If there is one thing that the International Watch Company is known for, it’s an impressive devotion to the development and production of an outstanding pilot’s watch. Mark XI pilot’s watches are among some of the most sought after WWII mil-spec watches today, and for good reason. With incredible accuracy and incorporated anti-magnetic designs, these timepieces were an essential part of an aircraft’s kit, and are widely lauded for their service during combat raids and sorties.
Since WWII, IWC has maintained its focus on developing functional (as well as beautiful) timepieces for pilots, drawing on what has become an iconic style – clean matte black dials with bright, legible hour markers and hands doused in luminous material.
The Mark XVII is the direct descendent of the Mark XI and hallmarks of that mid-century flyer can be seen throughout its design. But where other models, like the popular Mark XII, favored dial designs that were closer in styling to that of the WWII pieces, the Mark VXII has a modernized take with its characteristic "open date" display, a design choice that sets it apart from its ancestors. With slightly longer, slimmer lugs and a thinner overall feel than older models on the wrist, the Mark XVII has a more modern touch while retaining it's authentic DNA, and wears great!
Adding to the modern feel of the piece is the slightly domed polarized crystal - a feature introduced to the line to help decrease glare and reflection in high-light settings. With it's traditionally-styled Arabic hour markers and luminous handset, the Mark XVII feels linked to IWC's long line of function-driven pilot's watches.
We don't always go for modern watches as we often feel they are over-designed and oversized. But the Mark XVII strikes us as a perfect every-day-wear IWC - it's got all the looks of its vintage brethren, a robust high-grade movement and a case that was designed to take a beating. All in all, its a great timepiece that we'd never shy away from strapping to our wrist.
This is a current-collection timepiece retailing for $5700. Details can be found on IWC's website, .
