IWC | Pilot's Watch Mark XVI

IWC

Pilot's Watch Mark XVI

Text by OPENERS

The "Special Pilot's Watch (Mark IX)," released in 1936, marked the beginning of IWC's flagship "Mark Series." This watch is characterized by its black dial with luminous, high-contrast hands and large numerals, ensuring excellent legibility day or night.

Following the Mark IX, the series evolved through the "Big Pilot's Watch," "Mark X," "Mark XI," "Mark XII," "Mark XV," and finally the current "Mark XVI" introduced in 2006. However, the fundamental design, conceived with maximum legibility in mind by the original model, has been consistently maintained throughout.

The Mark Series Through the Ages

The current Mark XVI features a relatively large 39mm case, but in today's watch world of oversized trends, it presents a rather sleek silhouette. The dial design takes inspiration from the "Big Pilot's Watch" (pictured center below) from 1940, employing highly legible diamond-shaped hands, similar to those found in aircraft cockpit clocks. Combined with the long, extended center seconds hand, it creates a balanced and refined face. A 34mm mid-size model is also available for those with slimmer wrists.

Furthermore, the Mark Series boasts high magnetic field resistance. This feature protects the movement from the magnetic fields generated by the various electronic devices found in aircraft cockpits.

This is achieved by a soft-iron inner case that completely encases the movement, granting the current Mark XVI a magnetic field resistance of 24,000 A/m. The image on the right is a disassembled view of the current "Big Pilot's Watch," with the blue-colored sections indicating the key areas responsible for its magnetic field resistance.

However, the Mark XVI is an extremely popular model, and stock is consistently scarce. If you happen to see one in a store, it's advisable to consider purchasing it immediately.

Automatic winding. 28,800 vibrations per hour. 42-hour power reserve. Case diameter 39mm. Thickness 11.5mm. Stainless steel case. Crocodile strap. 6 bar water resistance. ¥446,250.

Mid-size: Diameter 34mm. Thickness 10.1mm. ¥388,500.