IWC Mark XX

Based on your title, im assuming youre referring to the Mark XX. In a nutshell, i considered it for a bit, but ended up with a big pilot 43.  For me the size, legibility, and the onion crown make a big difference and made it a bit more iconic.  Although the xx is a nice upgrade over the lasy version, its just too vanilla for me.  It was an absolute no brainer for me in the metal.

IWC has some good brand heritage, but I don't understand spending $5-8K on the Mark XX or Big Pilot for an 80 year old Luftwaffe-originated design (despite what the Brits say about the Mark series) that you can get from Stowa, Laco, Fortis, etc. for much less...

I get your point but finishing is much better on an IWC and they are using better movements. 

I might get some pushback here, but better "finishing" on a tool watch like a pilot's watch is "lipstick on a pig" (albeit a prize-winning pig)... does it really need that finishing? Since when is a Luftwaffe/RAF-inspired watch a "luxury" item needing exquisite finishing? Was it in the original Luftwaffe or RAF spec? And an ETA chronometer grade movement (or regulation by a watchmaker) can be had for thousands less... just saying that you pay a great amount for 3 letters on the dial and that others can claim similar heritage... or maybe I'm just a cheap S.O.B. 😉

Last weekend I've went to an IWC AD in Belgium Antwerpen. I was wondering to see these new Mark XX 40mm variants. I compared them with my Longines Spirit 40mm, side-by-side. I can say that the cases are identical, I mean really identical like they are using the same case that is produced in the same factory. Bezels, dome level of sapphires, sizes, brushed sides, lugs even the crowns etc. Almost everything is same. Only the dials and almost 3x price difference between them I can say.

The green is not looking like any other green dial i've ever seen, i don't mean that it is the best but it is pretty sexy. 

The blue one is.. just a pretty clean blue dial. But the tone is very well set. 

Both of them are sunburst and that makes them shine pretty well. 

Size wise as i've said they are identical, and fit to me pretty well like the longines.

But! If you're planning to buy a blue dial pilot, longines spirit's blue is way much more appealing than IWC.  

How can i tell don't know but here I go.

Some watches are looking much more expensive than what they actually cost. For example longines conquest. But the opposite is also true. For example the Rolex Datejust 36 i've tried also at the weekend (I've made a watch exploration trip.) which seems and feels not more than 3K but costs almost twice. 

That IWC was also in the second situation. Somehow they were not looking appealing. If the price would be around 2-3K than it is fine but it isn't the case. If we're talking about reliability, wearibility and  build quality -even the guy at the shop felt that way- it doesn't give you anything more than a Spirit. If you're a fan, thats ok for sure. 

My suggestion is to go take a look for both. And than decide.

Here's some wrist shots i've taken:

And here's my Spirit (i've specifically picked the white dial to be able to wear it with almost all outfit combinations I can make by just changing the strap.). Of course Spirit have various different dials and 2 more different size options with 2 more different stylings (gmt and chrono)

IWC makes great watches. I own one. However, I tried the black and blue models on and these just aren't for me. I don't connect with pilot's watches. These do fit better on my 6.75 inch wrist than the Mark XVIII. I found the easy exchange strap system to be a bit finicky and hard to use. Maybe that would improve over time. IWC makes great bracelets and clasps. I suggest getting a bracelet watch if you get an IWC. In the end, I went with the Tudor Ranger over this and some other field watch alternatives. I just connected more with the styling of the Ranger. I also liked the fit better. I also don't plan on wearing my Ranger much on the bracelet (which is inferior to the IWC bracelet).

If you like the style of these, I think they are worth it. IWC has an 8 year warranty (if memory serves me correctly) on new watches if you register with the brand. That's incredible. They also recently upgraded their manufacturing processes. The quality is there but style is a subjective thing. This particular model is not for me.