SIHH 2012: IWC Mark XVII Pilots Watch Ref. 3265

SIHH 2012. As part of its revamp of it Pilots Watch family, IWC has released a new version of its iconic pilots watch, in the form of the IWC Mark XVII. The Mark XVII, like it predecessors, is a basic time and date watch with features making it suitable for use on board aircraft.

The history of this watch makes it special. The IWC "Mark" pilots watch began its long history as general purpose military watch. In the early 1940's the British Ministry of Defense put out a specification set for military watches that it wanted to supply its troops. The watches that met these specification were engraved with the letter WWW meaning: "Watches Wristlet Waterproof" and called the "Mark X" watches. IWC was one of the manufacturers that built these "Mark X" watches. These Mark X watches were supplied to the RAF, but again found wanting.

An airborne map painting radar system called "H2S" was established so that aircraft could determine their position by triangulating their position with these beams. H2S proven to be a valuable navigation aid but also caused problems. The map painting radar screen produced magnetic fields, which disturbed the accuracy of the issued wrist watches.

Also as, the altitude of the sorties had steadily increased, causing a problem with low temperature, which also affected the precision of the watches. Cabin pressurization had been introduced towards the end of WW II and a sudden decrease of pressure caused by damage to the aircraft's fuselage, could force the crystal from a watch that still retained normal pressure inside its case. This resulted in a need for a watch that was resistant to sudden changes in pressure.

IWC Mark XVI

To meet these new requirements new specification were issued for a Mark XI watch.

• A highly accurate movement with hack-device,
• A inner soft iron cage forming a shield to screen the movement against magnetic interference, the dial being an integral part of this soft iron cage,
• A stainless steel waterproof case,
• A crystal secured by a screwed ring to prevent it detaching from the case during sudden depressurization, and;
• A black dial with luminous markers and hands.

To meet these standards, in 1948, the IWC updated its Mark X watch as the Mark 11 (XI) and the general purpose military watch evolved into a dedicated pilots watch.

The new IWC Mark XV

IWC Mark XVII. The Mark XVII continues to meet the requirements for a professional pilots watch featuring a soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields and the front glass which can survive against sudden drops in pressure. Inside is the same caliber 30110 movement which was found in the IWC Mark XVI. The caliber 30110 is actually an ETA 2892 movement, which vibrates at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The movement has a power reserve of 42 hours. The case is water resistant to up to 60 meters.

The new IWC Mark XVII

The changes brought by the Mark XVII are largely cosmetic. First you have  the larger 41 mm case diameter. The original Mark X and Mark 11 watches were 36 mm in diameter. The previous model, Mark XVI, was 39 mm in diameter. Other than the increased diameter, the most noticeable change is in the date window which now displays three date numerals. The current date is the one located in the middle with a small a red arrow further indicating the actual date. Other than this, the Mark XVII keep most of the design elements of its predecessor, the Mark XVI, with the aviation inspired hour makers and hands. The matte black dial keeps its great legibility with roman numerals and high contrast white hour markers and hands.

Like the previous model, the Mark XVII is available with a black alligator leather strap and pin buckle or, alternatively, with stainless-steel bracelet. The bracelet is has been redesigned.

All in all, I think IWC did a good job with the new design. When I show the IWC Mark XVI to friends, they find the design a bit to simple for a luxury watch. The tri-number date display and little red arrow add a panache to the dial, and the new 41 mm size is more in keeping with the times. Me, the IWC Mark XVI is one of my five all time favorite watches, current and vintage, and as beautiful as the Mark XVII is, the Mark XVI will continue to hold a special place in my heart.

About IWC. IWC or the the "International Watch Co. Schaffhausen" was founded by an American engineer from Boston, Florentine Ariosto Jones, in Schaffhausen, Switzerland in the year 1868. IWC Schaffhausen is notable for being the only major Swiss watch factory located in eastern Switzerland, as the majority of the well-known Swiss watch manufacturers are located in western Switzerland.