IWC celebrates the 75th anniversary of its famed Mark series for pilots
IWC Schaffhausen this year celebrates the 75th anniversary of the famed Mark Series, launching two new versions of the iconic Mark XX series. Available in two stainless steel novelties with a silver-plated dial, to add to the already appealing Mark XX lineup which comes in blue, green and black dials.
Back in the earlier days of aviation, the British Royal Airforce needed a more accurate way to navigate with pilots back then using sextants, a chronometer, along with the help of the stars, sky, moon, and sun, to determine their longitude and latitude. Particularly challenging for that time were the radar screens used which emitted strong magnetic fields, which diminishes the accuracy of the watch. Thus, IWC Schaffhausen came up with a timepiece for the British Royal Airforce with these challenges in mind. With the IWC Mark 11, its technical features and functional instrument design, became the benchmark for modern pilot watches.
Last year, IWC launched the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX. This exceptional timepiece comes in blue, green and black dials and this year, IWC completed the lineup with two additional versions in silver-plated dials. The first comes with a black calfskin strap (Ref. no. IW328207) while the other comes with high grade five-link stainless steel bracelet (Ref. no. IW328208).
The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX has a 40-mm stainless steel case that was re-engineered with a revised side profile and improved lug geometry, which provides a better fit for all wrist types. Numerals and indices on the high contrast dial have been refined to the tiniest details, while the lume provides perfect readability in any condition.
Powered by the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre, the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX has a silicone escapement with a double pawl winding system providing a five-day power reserve, with the front glass specially secured in place to withstand sudden pressure drops in the cockpit. The integrated EasX-CHANGE system allows the wearer to interchange bracelets/straps easily without the use of specialty tools. Multiple calfskin straps, stainless steel bracelets and water proof rubber straps are just some of the ways this timepiece can be customized to one’s preference.
The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX is water resistant to 10-bar, making this the quintessential sports watch.
The new Pilot’s Watch Mark XX is now available at IWC boutiques and authorized retail partners. Additionally, the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, furthering the standard two-year international limited warranty for an additional six years.