IWC Launches new Pilot's Mark XX Watches
Friday - 05 August 2022
IWC Schaffhausen quietly releases two new models belonging to the Mark series named the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX. Both pilot watches have received some subtle yet significant touch-ups, including a movement with a longer power reserve, reduced case dimensions, and a more legible dial design
Inconspicuously, IWC Schaffhausen has released a new Mark watch, but those who follow the Maison religiously won’t have missed a trick! The new Pilot’s Watch Mark XX is the latest addition to the company’s prestigious aviation watch collection, which skips the Mark XIX in the process and unveils two classic colours in blue and black. It might not be a major watch launch, but here at Jura Watches, we’re providing you with all the important details of these two new releases, along with details on how to add one to your very own collection.
Despite it being a soft launch, IWC Schaffhausen has updated the design of this Mark XX watch with new proportions and touch-ups that are sure to be well-received by avid IWC watch fans and pilot watch collectors. There are also new dial elements and new mechanics to appreciate. Thanks to these subtle touch-ups, the fanbase for IWC’s Pilot’s Watch Mark series is expected to grow even further.
The new IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX
As mentioned, the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX has received some subtle new details. Even so, they are significant within the IWC watch-collecting world. The diameter of the new model remains the same, yet the depth of the case has been trimmed down to a height of 10.8mm. Although it might not seem much, the design will wear differently on the wrist. Slimming down this height results in a smaller lug-to-lug distance, creating what many will agree is a better fit on the wrist. Those who felt the Mark XVIII wore a little two large will appreciate this small difference from lug to lug of 1.8mm, from an initial 51mm to 49.2mm. The 40mm stainless steel case of the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX is executed in a mix of brushed and polished effects and inside the housing, the mechanical movement within is adequately protected by a soft-iron inner case that protects it from damage caused by magnetic fields. Interestingly, there is another significant change within the design of this new IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX. The water resistance has increased from 60 meters to 100 meters.
In terms of the dial of the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX, the Maison has chosen a classical matte black or sunray-brushed blue colour scheme. Both are colours that are seen throughout the company’s catalogue of luxury wristwatches. Of course, legibility has never been a problem for the IWC Pilot’s watch range, yet these models appear even more crisp and clean in design. The retouched hour and minute markings around the outside of the hour track have greatly enhanced the legibility of the main white Arabic numeral hour indexes. To aid readability, the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX watch has a white date aperture with crisp black numerals at 3 o’clock. Again, although small, these differences are significant in creating all-around improved readability whilst referencing the time in testing conditions. Now silver with a rhodium coating - the central hour and minute hands are filled with Super-LumiNova and add to a different aesthetic when compared to the former black hands of previous models. IWC Schaffhausen has, however, kept the white central second hand in white.
Although not able to visually see this change, the new IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX is now equipped with the Calibre 32111, created by ValFleurier. Switching the previous movement out for this engine sees the power reserve increase from a basic 42 hours to an impressive 120 hours. Concealed behind a closed steel caseback, the Calibre 32111 performs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and comprises 21 jewels. Historically, it has been used in the Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL and the Pilot’s Watch Automatic Edition Laureus Blue Ceramic watch released last year.
The new IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX watch features the same engraved caseback depicting the image of a Lockheed P-38 Lightning aircraft, whilst the front is a strong pane of sapphire crystal glass, specially secured so that it cannot detach from its place, even in the event of a sudden pressure drop. The blue model reference; IW328203 and the black variation reference; IW328201 come on a blue and black calfskin leather band respectively and have been integrated with IWC Schaffhausen’s EasX-CHANGE system that enables you to alternate the strap without any additional tools.
For more information on the new blue and black IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX watches for 2022, you can view the spec lists online here, or call and speak with a member of our sales team at Jura Watches on 01335 453453
