A Luxury Pilot Watch That Sets The Standard In Many Ways - IWC Mark XX
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
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In this video, I'll share my detailed thoughts on the IWC Mark XX, a newer pilot's watch from a brand that is closely associated with aviation timekeeping history. What do you guys think of the Mark XX?
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IWC are probably the most beautiful watches brand in the world.
Top quality and beauty all together in their watches!
A MUST for every REAL WATCH LOVER!!!
This watch appeals to me. Solid case back, no gimmicks, very sturdy and built for task and with a 120 hours power reserve. When ever you get a watch made like this with design and build it's very refreshing.
+ good price imo... first IWC in ages I'm considering to collect
Really enjoying my Green Mark XX on bracelet, my first expensive watch purchase. The fine polished bevels, the simple dial and flexibility to dress up or down makes this watch so effortlessly classy. The bracelet is extremely comfortable and meticulously engineered with its individual interlocking pins and links, and comes with easy micro adjustment. With its' superior power reserve and excellent water resistance, it is such a pleasure to daily drive. Watches at this price point are more about emotion than function, and I see all the things I love about this watch. If value was the primary consideration, then I have a G-Shock which serve very well for that purpose.
Bought the blue one on strap back in March! Videos don't do justice to how sharp and beautiful this watch is. Finishing and legibility is excellent. Fits perfectly on my 16.5 cm wrist.
I tried one of these on at a boutique a few months ago and it’s pretty great looking. It would be nice to have a COSC certified movement at that price point but I could get past it. I know a lot of people think IWC is boring but I love pretty much everything they put out there.
How is the accuracy of the watch? Does no COSC directly mean more than -4 + 6 ?
It means there is no upfront guarantee on the precision. The first model I got (last year) had atrocious accuracy. I went back 3 times to have it looked at under warranty. On my last visit, when it was running +30 s/d, the boutique profusely apologized for all the trouble and gave me a new watch from their stock. This one is running +1 s/d.
(Great service from IWC, and with the precision issue fixed, this now is one of my favorites in my watch collection.)
I purchased a mark xx and it runs +3 per day on the wrist. The AD said IWCs standard is for the watch to leave the factory between 0 & +5.
I own the black dial variant and it has very quickly become my go-to watch in the collection. It is the second IWC that I've owned (previously a green dial chronograph 41mm) and I must say it is just a fantastic piece. The finishing in person is both luxurious and "toolish" at the same time. It's incredibly comfortable; the perfect size for me and I imagine a lot of folks (I have an 18cm wrist, for reference). It works on almost any strap that I've tried so far, but call me boring, the black leather it comes with is still the best pairing. I love it, simply put. Truly a fantastic "everyday watch" and worth every penny.
Why you chose the black over the blue? Have you tried both?
@@nicolofurlan2278Yes, I have tried both. It’s personal preference but I prefer a more “tool watch” look versus a more “jewelry” type look. The black dial is matte and understated while all other colors are sunbrushed finished which makes them more flashy, in my opinion.
@gabefore thanks. I've tried only the blue, and I'm interested in the black dial as well. How's legibility on the black dial? I don't like very much the "mirror effect" when reflect too much the environment idk if I explained well sorry
@@nicolofurlan2278No prob! Yes legibility is awesome. I’d wager it’s best on the black dial because the matte black doesn’t reflect anything. The crystal has an AR coating as well, which helps reduce glare. For my money, the simple black dial Mark XX is a fantastic everyday watch, in all settings.
@@gabefore nice!
The IWC Mark XX is high on my list. After dancing between the Mark XVIII and XX, I actually prefer the Mark XX date dial as white. The visual weight from the white is similar in weight to its numerals for a overall more balanced dial composition.
Your videos have been enormously helpful as a new comer to the watch world.
Finally! Thanks Teddy for the review on this watch. Too bad you didn't go into detail about the metal bracelet as it is one of the highlights of this timepiece. As a proud owner of the Mark XX, I can say that the comfortable metal bracelet with its quick adjustment system in the clasp and its tool-free system of bracelet adjustment with small pins is truly an absolute piece of engineering art!
Didn't have a chance to spend as much time with the bracelet so I didn't want to speak to it. I always saw this as more of a strap watch but thanks for sharing your ownership story!
@@TeddyBaldassarre I have the mark XVIII on the bracelet - which is the same as the Mark XX but without the easX-change quick change system. The bracelet is the same style as the one on Glashutte Original watches, with a micro-adjust button built into the clasp that means you don't have to even take the watch off to access the micro adjustments
Got one and it has quickly become my daily wearer! Fantastic watch
Thank you Teddy. Awesome watch. I have the Mark 18 “Petit Prince” and absolutely love it. An iconic piece! I have worn the Mark 20 on my 7.5 inch wrist too and I don’t see any difference with my Mark 18 so I didn’t see a reason to upgrade. Plus like you said the date window on the 18 looks better. Anyway, if you are on the market for a pilot watch you can’t get anything better than the IWC Mark series watches. Pedigree, history, quality and looks, these watches rule the segment.
Want to buy it for 7 inch wrist. But i think too small? Wdy think? Im 173cm, 86kg
Bought the blue dial back in April, swapped the blue strap for the brown. Lovely understated watch.
That’s what I’m about to do! Want to pick this baby up at the IWC boutique in Zurich asap. Was between this and the blue dial 57 Omega Speedmaster. I know, can’t compare the two. But honestly, I love this no BS design of IWC and that’s is just a solid, simple watch
I tried this watch in at the boutique with bracelet and it really impressed me.
The comfort is 10 out of 10.
The lugs are a bit long but they curve around your wrist and look smaller overall.
The bracelet is 10 out of 10. Amazing!
Blue and especially green dials look great.
My only wish is that all hour markers and numerals had lume like the Big Pilot 43
The date window is better than the previous version but I’d rather see it gone.
The watch is priced a bit high like all IWC’s but I like the look and feel of this Mark XX.
Picked mine up today, really happy! No idea why one of the first things I do when I get a new watch, is re-look up old videos on that watch but hey, can’t see it changing anytime soon🙂
The green version is stunning, especially with the brown leather strap. Such a classic.
you have a good sense of humor. this one can only be black on black
I have a blue dial Mark XVIII on a bracelet. I have looked at a Mark XX in a shop.
I could hardly notice any visual differences. Not enough to justify me to upgrade.
The longer power reserve would be nice, I find that I need to wind my Mark XVIII a bit daily to keep it running.
The accuracy of the ETA movement in my Mark XVIII is - 2s/day. Which is fine and better than my Grand Seiko Hi-Beat watch.
I wish they made the date window larger. (I can’t read the date without glasses). When I spoke to the IWC global brand marketing director about it, he said the small date is for aesthetic reasons.
I own this watch with the bracelet. As you say Teddy the watch wears a bit larger than expected by a 40 mm watch, especially on the bracelet as it stands out more. However, in my opinion, the watch wears perfectly on my 16,5 cm/6,5” wrist.
I love the design, it’s a perfect blend of sporty tool watch feeling given by the brushed case and the elegance given by the wonderful bracelet.
The bracelet is exceptional. It is also equipped with the quick release system (EasX-CHANGE system) and a hidden micro adjust at the clasp, a push on the logo button and the bracelet can extend a couple of millimeters.
The movement is also incredible, 120h is insane, feels strange that I can leave it in the box for 5 days and pick it up and still running, nuts.
It’s a favorite in my collection, wonderful watch!
Hey Teddy, First off, thank you for reviewing this bang-on Fleiger. Even though there is no official COSC certification, I bought my MARK XX the weekend prior to the launch last summer while I was in NYC from the IWC Boutique. The timing was perfect and I didn't even hesitate! Shout out to the team there as they made my personal experience fantastic! Anyway, I adore the simplicity and legibility of this watch and since owning it, I have added 3 Rubber and two leather easx straps making it such a fun timepiece to own. I also purchased a folding clasp which finishes the watch off perfectly and I alternate the easx pin buckle as and when. Out of all of my personal collection, the Mark XX is my daily driver leaving my Rolex turning circles in my Wolf Winder (Explorer oyster steal, yellow gold.]. Theft is getting worse here on that score so I have zero worries about wearing my MARK XX day in and day out. Happy days :)
I am an owner of the new “white” dial Mark XX and I love it. I am waiting on the bracelet to come in from the AD but it’s great on leather as well. It has to be my new favorite gada watch. With increased water resistance, 5 day movement and cuff friendly dimensions it goes from work to weekend better than anybody my other watches and keeps with my overall style while doing it.
I'm a retired Air Force Pilot, and current Airline Pilot. I own one and love it.
ive owned a lange, rolex, GS, Omega, Blancpain and JLC reverso. In order of wrist time this IWC xx gets worn the most, followed by JLC and then blanc pain. I have it on the bracelet and a rubber strap as well and its just so comfortable and fits with so many different occasions. hard to find much not to love about it. highly recommend.
I bought one 2 weeks ago. On my 16cm wrist it just shines and represents me in level I never expected. Forget Rolex as conservation piece for 3x of the price, IWC Tudor or Zenith are the one to follow...
This Mark XX is a much better value than the new Ingenieur
The mark xx didn't take 7 years to design
@@ailestriker9888 neither did the Ingenieur.
Guys… it’s really not. The ingénieur finishing is far superior than the Mark XX. Just please forget about the comments and go try one for yourself.
@@thegabal1484 I’d love to try one on but I’m not putting down 30% down for the privilege. Maybe if they become readily available I’ll try it out.
True. The “ingineur” has the same movement for 2.5x the price.
Black with both bracelet and strap on the way and can’t wait to get the call 🤩 Thank’s Teddy for reviewing it! 👌
Fleigers are by far my favorite watch style and while there are a few amazing (somewhat) affordable German brands IWC is the ultimate dream watch. Would get one of these over a Rolex any day of the week!
appreciate the video. Not a huge fan of IWC, primarily on the price for performance basis, as I think there are better options.
Had my heart set on buying the mark XX black dial but my AD didnt have the bracelet available. Coincidentally, she made try the pilot chrono 41mm which has the same bracelet style. The 52mm lug to lug length sounded like something I could never pull off (6.5in wrist), but the amazing bracelet makes this watch super comfortable and wearable. After a little deliberation, I ultimately bought the chrono, and I'm still quite enjoying the honeymoon phase. I still think the Mark XX is a great watch but maybe it's a little too similar to my existing collection, and the chrono fits right in as I only had an old swatch quartz chrono.
Tried the IWC Portofino the other day. Now I really like IWC.
Love the IWC Mark XX! A couple changes to make it better... fully lumed dial indices/numbers and make the bracelet more available and also include enough links for us large wristed people. It SUXS to pay extra for a couple links to get it to fit my 8" wrist from the dealer!!
If they have a power reserve indicator on dial, given 5 days pr, that will be my buy.
Love my Mark XVIII
Lovely watch and that power reserve is crazy, but not COSC at this price point is a big negative.
Check out the IWC chronograph 41mm in a blue dial. Great size, see through case back and 100 meter of water resistance.
GREAT watch, hate the date complication.
Hi Teddy, great review! I own the green model and have both the strap and bracelet. It's a terrific watch for many reasons. First and foremost, my model runs around plus three seconds a day. Second, I have a six and a half inch wrist and can pull this off with ease on both straps and bracelet. The bracelet is one of the best, comfortable and dressy option. I could care less whether the movement is by val Fleurier since you can't see it anyways and it runs beautifully with a one hundred and twenty hour power reserve. While it's not inexpensive, its finishing and quality is exceptional and can be worn casually or formally, particularly if one has the green or blue sunburst dials. I am more than satisfied with this timepiece.
I have the blue face varient paired with a brown strap. Absolutely love the way it looks. My only real criticism are the straps. While the quick change is really nice, it adds some stiffness to the upper part of the strap causing it to sit a bit lopsided on the wrist since it doesn't break in like the rest of the strap. Other then that this is one he'll of a great watch, and half the price of the Big Pilot
Sounds like the blue dials are more accurate 😅. But seriously I like the 18s better cuz of the eta movement, quirky date window, cream color dial, matte black hands, wider placement of the numerals, and longer lug to lug. ✅✅✅
Admittedly, I've been in love with the IWC Mark XV pilot watch ever since I saw Tom Cruise wearing it in Vanilla Sky. That Mark XX is very slick looking though.
XV Vanilla Sky for me as well. The XX is almost there. Take 2mm off the dia. and I’m sold.
I have the white dial on a bracelet. The lug to lug length could still feel a tad large for small wrist people like me but other than that legibility is excellent and a clean finish overall. Can be a daily piece and is both sporty and dressy. It's a solid watch in the flieger department.
There is no white dial Mark XX
I also purchased the white dial on a bracelet three days ago.
@@ZZ-80 Yup. just came out
@@ivanoschen Please go ask your local IWC dealer. There is. Being released globally as we speak
What an awesome watch just got mine today ( blue type xx ) case finishing is next level , the sapphire just disappears with the ar coating and dial is so easy to read . Time grapher says mine is running at -1 s/d so let’s see how the accuracy looks in a few days . Super light on wrist and very comfortable on the iwc rubber strap I got aftermarket. Feels like a premium watch
So, how is accuracy now?
So ?
I recently put one on wrist and instantly loved it. Remarkable attention to detail, legibility, and it just felt perfect. Classy without being ostentatious. I’d wear this every day. Definitely on my wish list.
Great watch. I bought it last summer. But after owning it for six months, I finally traded it. It was too similar to my Big Pilot 43. I just wasn’t wearing it. Love my Big Pilot 43 and my Big Big Pilot 46. The Mark XX is fine if someone is looking for a smaller version of the Big Pilot.
I don’t have the Mark 20 but I have the spitfire and it’s one of my favourite watches, bought it on a whim and have never regretted doing so.
A good summary! I like the Mark XVI best of all. 39mm diameter, black date wheel and ETA 2892 movement.
I have the same.
I love Stowa Flieger!
Saw this in petson when I went to Nagoya last month and it’s a beauty in leather strap.
Fyi, They launched the Mark XX in white couple of weeks ago… beautiful!
3:49 That top stitching is sloppy and not acceptable.
For what it's worth, IWC's WR rating is different from those from other manufacturers. According to IWC's own manual, 3 bar is good for swimming and 6 bar is enough for snorkeling/water surface sports. Anecdotally, I have an older Mark XVI that's rated 6 bar WR and I had it tested to 10 bar without any problems.
I don't think it's anything unique. They are all generally tested beyond stated limits
You should also cover the Spitfire, Teddy. It's got a similar aesthetic, but better executed, I think, and with more of an authentic flair. Mine also keeps time within two seconds and it's stunning on the wrist.
Great video Teddy! I’ve owned a Mark XX for about 2 weeks now. I have the new silver/white color dial which isn’t posted on the IWC site yet, but is available at a couple AD’s. The white dial with the white date window is great if you prefer a matching look there. So far I just wear it on the metal bracelet, the EasXchange system and micro fly adjustment is fantastic. Being on the bracelet, you can easily self prop up the dial, so at night I leave it on my nightstand as my clock haha.
The legibility on this watch is so good. It’s hard to describe without sounding silly, but the amount of milliseconds it takes to look at the watch and for my brain to register what time is , is almost instantaneous.
I owned a Mark 18 for a year and sold it because I just never feel in love with it. Could be the honeymoon phase talking but I think this watch is a keep for life. The slight case size shrinkage and new long power reserve really fix my gripes with the 18.
Wow, I think the white dial will be very popular, could you post a video of it on TH-cam.
Teddy I think you miss one of the key point of Mark XX which is the bracelet and the easy change system which together make it a very good overall package.
I have the Mark xx green dial. It's great!
I play your videos to sleep. Your voice, the production quality is just amazing. I am trying to quit collecting watches because it’s just too darn expensive haha
I want this with a 40 mm Stowa case instead. Much more wearable! And I want Stowa lume. And I don't want a date. And I want it handwound for more flexibility regarding accuracy.
Pure class.
I own one, black dial. Love it. Utterly. It's a luxury watch, but I treat it as my daily companion. It's understated and does not catch the eye.
It already took a bit of a beating and resisted the abuse brilliantly. Had it tested for accuracy and it runs on the +-4sec/day. Fair.
My negatives on this (and it hurts to say them, but I feel they're true):
- the strap swap mechanism is "fidgety" and clunky: the strap "dances" a bit
- the watch has double anti-reflection coating, top and bottom of the sapphire crystal: this means that even a ring can "scratch" the glass (it's not a real scratch, but the coating goes off and leaves a tiny sign on the glass - annoying AF)
- lume is nice, but maaaan IWC went cheap on the amount used on the dial...
Overall, I feel it's a bit pricy for 5.2k, but my heart loves it anyway. No regrets in owning one.
I’m between the black and blue dials and would put on a rugged light brown strap.
Either way, you cant miss. And brown rugged suits a lot. For me black is, I dare say, “truer” to tradition, as the pilots were originally black. But it’s your wrist, your watch, your money. And this is a brilliant timepiece.
Its crazy that they managed to do all of that for under 6k yet for the Ingenieur they add crown guards, some dial texture, and an integrated bracelet for the small sum of an extra 6k...
Hey Teddy, great video and a beautiful watch!
It might be worth getting your hands on Wempe pilots watches as well. From all I heard a little bit cheaper than IWC but nonetheless, being manufactured in Glashütte, excellent quality and first and foremost superb timekeeping as they are german chronometer certified.
They can be a bit tough to find outside of germany, but it would really interest me to see your opinion on these watches!
How about a video on the IWC pilots chronograph 43mm and it’s replacement 41mm
Own the mrk 18, prefer the black date window on that to the new mark 20s white. Apart from that i think the 20 is better in every other way. People who say this watch is overpriced and compare it to stowa etc have probably never had one in their hands, these iwc watches look and feel amazing in the metal, highly recommended. Even though its a pilots watch i think its more of a watch that covers pretty much every situation.
I think IWC did a very good job upgrading the Mark model but I think the movement lacks the COSC certification. Saying that I enjoy my Mark XVIII Le Petit Prince despite all the quirks of the model :)
I have the green dial one with both strap and bracelet. Very good package overall 👍🏻
Alternatives are not Longines and Sinn. They are Stowa, Laco, Kemner, Archimede, etc..
Big IWC fan here. Hope they incorporate properly sized date wheels in the future. The inset date window is distracting.
Just received one as a 50th birthday present. Loving the power reserve and overall feel/aesthetic. But disappointed in the accuracy (I have Seikos that are better in this regard). The spring bars are a bit "crunchy" with a nato strap. Moving around a bit under pressure. And most annoyingly, it's very hard to hack it to the second. Pressing in the crown always moves the minute hand by a half minute either way. Maybe it's because the gearing on the crown is so extreme. Barely a flick sends the minute hand halfway around the dial. I've learned to pinch the case when depressing the crown, but it's very irritating. But am I giving it back? Hell no. Love this watch.
the ezxchange system is fine if you only intend to use IWC straps. If you use other 20mm straps its actually more of pain because you have to remove the factory strap and spring bars before you can put another strap on. This makes for one more needless step.
I'm 4 days into the ownership of a black dial mark xx on bracelet. Enjoying the honeymoon period so far. Wearing comfort is great. Bracelet clasp has a push button sliding micro adjust. Timekeeping for my personal watch loses 1 second when worn throughout the day but gains 1 second when placed dial up overnight. So net gain is 0 seconds daily- i love it! The AR coating is working very well and makes an already legible watch even more so.
The only negative i can think of for now is the absence of lume on all the indices. I know it is probably a design choice because the original Mark model only had lume on 12, 3, 6, and 9. Full lumed markers would have made this the perfect flieger for me.
I like the lume design, I've had a mark 18 for over 2 years now, great watches.
@@coffeeboyclips1973 daytime and low light legibility is great, but the legibility in full darkness, such as night driving in a poorly lit area, leaves something to be desired. I still love the watch though
@@ryangochuico I usually look at the clock on my cars dash when driving but I still love the watch and really enjoy wearing it.
@@coffeeboyclips1973 haha thats a good idea. Ive been so used to looking at my wrist for all timetelling needs i dont even think of that haha
I believe that a couple of things were missed on the dial. First, the slight movement of the date box and some of the 12 o’clock lettering has improved the visual appeal of the watch.
Serious question: What makes this worth its price of $5,250? It has quite a plain dial with minimal complications and average water resistance. What functionality or benefit does it really offer compared to a quartz Timex pilot-style watch?
I do own mechanical watches, but I can't figure out the value proposition here.
Very nice PILOT WATCH !!!! No doubt : a high quality watch . I am surprised by the power reserve (120 h) . It is very useful. I need to take care. i start to get bad habits . When i saw the IWC Mark XX, i thought what kind of watch could i get with 5000 $ from OMEGA. I become OMEGA addict . Thank you for the video.
The B-Uhr was never a pilot’s watch it was worn by the navigator. Those were bombers. The pilot wore a chronograph hacked at a signal given by the navigator.
Nice video, Teddy, thank you.
Been hoping for a video on this one
What do we learn from this? Blue watches are more accurate! I think the Mark XX is a great watch, I love the simple clean look and the great case.
Yeah, my question exactly. See my comment.
I have Mark XX with brwcelrt and leather strap. Its such a versatile watch it could be sport, formal or anything to be honest.
Tho, i had an issue with it at some point i had +25sec per day gain and had to service it and after that it was fixed and i cant hate on it. That explains difference on the tests you had i guess.
Love the watch but that movement might be not the best. No issues after service (which was free cause of warranty)
This wears so great on my wrist. Unfortunately I wasnt able to purchase it just yet
Lug to lug is the killer for me. Other than that love the watch.
It’s a miss for me. Not getting chronometer-level regulation at this price point is inexcusable. The silicon hairspring means that the iron cage isn’t really needed, and it would be nice to give people a view of the good-looking movement, like on the Big Pilot 43. Also, like on the Big Pilot 43, all hour numberals should be lumed, not just every 3 hours. Maybe they’ll stop cutting so many corners with the Mark XXI.
Yes, I agree. The details on this watch are beautifully executed, but at that price I would also be expecting chronometer accuracy! And honestly north of five grand is a lot of money for what you are getting, notwithstanding the overall excellent quality. This is a watch for people with money to burn.
Please keep in mind that IWC regulates their movement to a higher standard of accuracy than what is required by the COSC. That’s the reason why the forego this certification.
@@user-wi9nn6dz8w Where do they state that on their website?
This watch is as accurate as a chronometer ! -0.3 second a day
I guess I'd like to see this compared to, for instance, a similar design Stowa, for one-fifth of the price.
Where's the extra value?
Beautiful dial, excellent video Teddy
This is definitely an improvement in terms of proportions and movement. I disagree about the white date window. Sure, it can be jarring in macro shots, but at the typical distance you’d view the watch from, it makes up for the visual weight left from omitting the Arabic index. If you stick a color matched date there, it’s not enough white to fill that space and will leave too much empty space at the 3 o’clock position. Always question copy/paste watch “wisdom” such as “all non-color matched date wheels are bad.” Everything should be reevaluated on a case by case basis.
Disagree with you about the color of the date wheel. I have a Mark XX (love it!), and with the white date wheel the entire dial has circular symmetry. Wouldn't be that way if the window matched the dial color. Great watch, easy to wear, and VERY accurate!
I'm waiting for the 36mm version. Please IWC, release a smaller version.
I have the Mark 18 Petite Prince which is essentially the same watch and it is very nice.
I own a mark xx so I wholeheartedly agree with Teddy 😅
Nice summary, Teddy. I love the simplicity and design of this watch.
Teddy looks jacked on the arms! Working out??
I like my Amg petronas. If you have a look at 40’s schaffhausen was very luxury brand. I believe that’s still keep heritage/ luxury name
I love how people are complaining about price on a LUXURY item. Like BRUH.....
But the darkened hands on the XVIII are so much nicer. Keeps it all monochrome black and white. No polished metal. The date wheel is also nicer on the XVIII, yes. And the movement is much easier to have serviced, exactly because it’s off the shelf. The dial is also allowed to breathe more with the numerals closer to the edge. No, I don’t own one, but I’ll choose an XVIII over the XX if and when I buy an IWC Mark.
Hey Teddy, was thinking travel videos might be pretty cool. Like traveling to different jewelers, talking watches with new people etc.
The “IWC Schaffhausen” script has also been spaced out a bit better vs the XVIII
I am a PPL pilot and having a watch that provides one of the 4 minimum pieces of equipment for visual flight dictates what I wear when I go flying. Forget the clock on the dash, it's the one on your wrist that counts. The cockpit of a Piper Warrior is a busy place and a watch that has outstanding legibility above all other features is the one to go for. Sure it has to be accurate as well for the duration of flight, but that's not hard to do. If it takes say 2 seconds or more to work out the time to the nearest minute your watch choice is junk on the flight deck. It's ok back in the club house or in a dinner party in the evening, but it has failed in it's primary purpose.
All that said, the XX is pretty good in this regard, however it is expensive, the legibility (sorry Teddy) is maybe 8/10 and it's a chunk of metal on the wrist. The power reserve and the date are nice to have characteristics that extend its appeal once you're back on the ground.
Personally I reach for my Longines Heritage Military watch, which has to my 59 year old eyes 10/10 legibility, is sensibly sized at 38.5mm, it doesn't have a date window (you don't care what day it is flying), mine is coming in at +2s per day, It's also 2/5th the price of the XX. It also cuts the mustard back on the ground with its classic understated looks. Of course choosing and buying any watch be it a IWC or any other brand is so much a personal choice and these comments are just to give a perspective from a modest collector / pilot who had to make a buying decision recently.
Great video Teddy, appreciate your passion to watchmaking. Hope the aviation perspective is somewhat useful too.
Back when the Mark XVII was around $3k, it was a great watch, but at the current price for a Mark XX it just seems a bit too much for what you get.
Go for the Mark 16 guys. Stunning and a lot cheaper if you can find one
I bought my wife the green dial Mk XX on the bracelet and it is fantastic, she loves it unfortunately I can it on my 7 3/4” wrist so I haven’t worn but I have the BP 43 so it doesn’t bother me
am a great fan of the IWC watches. what are your thoughts on the Portofino Chronograph 39, which was a great step of IWC in attempting to cater to people with smaller wrists
Great looking watch. I'm going to need to try one of these on!
the san martin version is very nice
Definitely one that’s made the wish list.