IWC Schaffhausen has just introduced a special new version of the Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII. This time, the famous timing instrument pays tribute to the historic Pilot’s Watch Mark 11, which was first introduced in 1948.
The legendary pilot’s watch, Mark 11, was designed by International Watch Company and Jaeger-LeCoultre, according to the specifications provided by the British Ministry of Defense (MoD). The exact specifications were awarded to 12 different watch companies, Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, Vertex, and Longines. The resulting watches, later dubbed the Dirty Dozen, were all approved for military use, but most of them weren’t reliable enough to be used in aviation. Eventually, IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre secured the commission with the iconic Mark 11, a watch that was subsequently supplied to the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth armed forces.
Photo Credit: Watches of Knightsbridge
In 2017, the house of IWC revamps its take on the legendary Mark 11 model. Given the strict terms laid out by the British Ministry of Defense, both marks from IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre are fairly similar in appearance but, over time, these professional timing instruments underwent some notable design changes. The Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Tribute to Mark XI” incorporates some notable aspects of the original design of the historic Mark 11. The watch is, just like the original, crafted from stainless steel, but it features a significantly broader diameter: 40mm vs 35.98mm.
The small rectangles at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock, and the hands, are coated with luminescent material to ensure optimal legibility in low light conditions. The indices are much thinner than on the Mark XVII watches from the current collection, and the triangular index at 12 o’clock is not flanked by two dots. Just like the original Mark 11, the new model is worn on a functional green textile strap (Nato strap), and it features a soft-iron cage that protects it from magnetic fields.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Tribute to Mark XI” is powered by the IWC caliber 35111, which beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides around 42 hours of power reserve. In addition to hours and minutes and central hacking seconds, this model also offers a date display at 3 o’clock.
In reference to the year in which the first Mark 11 was produced, the new IWC model is limited to 1948 watches. This special edition will be available exclusively from Harrods in London for three months starting in July 2017. After this period, the watch will be available for purchase in all IWC boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide. IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Tribute to Mark XI,” reference IW327007, retails for £3,790. When it becomes globally available, it will retail for $4,150. For more information, visit IWC.com.
IWC collections
Latest News from IWC
IWC Portugieser Chronograph Bucherer Blue Ediiton
The latest watch in the Bucherer’s Blue Series is the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Bucherer, a piece that continues the one-of-a-kind collection of blue-colored watches made by the world’s finest watchmakers exclusively for the famous luxury goods retailer. The new watch is an exclusive Bucherer Blue special edition, and it arrives in a limited run of 365 pieces. The IWC Portugieser Chronograph, with blue highlights, honors the nautical roots of the Swiss brand. This contemporary chronograph stems from the precision nautical instruments that...
IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch Edition Right-Hander
An unwritten rule of style is that watches are worn on the left wrist, and this is why the crown on most watches is positioned at 3 o’clock. The exception are the so called lefties, or right-hander watches, which are intended to be worn on the right wrist and manipulated using the left hand. These typically have a crown positioned on the left side of the case, at 9 o’clock position. IWC Schaffhausen presents the new limited edition Big Pilot’s Watch, a first for the company, aimed at those who wear their watches on the right wrist. The Right-h...
Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Chronograph “Le Petit Prince" 10th Anniversary Edition
IWC Schaffhausen celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Youth Foundation, established in 2009. The foundation works to preserve the humanist values of the famous French pilot and writer through educational programs for young people. IWC begun a collaboration with the heirs of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in 2006 and became a partner to FASEJ on its inception in 2009. To celebrate ten years of successful partnership, IWC and FASEJ are organizing a “10 years, 10 days” event in Paris, honoring the foundation with an exclusive...
IWC Top Gun Ceratanium and other Pilot's Watch novelties for 2019
Earlier this year, at the SIHH 2019 in Geneva, IWC Schaffhausen unveiled a new Top Gun line in the Pilot’s Watches collection. The Top Gun range, introduced in 2007, takes its name from the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program in the U.S. Navy. These watches are specially designed to withstand great acceleration forces. They’re made from robust yet lightweight materials such as ceramic and titanium The new line introduces the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph TOP GUN Ceratanium (Ref. IW371815), which is the first pilot's watch from IWC...
IWC Portugieser Chronograph Classic Bucherer Blue Editions
Since 1988, Bucherer, one of the biggest watch and jewelry retailers in Europe, offers its customers a selection of Blue Editions timepieces created by some of the world’s best manufactures. As its name suggests, the central theme of the collection is Bucherer’s signature blue color, a symbol of noblesse. The latest addition to this exclusive range is IWC’s Portugieser Chronograph in red gold. The IWC Portugieser Chronograph Classic Bucherer Blue Editions is the 18th watch to join the prestigious selection. This flagship model, distinguished...
IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph Summer Edition
IWC Schaffhausen is releasing a new edition of its Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph. As a part of IWC’s Summer Editions collection, the renowned chronograph arrives with a water-resistant stainless steel case, a marine blue dial, and a matching rubber strap. In addition, IWC is launching an exclusive collection of matching fabric straps in blue and light grey. The straps, which will be available only for a limited time, are designed to accessorize not only the sporty elegant Portugieser, but also select watches from the Pilot’s and Portofino...
IWC introduces two new Portofino watches
IWC is expanding its Portofino collection with two fresh new interpretations of the Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days. IWC’s traditional model now arrives in two distinct colorways and in a new combination of materials and colors. The first variant, Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days (ref. IW510115), combines a slate dial and a gray suede strap - first ever for the famous Swiss manufacture. The second, Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days (ref. IW510116), features a blue dial and a steel Milanese mesh bracelet. The perfectly round stainless steel case...
IWC Ingenieur Chronograph Sport Edition “76th Members’ Meeting at Goodwood”
IWC has recently become the first watch brand to compete in classic car races with its own team and car. At the 76th Goodwood Members’ Meeting, The famous Swiss brand has officially launched the IWC Racing team, as well as a new member of its Ingenieur family: the Ingenieur Chronograph Sport Edition “76th Members’ Meeting at Goodwood” (Ref. IW381201). Since IWC is a partner of Mercedes-AMG, its Racing Team will compete with Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” sports car, the model that was manufactured by Daimler-Benz between 1954 and 1957 as a...
IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation”
On the occasion of the 2018 Laureus World Sports Awards in Monaco, the house of IWC, one of the main sponsors of the event, unveiled its new Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.” IWC’s involvement with Laureus began in 2005, and this year, the famous Swiss watchmaker presents the 12th Laureus special edition model to benefit the notable work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. IWC Schaffhausen has been a Global Partner of @laureussport since 2005. Each year IWC launches a limited special edition w...
IWC Portofino Jubilee Collection - SIHH 2018
In 2018, the house of IWC celebrates its 150th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the famous Swiss brand introduces the exclusive Jubilee collection comprising special celebratory models across each of its product families. On the occasion of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva, IWC unveiled three limited-edition Portofino Jubilee models: the Portofino Hand-Wound Moon Phase, the Portofino Chronograph, and the Portofino Automatic – each available in the distinctive anniversary design. Portofino, a product range lau...
