IWC Mark XX
I was alerted to the quiet release of the new Mark XX by one of my favourite podcasts. The new Cal. 32111 is kind of a jaw dropper, offerring 5 day power reserve never seen before at this price point ($5k) and case size. As impressive as this movement spec seems, the more I stare at this watch, the more I feel like this is a missed opportunity for IWC.
How the date window went from dial color matched in the Mark18 to the white window is a bit odd. I suppose one could argue that the white window matches better with the other hour markers, but I feel going with a "white-on-black" date is a more "hey I'm owning the date window" design approach. This is not the mention the fact that the window is still a bit too close to the center.
Second thing I wish they could have given us is the return of the mark 11 squared off hand-set. Nothing really wrong with these sword hands, but I feel like if they had made this watch look more like the Mark XV with the 5-day movement, this would be a run away hit.
What do you think about this release?
In 2012, I had my first career milestone and decided that I would mark the occasion with a watch. I stumbled upon the Watchuseek forum. And the rest, as they say, is history.
I like it, but then I’ve always liked IWC’s fliegers to the point that I’d like one, but not enough to spend the asking price for one. That’s why I went with an homage to the Mark XVIII instead:
80-90% of the look at about 4% of the price. Since this has a PT5000 movement in it, it’s essentially functionally the same as the Mark XVIII it was homaging.
Very pleased to see it, personally I prefer my MkXVI design but really like the look of the finishing on this, probably my favourite Mark since. IWC doing a great job under their current leadership and producing a great range in the Pilots, more to come too I think. Bringing movements in (Richemont) house I think will also help with consistent supply and quality.
Still got a date… still don’t care. LOL
I like all of the updates. IWC did a great job. Want to try one to see if it fits me better than the XVIII. Might consider the blue model someday.
I love all the updates. Love the movement. Love the polished hands.
Great release from iwc imo. The blue one on bracelet would be a perfect 1 piece collection because it now has 100m of wr 🤙
Waiting for one to show up at an AD so I can see if it fits. Added it to my watch lust list a couple of weeks back when I saw it in Watchtime. Great publication btw.
Stick with the baby 36mm
Stick with the baby 36mm
If I was going to get one of these, I would do the 36 as well.
I’m a big fan of the hands, personally. The date window, I don’t know… I don’t feel it takes away from the symmetry of the watch too much and so I have no problem with it, I think. Would have to see one in person probably!
Liked the Mark XVIII. Don't see anything here that turns me away from the collection.
Wish IWC could bring the Hodinkee edition back with the same in-house movement as the Mark XX. https://limited.hodinkee.com/iwc/ A clean simple flieger style watch with no date display and in ceratanium.
Wish IWC could bring the Hodinkee edition back with the same in-house movement as the Mark XX. https://limited.hodinkee.com/iwc/ A clean simple flieger style watch with no date display and in ceratanium.
With you on that (along with the "tribute to 3705" - in steel that would be a superb watch). They did something very close with the IW327007 (had to look up the reference, but remembered it existed), would look great without the date in my opinion. I'm sure it will happen at some point...
(photo from iwc.com)
Wish IWC could bring the Hodinkee edition back with the same in-house movement as the Mark XX. https://limited.hodinkee.com/iwc/ A clean simple flieger style watch with no date display and in ceratanium.
Oh yeah, I forgot about this watch. I think my brain automatically tunes out at "LE". Apparently I'm missing out by dismissing LEs though.
I saw the Mark XX in person yesterday and was a bit disappointed. The easy strap exchange system seemed a bit finicky and hard to use. The fit was better than the Mark XVIII, but the watch just didn't speak to me. I'm not really a pilot watch guy but wanted to see this one in person because I like the history and the photos and IWC is a great company. However, this one isn't for me.
I had the change to wear them last weekend. Here's my thoughts that i've shared under another post that asks about it.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/jsmishkin/posts/iwc-mark-xx-2-17984#comment-212147
I picked up a blue dial mark xx yesterday . Been wanting a mark series iwc for a while . This is my first iwc and I’m very impressed, finishing is amazing as good as Rolex or omega , movement is doing well -2s/d at the moment which is great . Would prefer it to be +2 but hay here in South Africa we don’t have to much option , think there is only 1 ad in the whole country . Anyway the mark xx has the most amazing crystal it just disappears at most angles the dial is so legible with the white on blue . That was my only complaint with my 2 Rolex’s with blue dials , was sometimes hard to see the hands . I also received the ice blue rubber strap in the purchase , super comfortable and the quick change system is so easy and sturdy a winner for sure iwc . Some people saying the movement speeds up as the power reserve winds down will check that out for sure . So far the new in house movement is functioning very well I’m sure if there are problems we will hear shortly as the ingeneuir has the same movement and the people that buy those will definitely be checking the accuracy . So I have owned Rolex,omega,Tudor, montblanc, longines watches and iwc is up there with all of them in regards to quality and finishing if not a step above . I love the fact that they are moving away from eta/Sellita movements and more sort of in house . The brand is definitely going in the right direction.
I picked up a blue dial mark xx yesterday . Been wanting a mark series iwc for a while . This is my first iwc and I’m very impressed, finishing is amazing as good as Rolex or omega , movement is doing well -2s/d at the moment which is great . Would prefer it to be +2 but hay here in South Africa we don’t have to much option , think there is only 1 ad in the whole country . Anyway the mark xx has the most amazing crystal it just disappears at most angles the dial is so legible with the white on blue . That was my only complaint with my 2 Rolex’s with blue dials , was sometimes hard to see the hands . I also received the ice blue rubber strap in the purchase , super comfortable and the quick change system is so easy and sturdy a winner for sure iwc . Some people saying the movement speeds up as the power reserve winds down will check that out for sure . So far the new in house movement is functioning very well I’m sure if there are problems we will hear shortly as the ingeneuir has the same movement and the people that buy those will definitely be checking the accuracy . So I have owned Rolex,omega,Tudor, montblanc, longines watches and iwc is up there with all of them in regards to quality and finishing if not a step above . I love the fact that they are moving away from eta/Sellita movements and more sort of in house . The brand is definitely going in the right direction.
Would you recommend the IWC Mark XX or Tudor BlackBay Heritage (Burgundy)