Just grabbed one today! Blue dial is very mysterious looks black in low light but in the sun it really shines. I love the fact this watch doesn’t seek attention and is very legible. Easy to wear comfortable and can be dressed up and used as a daily wear.
Very thorough review! I just ordered a Mark XX, in blue, and it's my first IWC watch ever. I like blue dials, and was actually considering the petit prince but there were some issues like the lugs, power reserve etc. that put me off, all of which I think the Mark XX has finally solved, so I am glad I waited. At first I was willing to wait until they released it with the bracelet, but due to the price increase in September, I decided to grab one now, but I will still get the bracelet when it does comes out. (I hope it tapers) This is such a versatile watch which will probably streamline 3~4 watches off my collection.
I own and like “Le Petit Prince” more than the black and the white Mark XVIII’s. For a classic, black Flieger watch I have a Laco Pro which is specked even better.
Great review as usual, thank you Ben! This pilot has always been a favorite for me, other than the mvt we which have discussed b4. The blue face white would work if there moved it to align with 9 placement it would work for me, now it's more of a distraction. Thanks again!
Thanks, I wish I could borrow them for a few days to do a real "week on the wrist" review and spend more time with them (would probably have lots more to talk about!) but I'm no one so I can't borrow them!
I have a mark 18, the le petit prince does look nicer but I think the mark 18 has more classic looks and more versatile. For me the mark 18 is one of the best all round watches, prefer it to any rolex as I love pilot/field watches.
Great review, I don’t fully agree, as I like the white date wheel on the blue face, and I prefer the “blingy” Le Petite Prince version much better. But really liked your breakdown and presentation. You got a new subscriber.
Thanks! As an "office watch," I can totally see why a lot of people would go for the LPP, my friend did as well. Side question: do you also prefer the white date wheel on the black version of the new Mark XX? It was black on the Mark XVIII...
@@TOKKANTE the white date wheel does not bother me. It makes it more legible and as a tool watch (that can double as a daily, both office and casual) I prefer it white. The majority of my watches have date wheels, I reference the date all the time, maybe as often as I look at the time even.
Hi Ben. So you want a daily wearer not dressy but clean lines, legible & no date with an aviation theme. IWC with a Selita mov’t will cost you dearly & when you go to sell it the non house movement will be thrown in your face. Here’s a suggestion, a Sinn 556 (Selita) or an 836 (ETA). In this range there’s not a sheet of paper between IWC & Sinn but there’s a big bunch of money between the two; and for what?
The fit and finish are not comparable nor the bracelet and clasp and also heritage, sinn just is not as luxurious more of a tool watch with very weak stamped clasp
Hi Bart, you just listed all the pieces I went through on paper before actually going to try them on! We think alike! I did consider the 556, and 856, and then 836 (because tegimented) and I can't list all the reasons in one comment but each one has its advantages and inconveniences, some of which listed by Yashar below. I still do consider them as good back ups but it's true that they do not compare with an IWC, especially the ones with the 32110 movement. I'll probably make a separate video about them. I just found out there was a limited edition 856 satinized finish tegimented no date in glossy black in 2020? That would have been nice too although I think there is no 20mm satinized tegimented bracelet option for it...
Very detailed and informative review. Would love to hear your thoughts on the IW 326901 Top Gun, and how the ceramic case compares? Appears to be quite a different watch to the Mk XVIII. With the 72hrs power reserve. Though you’ll have to accept the NATO strap 😁😁
Yes, I'm also very interested in ceramic watches as I've mentioned in some of my previous videos (Omega GSOTM, FF Bathyscaphe...) but IWC is not known for very good ceramic case finishing and some can look very "plasticky" compared to Omega case finishing for example which rivals metal cases finishing. BUT I've been very intrigued by this model lately too (same movement as the Spitfire, slightly bigger case), especially since my last visit having tried all 3 other models, so now I'm thinking I need to go back and take a look at this one too! My friend has a Tudor BB ceramic which I quite liked (and case finishing isn't half bad) so I'd like to compare.
@@TOKKANTE yes I agree, some of the gloss ceramic IWC watches can look pretty nasty. The Top Gun with it’s matt black case, dial and date window tick all the boxes. Yes it’s a lot of money for a NATO strapped watch. But the finishing looks exquisite. Hard choices, I look forward to your opinion on the pilot 43
Yup agree 100% but I can see the appeal of LLP for people who mostly wear one watch and they want a good office watch. Mark XX is finally out! (I find the date is still not perfectly placed though)
It’s really not easy with IWC…I really like(ed) the Mark 18 but now I am not so sure anymore. I think the 39 - smaller case is better for me. But I don’t like the patina loom mix of the Spitfire…so I guess no IWC for me!
@@TOKKANTE 38mm indeed, it allows the date to be correctly positioned, NOT like in the Mark xviii. It exist with white dial (although not historical, it looks very nice) with is perfect as daily wearer imo
The IWC Mark series has beautiful history, but unfortunately this one is too large (52mm L2L), has a wrongly positioned date (why the date at all?), and I just would like to see better lume on a daily wearer. Good video Ben !
I was assured it is 51 lug to lug, although I didn't have a caliper with me, so couldn't confirm. The date sells I guess, only some of us watch nerds don't like them, but the masses do. This Mark might be the last one though (oops, didn't mention it in the video but will talk about it next week !).
No, I found the stainless steel Spitfire at 23% off and the bronze version at 35% off, which made me consider the bronze for a moment... I like it, but with the humid climate in HK, I'm really worried about how the patina will turn out (maybe that's why it's so discounted).... But at least I think it's Spitfire over the Mark XVIII or BP43!
@@knutvonheim3838 Yes if you have many watches then I can totally see it. Like the sales guy told me: "if you buy the Spitfire first, I know you'll come back fro the BP43"... by the way, that flagship HAUS boutique is now CLOSED already!!! Just saw it closed yesterday, wonder if they just moved or business was bad...
@@TOKKANTE Boutiques are probably not doing great these days. Highly dependent on government restrictions, I presume. I agree with your sales guy 😊 I have surfed the net and watch every video you I find here on youtube to get the most accurate impression of the Big Pilot 43s. I did see them in person at a local watch expo, but the light is always somewhat different than what you normally experience, so it was hard to judge. I have 17cm wrists, but 55mm across, so this is somewhat within range or the BP43 🤗
Very good video, well done! I prefer the blue one though....it has the X-factor....and yes, as you say, it goes against the spirit of the pilots watch, but....I think the black one goes against that spirit as well.....the "real" pilot watch does not have a date, does not have the brand logo, has the big onion crown, should be worn on a leather strap.....(go Stowa if you want the "real spirit") I consider these as modern watches based on a pilot watch design....but very gorgeous :-)
Yes, it's true, if we really want to go the authentic route, then neither of them would do anyway. The blue has more WOW factor for sure. One thing I prefer with the blue one, and I can't remember if I mentioned that in the video, if that you won't see the blue AR coating reflection which was pretty noticeable with the black one.
Sorry to say the Stowa is a nice watch, but does not even come close to the IWC in terms of movement, finishing, anti-magnetism and craftsmanship. I have held them side by side and the difference is night and day. Also, the present day Stowa really has nothing to do with the historic company. The guy who runs it pretty much bought the trademark and name.
@@qwertyman9560 And Stowa was recently acquired by Tempus Arte, which also owns German watchmakers Lang & Heyne Leinfelde and Blaken. The start of a new German Swatch Group? I wonder what they will do with the brand...
@@qwertyman9560 Well I would not say in terms of movement, as they both, Stowa and IWC, use ETA and Sellita movements....but off course in terms of finishing,etc...you are right, IWC is another level than Stowa.......but....in my opinion, Stowa still comes (stays) closer to the real spirit of Pilot watches than IWC...
You need to shop wisely! I got my Spitfire new at a great price, and for those interested in the Mark XVIII, I'd also suggest to look around, you can find them at much better prices. Don't buy IWC at retail anyway!
You are too much time on screen, I tried to find the watch skipping to different video moments, but I could nof find the watch, it is always you. Poor video.
Oh sorry about that but thanks for the feedback, it's helpful for next videos. You could refer to the timestamps in the description too. I just had lots to say but not enough video footage to cover a full 20 mins with the watch itself. What's important though I feel is the analysis of the watch and that took quite a bit of screen time.
Just grabbed one today! Blue dial is very mysterious looks black in low light but in the sun it really shines. I love the fact this watch doesn’t seek attention and is very legible. Easy to wear comfortable and can be dressed up and used as a daily wear.
Yes it's really a good daily wear alternative to a Datejust for example and what do you know, they're available!
Great review. No nonsense & all the facts. No questions or complaints here... 👍
Thanks for watching! You can see I am not sponsored lol.
Solid review! Best I have seen. Thank you.
Thank you for watching it!
Very thorough review! I just ordered a Mark XX, in blue, and it's my first IWC watch ever. I like blue dials, and was actually considering the petit prince but there were some issues like the lugs, power reserve etc. that put me off, all of which I think the Mark XX has finally solved, so I am glad I waited. At first I was willing to wait until they released it with the bracelet, but due to the price increase in September, I decided to grab one now, but I will still get the bracelet when it does comes out. (I hope it tapers) This is such a versatile watch which will probably streamline 3~4 watches off my collection.
Great review - really enjoy your perspective
Thanks for watching it!
I own and like “Le Petit Prince” more than the black and the white Mark XVIII’s. For a classic, black Flieger watch I have a Laco Pro which is specked even better.
Great review as usual, thank you Ben! This pilot has always been a favorite for me, other than the mvt we which have discussed b4. The blue face white would work if there moved it to align with 9 placement it would work for me, now it's more of a distraction. Thanks again!
Yeah i guess it just depends how OCD one is... I have a friend who has one and he never noticed, but for me, once I see it, I CAN'T unsee it!
@@TOKKANTE exactly once u see it, u can’t unsee it…think true for all lol
Thank you for all your insights ✌🏼
This guy knows how to review watches thoroughly
Thanks, I wish I could borrow them for a few days to do a real "week on the wrist" review and spend more time with them (would probably have lots more to talk about!) but I'm no one so I can't borrow them!
@@TOKKANTE soon my friend they will approach you
@@yashara1e Maybe with torches and pitchforks!
Very interesting review Ben . I really like IWC. Can’t wait for the next one .
Thanks! The next one is already up!
I have a mark 18, the le petit prince does look nicer but I think the mark 18 has more classic looks and more versatile. For me the mark 18 is one of the best all round watches, prefer it to any rolex as I love pilot/field watches.
Yes, agree, some may find it boring but it's such a classic and easy to read watch. I never had a pilot before but I'm loving my Spitfire now!
@Ralph Reilly yes I would 🤡
Great review, I don’t fully agree, as I like the white date wheel on the blue face, and I prefer the “blingy” Le Petite Prince version much better. But really liked your breakdown and presentation. You got a new subscriber.
Thanks! As an "office watch," I can totally see why a lot of people would go for the LPP, my friend did as well. Side question: do you also prefer the white date wheel on the black version of the new Mark XX? It was black on the Mark XVIII...
@@TOKKANTE the white date wheel does not bother me. It makes it more legible and as a tool watch (that can double as a daily, both office and casual) I prefer it white. The majority of my watches have date wheels, I reference the date all the time, maybe as often as I look at the time even.
great video! what's your wrist size??
Thank you! 6.75 inches / 17 cm
Hi Ben. So you want a daily wearer not dressy but clean lines, legible & no date with an aviation theme. IWC with a Selita mov’t will cost you dearly & when you go to sell it the non house movement will be thrown in your face. Here’s a suggestion, a Sinn 556 (Selita) or an 836 (ETA). In this range there’s not a sheet of paper between IWC & Sinn but there’s a big bunch of money between the two; and for what?
The fit and finish are not comparable nor the bracelet and clasp and also heritage, sinn just is not as luxurious more of a tool watch with very weak stamped clasp
Hi Bart, you just listed all the pieces I went through on paper before actually going to try them on! We think alike! I did consider the 556, and 856, and then 836 (because tegimented) and I can't list all the reasons in one comment but each one has its advantages and inconveniences, some of which listed by Yashar below. I still do consider them as good back ups but it's true that they do not compare with an IWC, especially the ones with the 32110 movement. I'll probably make a separate video about them. I just found out there was a limited edition 856 satinized finish tegimented no date in glossy black in 2020? That would have been nice too although I think there is no 20mm satinized tegimented bracelet option for it...
Great review 👏🙏
Thanks for watching it!
Very detailed and informative review.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the IW 326901 Top Gun, and how the ceramic case compares?
Appears to be quite a different watch to the Mk XVIII. With the 72hrs power reserve. Though you’ll have to accept the NATO strap 😁😁
Yes, I'm also very interested in ceramic watches as I've mentioned in some of my previous videos (Omega GSOTM, FF Bathyscaphe...) but IWC is not known for very good ceramic case finishing and some can look very "plasticky" compared to Omega case finishing for example which rivals metal cases finishing. BUT I've been very intrigued by this model lately too (same movement as the Spitfire, slightly bigger case), especially since my last visit having tried all 3 other models, so now I'm thinking I need to go back and take a look at this one too! My friend has a Tudor BB ceramic which I quite liked (and case finishing isn't half bad) so I'd like to compare.
@@TOKKANTE yes I agree, some of the gloss ceramic IWC watches can look pretty nasty.
The Top Gun with it’s matt black case, dial and date window tick all the boxes. Yes it’s a lot of money for a NATO strapped watch. But the finishing looks exquisite.
Hard choices, I look forward to your opinion on the pilot 43
The Black dial with matt bracelet is much the better IMHO. LPP too blingy for me.
Yup agree 100% but I can see the appeal of LLP for people who mostly wear one watch and they want a good office watch. Mark XX is finally out! (I find the date is still not perfectly placed though)
It’s really not easy with IWC…I really like(ed) the Mark 18 but now I am not so sure anymore. I think the 39 - smaller case is better for me. But I don’t like the patina loom mix of the Spitfire…so I guess no IWC for me!
I'm comparing this mark 18 blue vs Aqua Terra 2022 38mm...
I would give the bracelet to the IWC, but overall I would go Aqua Terra 2022 it's just a superior movement and watch overall.
Looks wise - iwc
Movement - omega
Brand prestige - iwc
Go for the one you like the look of more
I relate and admire your OCD with watches, i will watch all your videos tonight, a pleasure to subscribe as well, take care sir.
That might be a bit too much of me at once! It's not just with watches though because of my Asperger's... Thanks for the sub!
Who is this guy??? Anyways I really enjoy your videos, subscribed keep it up!
Just a regular guy with an addiction.... Thanks for the sub!
Have you looked at the IWC3253?
Isn't that one a 38mm? I'm afraid that's going a like bit too small, although I've never put one on the wrist.
@@TOKKANTE 38mm indeed, it allows the date to be correctly positioned, NOT like in the Mark xviii. It exist with white dial (although not historical, it looks very nice) with is perfect as daily wearer imo
@@cedarcanoe Will google it!
The IWC Mark series has beautiful history, but unfortunately this one is too large (52mm L2L), has a wrongly positioned date (why the date at all?), and I just would like to see better lume on a daily wearer. Good video Ben !
I was assured it is 51 lug to lug, although I didn't have a caliper with me, so couldn't confirm. The date sells I guess, only some of us watch nerds don't like them, but the masses do. This Mark might be the last one though (oops, didn't mention it in the video but will talk about it next week
!).
@TOKKANTE Did you order any of them yet? 🤗
No, I found the stainless steel Spitfire at 23% off and the bronze version at 35% off, which made me consider the bronze for a moment... I like it, but with the humid climate in HK, I'm really worried about how the patina will turn out (maybe that's why it's so discounted).... But at least I think it's Spitfire over the Mark XVIII or BP43!
@@TOKKANTE I see. Luxury decisions 😀 For me it is the BP 43 that is the most desirable. Any colour 🤣
@@knutvonheim3838 Yes if you have many watches then I can totally see it. Like the sales guy told me: "if you buy the Spitfire first, I know you'll come back fro the BP43"... by the way, that flagship HAUS boutique is now CLOSED already!!! Just saw it closed yesterday, wonder if they just moved or business was bad...
@@TOKKANTE Boutiques are probably not doing great these days. Highly dependent on government restrictions, I presume. I agree with your sales guy 😊 I have surfed the net and watch every video you I find here on youtube to get the most accurate impression of the Big Pilot 43s. I did see them in person at a local watch expo, but the light is always somewhat different than what you normally experience, so it was hard to judge. I have 17cm wrists, but 55mm across, so this is somewhat within range or the BP43 🤗
Very good video, well done! I prefer the blue one though....it has the X-factor....and yes, as you say, it goes against the spirit of the pilots watch, but....I think the black one goes against that spirit as well.....the "real" pilot watch does not have a date, does not have the brand logo, has the big onion crown, should be worn on a leather strap.....(go Stowa if you want the "real spirit") I consider these as modern watches based on a pilot watch design....but very gorgeous :-)
Yes, it's true, if we really want to go the authentic route, then neither of them would do anyway. The blue has more WOW factor for sure. One thing I prefer with the blue one, and I can't remember if I mentioned that in the video, if that you won't see the blue AR coating reflection which was pretty noticeable with the black one.
Sorry to say the Stowa is a nice watch, but does not even come close to the IWC in terms of movement, finishing, anti-magnetism and craftsmanship. I have held them side by side and the difference is night and day. Also, the present day Stowa really has nothing to do with the historic company. The guy who runs it pretty much bought the trademark and name.
@@qwertyman9560 And Stowa was recently acquired by Tempus Arte, which also owns German watchmakers Lang & Heyne Leinfelde and Blaken. The start of a new German Swatch Group? I wonder what they will do with the brand...
@@TOKKANTE oh thanks for the info, that's interesting! Hopefully gives competition to the Swiss and benefits the community.
@@qwertyman9560 Well I would not say in terms of movement, as they both, Stowa and IWC, use ETA and Sellita movements....but off course in terms of finishing,etc...you are right, IWC is another level than Stowa.......but....in my opinion, Stowa still comes (stays) closer to the real spirit of Pilot watches than IWC...
A good machine finished watch which is a nice alternative to a Rolex.
Oh yes, definitely, and that one is available and probably with a discount!
The bracelet is not so good.
Oh, how so? I've read in many places that it's one of the most comfortable bracelets ever. Bad experience?
And it's too bloody expensive!
You need to shop wisely! I got my Spitfire new at a great price, and for those interested in the Mark XVIII, I'd also suggest to look around, you can find them at much better prices. Don't buy IWC at retail anyway!
You are too much time on screen, I tried to find the watch skipping to different video moments, but I could nof find the watch, it is always you. Poor video.
Oh sorry about that but thanks for the feedback, it's helpful for next videos. You could refer to the timestamps in the description too. I just had lots to say but not enough video footage to cover a full 20 mins with the watch itself. What's important though I feel is the analysis of the watch and that took quite a bit of screen time.
@@TOKKANTE Just check other watch reviewers.