Week on the Wrist: IWC Mark XVIII
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
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Hi Guys,
IWC was kind enough to trust me with one of their Pilot's watches, the IWC Mark XVIII.
This is a week on the wrist with the IWC Mark 18. It's a large watch at 40mm, but I don't think it wears too large.
Let me know what you think of this Pilot's watch by IWC, the Mark XVIII.
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Its not boring, its simply minimalist and stunning.
And expensive as hell.
@@jimmason8502the explorer 1 is twice the price and is a third of a watch compared to this
I own the IWC Mark XV and I strongly recommend the watch to those here worried about the size and price of the Mark XVIII. It's perfectly sized at 38mm and can be purchased for less than half the XVIII. Plus the date window is in perfect symmetry to the rest of the dial and the hands are inspired by the Mark XI.
Great content as always, Adrian!
I love the blue tint from the AR coating! Funny how people have different tastes
Haha. I’m sure it would grow on me. I think I was being overly picky with that.
Bark and Jack totally agree on the date window though... I knew exactly what you were going to say before you said it 😂
@@utgbanduk ha ha, hark back to the first comment on this thread, i have to have a date to even consider a watch. And squiffy date like the overseas Overseas chrono drives me potty... I'm office based... i think necessity drives likes and dislikes! 👍
This watch is the epitome of “less is more”. Stunning because of its minimalist and well balanced design.
It'll really minimize your bank account.
@@jimmason8502 facts 😂😂
By far one of the best and more simple, minimal design by IWC. I love it
It’s simplicity is why it’s great. I love a watch that’s clean and unassuming and tells you what time it is. This might be one of the best tool watches on the market.
I have one and for me it's the best watch out there, highly underrated.
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I love this watch. I wear it every day. My Sub sits in the safe and only comes out on special occasions. I love how this watch flies under the radar. I have it on a grey leather nato from Bulang & Sons.
I've got the Mark XVI which is a tad smaller at 39mm and has a decorated ETA movement. I love it and agree on strap choice. Great classic watches that appropriately fly under the radar.
The eta movements are more universal meaning easier to repair and service.
I agree with what you say about the strap my IWC came on a black croc grain which I replaced with the top gun strap, has a subtle sailcloth look and is a very dark grey/black colour and looks great imo. Thanks for featuring IWC,
The last minute with you getting pelted with ice crystals literally made me LOL...awesome! Glad you kept that in the video...
I've had my Le Petit Prince version of this for years - I've got lots of / too many watches but my IWC is still one of my go to watches as it wears so well and can be dressed up and down easily. The blue dial of the Prince gives extra interest to the great design and helps with the AR coating too.
Just been introduced to B&J by my son so catching up on past videos. I bought a really good fake Mark XVI in China which lasted about four years, and promised myself I would buy a real one when it expired. I almost bought a Mark XVII but could just not get over the three date window and really thought the Mark XVI looked sooo much better. I eventually bought used but mint Mark XVI for £2k and it is my go-to, favourite watch. Love the simplicity of the dial and 39mm size is perfect. Also prefer the symmetry of the XVI dial with the missing 3,6 and 9. I think IWC have made a mistake putting the 6 and 9 back on the dial but hey, that’s just me. I get loads of comments about the watch, whether worn casual or smart. Love it.
I have been looking at one of these on a bracelet through a jewellers window for weeks now. Beautiful watch 😍
I love iwc. One of my favourite brands. Big pilot is an iconic watch with a fantastic in-house movement, week long power reserve and one of the most legible, easy to use crowns on the market. It doubles up as a bed dresser clock too. Epic pieces.
been going back and watching your older videos... absolutely enjoyed this one... pilot watches are so amazing in the simplicity.
Love this watch. IWC shows off its class with this no fuss, no frills dial
Brave man - hiking through the cold mountains and simultaneous reviewing a luxury item. More interesting than somebody just sitting at his desk. Keep up with the good work.
After watching this video. I have 1 word for you Adrian: HAT! Get a winter hat man!
Haha. You’re right. I need to get one. 👍🏻
You still have a good head of hair. Maybe ear muffs?
The IWC Pilots watches like my Spitfire can best be described as a simple thing done very well. And that my friends, is no faint praise. Where IWC shines is in the details, the precision of the brushing, and the tiny highly polished chamfers.
The position of the date window makes it easier to find the date quickly. Less discernment required.
"They have snow that hurts your face..." Brilliant. That's what microscopic ice cubes travelling at high speeds do.
I’ve just ordered one of those on a steel bracelet, can’t wait to get it on my wrist. I see you’re in my neck of the woods now. Winter’s best - no midges !
I can't help but bloody smile every time you post new content. It's more than informative.. more than being honest with opinions.. more than exquisite photo and video capture... It's just bloody entertaining!
I bought a new Rolex Datejust 36 in 2021 after having a Tutor Submariner for 42 years. I was initially fine with the Rolex. But I am 63 years old and was having trouble reading the time because there are no numerals on the dial. Also the luminescence on small hands in the Datejust made reading the time at night impossible. So I took it back and went to a IWC Pilot Mark 18 AND a Tutor Black Bay Blue 58 for basically the same money. Very happy with both. But the IWC quality and simplicity is going to work for me when I am 85 years old and beyond. Impressed with the product of both watches. Advice to Rolex - you need a watch line that is easier to read. The IWC Pilot is stunning in its simplicity and tasteful presentation.
I have both iwc mark 18 and tudor bb58, the tudor is for sale, doesn't get any wrist time, the iwc is the only watch you need.
@@coffeeboyclips1973 yes I understand your point. Since I bought both, i find that I am favouring the IWC. But I am in the bush and in lakes much of my time. I had a Tudor Submariner for over 40 years and it was a rock. So I need both. But I am digging the IWC as a 64 year old guy who is far sighted and can immediately tell the time without glasses on. I could not see the time with my Rolex Datejust 36.
@@ericjensen8954 yeah, the tudor is more rugged and better around water but the iwc just oozes class and looks amazing for a simple design.
i owned one of these and loved it. i think mine was a mark xvi. so glad they went to a 40mm
Yes - get a hat and a gaiter to fight off that deadly ice/snow stuff attacking your face!! (You have midges to look forward to in the spring and summer!)..... And keep doing what you're doing with those Scottish outdoor locations - makes for a great viewing experience. This is what makes your videos very special.
Adrian, I appreciate the fact that you review a wide range of watches without engaging in endless Rolex bashing. I also applaud the fact that you have not limited you discussion of Rolex alternatives to Seiko, which seems to be the cause celeb of many of your colleagues on UA-cam....
Got a Mark XVI and it's outlast every other watch I've bought in the last 10 years, including 114270 (2 of them) and 214270 Mk2
The Mark's are "simply" special!
1000lightyrs that’s interesting. I’ve just left a comment above saying that I don’t think I’d wear a Mark XVIII over my 214270 Mk2. But there honestly is something about IWC that I really like. Maybe I’ll go second hand and see how things pan out.
I bought one for my first ever mechanic watch after viewing this video. Thank you Adrian
I have a Mark XV from new and I never tire of it.
One thing I also learnt from this video, wear Salamon boots not Timberland in serious terrain. Adrian always teaching us new stuff.
Oh and don't forget to wear a Barbour jacket !
🤣🤣🤣
Exactly my kind of watch. I have no issue with the Sellita movement, provided it keeps accurate time. With a few more hours of power reserve and 100 meter depth rating, would be perfect.
Credit to you, I think the style and delivery of the content, totally works, even though I don’t like the watch, not value for money. I still stuck it out to the end. Good job pal.
Can you do a review of the mark xx? Seems like it’s the better version of this in every way
agreed on the date placement. hoping for a new model this year with in-house movt and symmetrical date.
nice and easy to read in a snow storm, nice boots, no jeans and a good hat for the transition North. As my eyesight now gets some over 50 age deterioration and my hair recedes, I have been much more of a fan of large, easy to read dials, and hats - enjoy
The positioning of the date window is at the mercy of the small movement
Interestingly, Oris reengineered the sw200 or 2824, in order to shift the date window farther from the centre of the dial on their similar Pro-pilot watch. It's a really a nice touch on a much less expensive watch. I haven't seen this done by any other manufacturers that employ these off the shelf movements.
Thanks,
It’s not a function of a small movement, but an oversize watch. The SW300 is a A2892 clone, which came from an era when a 36mm dia was considered large. Check out the IWC 36mm Pilot, or even the mk xv for a better placed date window?
I agree. The date window placement is terrible. Once you see, you cannot unsee
Hopefully the Mark XIX will follow the Spitfire and correct with the new "in house" movement and downsized case. Other than the lack of lume (and the price point) I really like these. But yeah that date window is horrible.
Buy a Stowa. You can choose a date window or skip it all together. Clever!
Love it! I don’t agree with the accusation from others of it being a boring design. Is the oyster perpetual boring? Is an old dressy AP boring? Come on. It was designed for legibility. It’s gorgeous in its simplicity.
I would have preferred to see the 36mm Pilot in your wrist. It’s my fav!
The development of this channel is amazing to see. I love the content keep it up!
Thanks so much James. 👍🏻
That's dedication to your art, going up a mountain to show a watch! I love it, especially as it's got a date which I find the most useful complication, much more useful than a chronograph. I know it has aviation in its roots but it would look cracking in 36mm.
The plainness is the beauty of this type of watch. 🇬🇧
I'd like to get my hands on the white dial. I think the Mark XVIII is a gorgeous watch. Glad you liked it. That's one of my grails.
I love IWC and have quite a few of them. I’ve actually seen the new 2020 collection and they made me sign a NDA so 🤫. I hope you do more reviews of their watch as you now have a contact inside IWC. I look forward to seeing more.
Do you know if we can expect any new mark models from iwc on the upcoming Basel World? Are there any leaks or rumours? Love the mark xviii le petit prince .. but the eta movement ... Nah .. hope they put an iwc in-house movement into the le petit prince. Like they already did with the spitfire.
I got myself a Stowa flieger 40mm without logo and date with the FL23883 engraving plus cosc movement for about $1150 back in 2003. Seems like a much better deal to me.
Great video..love the IWC pilot watches and I’m glad they’ll introduce in house movements to more of them..honestly doesn’t make sense in 2020 charging that kind of money for a selita or eta movement
Love the watch. Simple perfection. Tried the white one, fell in love immediately. BUT can NOT swallow the asking price with that movement and the simple finishing & dial printing. I can not believe you did not mention the price and whether it’s justified. It’s a 2000 ish € watch.
And the rest!
Thank you very much for the weather report the pretty dark clouds at 8:33 are Nimbostratus and the watch review is most excellent
You should also look at the heritage mark xviii. Same watch but has all the markers and numerals lumed.
Great video Adrian. The IWC satisfies the watch enthusiast in me and to see you in pain at the end satisfied the sadist in me. What more could I ask for.
Thanks for the review and the trip outdoors.....love the “travel” aspect of your channel. I really like the IWC, and most likely primarily because of the simplicity.
Thank you for the video, any idea if IWC might update the Mark 18 with an in house movement and a tapering bracelet, all elements they already have. Those changes would make this watch even more compelling.
What's great are the arabics on smaller case size. Cant find these anymore, everything is with a basic stick dial unless you're looking at a 42mm+ pilot watch
Been waiting for this one. My dad’s been an IWC guy since the seventies and I’ve inherited the bug. Love the channel, Adrian, and I’d love to see a review of the new Portuguiser if possible
Could the IWC spitfire be the solution to the size and date window ‘problems’ you mentioned?
I respect IWC as a brand that produces well made luxury watches. Historically, don't think it's a brand that has appealed to me much. Thanks for the video, Adrian. Nice looking watch. Maybe I'll have to check one out again soon.
I love the hate IWC gets. Have this watch on a bracelet and it’s the favorite of my collection, close to the least expensive, and certainly the most comfortable and possibly the best finished and most accurate. Subtle elegance, ultimately satisfying, and delivering a pride of ownership punching well above its weight. I must assume the hate comes from those who have not owned an IWC or are perhaps movement snobs and have not done in person side to side comparisons to other Swiss or Japanese (GS) brands. I have, I own them, and believe IWC delivers a superlative watch and owners experience. Excellent review and pleased you get the IWC thing, suspect they’ll be one on your wrist in the future. Hope you have some feeling back in your face, my goodness it was hard to watch (no pun intended) that snow duffing you up. Ciao.
Steve Ottavaino There is something about the level of design quality on the IWC Pilots that the competition doesn’t get close to, to my eye. I’m glad there are so many more affordable options from other brands. But, for me, once the details of the better execution really clicked, I knew I would never be happy with any of the IWC alternatives
Over 5k usd for a sellita movement is a joke. The market agrees so the value on used mark xviii is super low. This watch is worth 3k usd tops because the quality and finishing is good but not a dime more.
Steve Ottavaino such a valid point that you have made about pride in ownership. I own a Mark XVI spitfire and it gives me so much pride to wear it than I get from the most commercialised brand (with the crown symbol). IWC is simple and elegant.
storck08 I don’t mean to be disrespectful but the “market” doesn’t dictate what I like or buy, nor does the watch brand or movement. I buy the watches that impress me, could give a rats ass what anyone else thinks; 95 percent of the population could care less also. I don’t flip watches so Rolex resale value is not a factor for me (own a day-date and a two tone sub) though, admittedly, it’s a great characteristic. I don’t know you sir or what your personal taste in watches is or how many you’ve owned but I’ve owned many, stretched for all of them, and have found over time the IWC’s have always been of higher quality and design aesthetic appeal, my taste of course. I’d rate them comparable to Grand Seiko quality, owing a SBGH051 that sits in the safe with other Swiss pieces whilst I wear my IWC’s thank you very much. As for the movement I’ve never experience any issue with one, nor have any of my many watch collecting friends. I can’t say the same for other high line Swiss movements that have given me a severe hair cut when they required premature movement service or failed completely. Not a clue what IWC does to the Sellita movements (a controversial subject) as I’ve not seen one (they run like, well, Swiss watches) but can say they do not feel, wind, nor sound like Sellita movements in Oris watches and I own a number of them. Even the rotor winding is far less noisy, completely unnoticeable on wrist. Again it seems the IWC hate expressed on the net is not founded in objective measure but subjectively by non owners. If you don’t like IWC’s or Sellita movements that’s understandable, don’t buy them, but there’s no need to bash them either unless you have some personal experience to back it up with. Perhaps you do and can share it. I have 2 Mark XVIII’s so know of what I speak, with 40 years of premier Swiss brand comparative experience I believe I’m qualified to write on subject. All that said thank you for your comment. Be well. Ciao.
I love these and have seriously considered buying a 36mm IWC flieger. However, I always question whether it's worth the extra cash versus say a Laco or Stowa flieger.
A real classic, like a expensive painting from a famous artist. A field watch that for enthusiast group, but not for the real explorer.
If you are worried about the size and coating go for the Mark XV. It has all of the qualities you mention but with a better (modified) ETA movement, allegedly, and a 38mm case
Awesome. I’ll have to check that out. Cheers. 👍🏻
Please consider reversing your AeroPress for coffee preparation noticed in your intro. The filter housing inverted for final coffee purge. This movement will help wind your Explorer. Cheers.
Awesome video. Awesome location. Awesome watch. Though I'm I'm not sure I often need to read the time when vigorously bouncing up and down.
So happy you did a vid on this watch - I'm paying off my student loans this year and then buying this watch for myself (but the LPP version with a blue dial!)
musicguy595 good Choice! I bought this 3 years ago! Beautiful watch...the blue dial is magnificent
Thanks great descriptions it’s for normal guy simply a watch that why I love IWC where it for whom have it sentimental and history of Air Force Horology
What a back drop for the video! Love this watch but the more I look at it, the more I think that I want a Sinn 556..
It’s stunning I want it
Really good video Adrian, I havent owned an IWC but tried a few on and with my 40th on the horizon I have an IWC in my short listings. I don't own an explorer or an IWC but given the choice to own one I would choose the IWC. And the reason being is that you don't see them on wrists, they are rare and when I do see a person wearing one I feel as though they are probably a watch enthusiast who would be happy to have a chat about watches vs your Joey Essex character in the 'Bubble Lounge' or whatever horrid bar is now the place to be who is wearing a Rolex just because but knows fook all about them. I'm not a Rolex hater as I love them but loads of knobs also love them where an IWC I feel your in a safe cosy watch club where you can give the next IWC person a wink and they know the score
Very nice watch, but I wounder is this watch any more of a watch than the Sinn 556i or 556a? The Sinn would be half the price, have a more desirable case diameter and can be bought with a very nice strap that matches the case superbly. I would also argue that the date window on the 556a is just perfect in every way.
Love the look of the watch. I’ve wanted one for a while. Went to the AD and tried it on. I love the feel and fit. I just can’t seem to get over the mental roadblock of paying 4,500+ for a piece with this Sellita movement.
I'm not the only one then. :)
Love this watch, better than the Hamilton khaki in my opinion. Also welcome to Scotland I'm in the highlands and loving the deep snow!
viperkil13 can you elaborate how is it better than the Hamilton please!
@@larry.l the aesthetic to me is more pleasing, seems softer yet delivers the same info on the dial. Move that date window a little outwards and it my near perfect watch. Not a popular opinion I know but its mine ha.
Aesthetics is of course subjective so you're absolutely entitled to that. Let's not forget the price of the IWC compared to the Hamilton. I would take a Sinn 556 over the IWC personally ... and likely the Hamilton Khaki Field with the new H50 movement. The pricing on the IWC barely makes any sense.
To all here, price wise yes its mental however looks alone I'm not sure there is a nicer looking field watch. Did not realise I would split opinion so hard Haha. Regards
viperkil13 the IWC is more a flieger than it is a field watch. Have you see the Stowa Flieger? It’s a way better value - offered in different sizes and options for hand winding movement or automatic. You’re getting the exact same level of pedigree with Stowa too considering they both made flieger watches for the German Air Force during WWII, which is where this flieger style originates. So, there are nicer flieger watches ... it’s a pretty standard design, there is nothing unique about this IWC.
Totall agree with pushing the date window to the right or reducing the case size to 38mm. I like the Mark series but the awkward date window position has been keeping me away from buying one.
The Mark XVlll is one of my favorites. I like the Petite Prince with the stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet is the tightest, most luxurious bracelet in all of horology in my opinion. Great watch and I concur with all of your thoughts. Love it on your strap, I am going to buy one for mine now.
Beautiful watch!
A great looking watch and I was tempted with the white dial but could not bring myself to pay the £4000 asking price.
'I might not have a face' - glad to see you're settling into Scotland! Time to goretex up!! Great video :)
Haha. Yeah I need to be more prepared and get some real outdoor clothing. 👍🏻
Thanks Adrian, really like the IWC brand but going from ETA to Sellita movements is not helping for me. I was waiting for the brass case green dial chrono to come out with in house movement and are then told when it arrived it also has a Sellita movement, not impressed at all.
it's a nice watch and very versatile .there is also 36mm version with bracelet but i find the Oris pointer date pilot to be better looking and almost half the price
The blue dial is on my list!
Really appreciate that you went above and beyond to give us something different with this outdoor-wilderness setting, but it pains my heart to see you suffer in that cold hardh environment 😅 The Mark XVIII is a great watch imo. It looks great on your wrist. Not a fan of the blueish/purpleish tint on the crystal, dont like the date being too far off the periphery. Nice watch but probably not for me.
I love the commitment at the end of the video good job
Looks awesome, especially on that brown leather strap
As a Canuckistani, cold weather is easy to deal with, you simply dress warmly.
i feel like IWC gets a lot of stick because it's a swiss watch brand that doesn't have a fancy swiss sounding name (i.e. french/italian/german).
i find their entire pilot's collection absolutely amazing regardless of whether it's just the basic Mark XVIII or the Spitfires/Top Guns. aesthetically very pleasing.
Just bought Le Petit Prince edition and love it
Me too ... it is just stunning ...
great video, great watch. now I am happy. well done.
Thanks so much buddy. Glad you liked it. 👍🏻
Amazing video, great cinematography! I love how this watch looks on your straps! I’m with you on how this watch speaks to me even though I’m not a fan of simple looking watches! Keep it up brother, your content is getting better and better!
Thanks so much for watching buddy. Glad you like the cinematography, I worked hard on this one. 👍🏻
Bark and Jack - I can tell, the things you put yourself through to keep your viewers engaged!! Kudos my man!
I am a very proud owner of an IWC spitfire Mark XVI that I wear to break the sigma of my daily vintage 1983 DJ, the IWC is pure elegance in simplicity. However, on the movement front, IWC used a heavily reworked ETA or similar generic movement to keep price down but the movement is the weakest in my watchBox. I also have that weird enjoyment of wearing it albeit not the best time keeper. Nice content.
Well done, I am a fan of IWC. Any chance of reviewing the Big Pilot?
Perhaps taking a trip into the snow covered hills wasn’t such a good decision when the reflectivity is so high ? It’s light bounce everywhere !
For about a quarter of the price, I'd buy a Stowa classic flieger. Open caseback, decorated movement, heat-blued hands. Beautiful.
"snow that hurts your face" Hahah , love the honesty and simplicty of the review.
My man great props for doing that vid under the elements. Love the view. Now to the watch..... well let’s say I like the scenery better.
Adrian, you should’ve borrowed the 36mm version of the Mark XVIII. The reference 3240, either the black or blue or even the slate-gray dial.
7:50 What r u talking about, that is a SUPER strap, the black leaather sudden-taper- strap, one of the KEY reasons why I can’t stop looking at it.
You should do a video with Mark XX, which has many upgrades over mark VIII
Thanks Adrian for this very cool review! I've owned this same watched for two years now and have really enjoyed wearing it personally. Your commentary on the date window is spot on. I've totally enjoyed the symmetry of the dial, the sizing of 40mm on my 7inch wrist just somehow work magically, and I beg to differ on the double coated AR coating. The blue sheen on the crystal gives it a very unique aesthetic I feel and honestly is one of the thing I love about the Mark XVIII.
Great Vid Adrian! I love Pilot Watches! Im saving for one right now and Can't wait to put it up on my Channel!
Great video Adrian. This style of video is my favorite!
It’s quite a nice looking watch and I had a closer look at this piece recently. However, given what else of superior or comparable quality is available at or substantially below that price range, the £4K + RRP seemed rather cheeky to me. Not a bad second-hand buy though. Cracking video btw.
Thats what I like to see, outdoor broadcasts. :) Very stoic. :). Watch 'your terrific' on the MKXVIII. fabulous vid and you didint mention the superb bracelet! I have a new type Rolex bracelet but he MK XVII bracelet is better IMHO I have owned the Mk XVI. and I found it to have exactly the same feel as my 36 mm Explorer. On the issue of the endless facination with 'in house movements'. IWC do a shed load of work on the ETA / sellita movements to improve their accuracy, in fact i think it was ETA and IWC who worked together to make the 2892-A2 IWC variant such a fabulous movement, this was in the Mk XVI. I for one have absolutely no issues with ETA or Sellita based movements. I think the Swiss watch industry really shot itself in the foot when it perpetuated the silly myth that in house is just better. It isnt always the case! This notion is now embedded i theindustry and the customers and for me it the Emporers' new clothes. IWC make beutiful watches that last and last with no fuss as do ETA and Sellita, with their movements , the real experts in accurate workhorse movements. I hope they stick with the Sellita modified movements, they are so robust and damn accurate......For me! :).