We do not know if it is the same for others, but for us personally, the term 'pilot's watch' automatically leads to 'IWC'. Perhaps the reason for this is due to the fact that IWC are known mainly for the production of pilot's watches, or to the fact that the brand developed its production especially during the Second World War, but most likely the main role is played by the fact that the brand also supplied its products for military needs. Both during the war and after it, the countries that participated in the conflict were already very familiar with the quality of the brand, which provided it with several important advantages in the competition for the customer – recognizability, image, reputation.
The model is part of the series presented in 2016, and is part of the brand's updated pilot's watch series, presented at SIHH in the same year. This particular model was launched in 2018 and differs from the base model in several easily noticeable features – first, of course, is the strap, which is textile, with reinforcing calfskin inserts, all in a military green color. The main difference, of course, is seen on the dial – everything is subject to the motto 'Tribute to Mark XI'. The hands are not propeller-shaped, the hour indices are different – instead we have the historically relevant baton hands, the thinner hour numerals, simple hands for the subdials, aged indices with artificial patina at 3-6-9 and the triangle at 12.
The luminescence is not as strong as on an Omega PO, for example, but it allows for readability throughout the night. The large markers and Arabic numerals are unique, and combined with the simple baton hands they manage to achieve a truly unique composition!
The clean design of the 'Day-Date' windows is just as elegant. We know that nowadays we would hardly rely on a watch to learn the date and the day, but the very fact that after a quick glance at the wrist we can get this information, personally makes us feel somehow more calm and secure.
The case size is 43 mm and it reinforces the modern trend for case sizes in recent decades.
At the heart of the watch beats Caliber 79320, or in other words – Valjoux 7750, which means that the movement is tested, proven, and easy for servicing and use, as well as for repair. It is needless to say that this is not an ordinary Valjoux, but a high-class movement, specially made for the brand and finished by its specialists.
