diving with so 60m is more than enough.
@@coffeeboyclips1973 thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you on most of the points. i haven't had the chance to see the polish of the IWC up close vs the Longines. Agree with you on brand presitge, although i must say that historically in the pilot category Longines is actually as strong as IWC eg. Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh etc. Longines were pioneers. I felt the case of the Longines was better due to the bevelling and the dial was better due to applied indices vs printed dial as I mentioned.
Date window is still not proper even with basically an in house eta from the Richmond group. Trash
Also who wears a watch on the right wrist? It’s so messed up ruins entire review.
I'm left handed
Take your trashy comments elsewhere buddy cause no one cares
I’m left-handed. Wear one on the right wrist all the time.
Stupid saucepan. Buy vintage, at least it will fit.
Can't help it if a 28 mm is all that fits your skinny lady hands
@@qwertyman9560 Aww we got a big man over here, make way for the big man
@@gmshadowtraders Thanks sunshine
@@qwertyman9560 IWC needs to tone down the lug to lug to around 46mm, not 49mm like here. But your big man monkey brain can't comprehend what i'm saying.