Swiss luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen celebrates the 75th anniversary of its Mark series and launches two new silver-plated dial versions of the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX. These new references complement the Mark XX colour line-up that already includes blue, green and black dials.

Created in 1948 by IWC Schaffhausen for the British Royal Air Force (RAF), Mark 11 was an instrument watch for pilots and naviagotrs. This debut model of the iconic Mark series set the benchmark for the technical features and functional instrument design of most modern pilot’s watches.

In 2022, IWC introduced the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX as the latest addition to the series. After presenting the model with blue, green and black dials, IWC is now expanding this range with two silver-plated dial versions. One is fitted with a black calfskin strap (Ref. IW328207), and the other features a high-grade 5-link stainless steel bracelet (Ref. IW328208).

The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX features a 40-millimetre stainless steel case, thoroughly re-engineered with a revised side profile and improved lug geometry.

The slimmer and more curved lugs provide an even better fit on all wrists. The graphics for the numerals and indices on the high-contrast dial have been refined to the smallest detail. Luminescent elements on the dial and the black hands ensure perfect readability in all lighting conditions.

The Pilot’s Watch Mark XX houses the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre. This automatic movement features a silicon escapement and a double pawl winding system, building up a five-day power reserve. The front glass is specially secured to remain in place even in the event of a sudden pressure drop in the cockpit.

The integrated EasX-CHANGE® system lets the wearer change the strap or bracelet quickly and easily without any tools. A wide variety of straps and bracelets are available as accessories, allowing the wearer to customise their timepiece to their liking. The selection ranges from calfskin straps and stainless steel bracelets to durable, flexible and water-proof rubber straps in fresh and vibrant colours. Moreover, this versatile tool/sports watch is water-resistant to 10-bar/100m.

The new versions of the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX are available immediately through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners or online at IWC.com. Additionally, they are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

History of IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark Series

In the early days of aviation, pilots relied on astronomical navigation to determine their position in the sky. Relying on celestial bodies such as the sun or the moon to determine latitude and longitude, this procedure requires a sextant and a chronometer – a highly precise watch to measure the elapsed time. However, existing navigation watches back then were prone to numerous problems. Particularly challenging were the radar screens used during the approach phase as they generated strong magnetic fields, which could harm the accuracy of the watches. These issues made the RAF request the development of an entirely new navigation watch.

Following the RAF’s request, IWC Schaffhausen developed the Mark 11. Officially designated as the “navigator’s wristwatch Mk. 11 – Stores Ref. 6B/346”, it was delivered to them in 1948.

Its 89 calibre was housed in a soft-iron inner case to protect it from magnetic fields. Another essential requirement was perfect legibility. The Mark 11, therefore, featured a high-contrast dial with luminescence, which made it easy to read the time whenever visibility was limited.

This functional design in the style of an easy-to-read cockpit instrument remains a signature feature of IWC Pilot’s Watches. During the following decades, the Mark 11 was continuously upgraded and refined. Even as interference-free radio beacons made astronomical navigation obsolete, the Mark 11 remained a critical “backup instrument” for pilots in various Commonwealth countries well into the 1980s.

Technical details

Model: IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Ref. IW328207 and IW328208

Movement
IWC-manufactured calibre 32111
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 21
Power reserve: 120 h
Winding: Automatic
Date display
Central hacking seconds

Case, dial and strap
Ref. IW328207: Stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, black hands, black calfskin strap with EasX-CHANGE® system
Ref. IW328208: Stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, black hands, stainless steel bracelet with EasX-CHANGE® system
Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 10.8 mm
Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
Screw-in crown
Glass secured against displacement by drops in air pressure
Water-resistant: 10 bar

With the Big Pilot’s Watch IWC Racing Works (Ref. IW501019) in titanium, IWC Schaffhausen pays tribute to its long-standing connection to motorsport. This timepiece comes with a blue dial and a matching blue calf leather strap.

After entering a partnership with Mercedes-AMG in 2004, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer also became the official engineering partner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1™ Team in 2013. IWC even established its own classic racing team, IWC Racing, in 2018.

The Big Pilot’s Watch IWC Racing Works features a case, crown and case back made of grade 5 titanium. The titanium case back is engraved with the IWC Racing Works logo.

A blue dial with muted white numerals complements the distinctively technical look of the 46.2-millimetre titanium case. The date display sits at “6 o’clock” and the power-reserve indication can be found at “3 o’clock”. Luminescent indices and hands ensure optimum legibility.

The Big Pilot’s Watch IWC Racing Works is powered by the IWC-manufactured 52110 calibre. The bi-directional Pellaton winding system builds up a power reserve of seven days in two barrels.

Components that are subject to particularly high stresses are manufactured from virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. A soft-iron inner case effectively shields the movement from the effects of magnetic fields.

The Big Pilot’s Watch IWC Racing Works is a limited edition of 500 pieces. It will first be available exclusively in the flagship stores in Zurich, Dubai, and Shanghai. Later, it will be available in selected IWC boutiques and online at IWC.com.

The timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

Technical details

Model: IWC Big Pilot’s Watch IWC Racing Works Limited Edition

Movement
IWC-manufactured calibre 52110
Mechanical movement with Pellaton automatic winding
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 31
Power reserve: 7 days / 168 h
Power reserve display
Date display

Case, dial and strap
Titanium case
Diameter: 46.2 mm
Height: 15.4 mm
Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
Glass secured against displacement by drops in air pressure
Soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields
Screw-in crown
Water-resistant 10 bar
Blue dial with luminescence, grey hands
Blue calf leather strap

Edition
Limited to 500 watches

Unveiled at the Watches and Wonders exhibition in Geneva in March 2023, the new IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 takes inspiration from the historic reference 1832 from the 1970s.

The IWC Ingenieur had originally been introduced in 1955. In the 1970s, Schaffhausen based manufacture commissioned the renowned watch designer Gérald Genta to redesign the Ingenieur. With his unique artistic signature, Genta succeeded in bestowing the Ingenieur a new, highly distinctive visual identity.

The new Ingenieur Automatic 40 model reflects the bold aesthetic codes of Gérald Genta designed Ingenieur SL (reference 1832) while meeting the highest standards regarding ergonomics, finishing, and technology.

The overall dimensions of the case have been carefully reworked. The lug-to-lug distance of 45.7mm ensures perfect ergonomics and excellent wearability.

While the Ingenieur SL from the 1970s had nose-shaped horns, the new Ingenieur Automatic 40 features a newly engineered middle-link attachment. Along with the curved casing ring, it enhances the ergonomics.

One of the most striking changes of the new model is the introduction of functional, polygonal screws on its bezel. For the Ingenieur SL, a bezel with five recesses was screwed onto the case ring. As a result, the recesses ended up in a different position on each watch.

The Ingenieur Automatic 40 has five screws to secure the bezel to the case. The screws now have a technical function and, as a result, are always in the same position.

Consisting of small lines offset by 90 degrees to each other, the distinctive “Grid” dial perfectly harmonizes with the technical and sculptural case design. To finish, the applied hour-markers with luminescence add additional depth and ensure easy legibility, even at night.

The case, bezel, and bracelet feature elaborately finishes using a combination of polished and satin-finished surfaces. The upper parts of the bracelet contain closed links without pins.

The integration of an elaborately finished butterfly folding clasp highlights the beauty and thinness of the H-link bracelet. In addition, a newly designed crown protection further underscores the sporty character of the timepiece.

The Ingenieur Automatic 40 watch houses the IWC manufactured 32111 calibre. This self-winding movement comes with an automatic pawl winding system and a power reserve of 120 hours.

A soft-iron inner case efficiently protects the movement from the effects of magnetic fields on its accuracy. Water-resistant to 10 atm (100m), the Ingenieur Automatic 40 is a modern and fully versatile sports watch.

The Ingenieur Automatic 40 is available in three references in stainless steel (IW328901/ 02/ 03) and one titanium model, IW328904.

These new models are available through selected IWC boutiques. Additionally, it is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

Technical details

Model: IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40
References: IW328901, IW328902, IW328903 and IW328904

Movement
IWC-manufactured calibre 32111
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 21
Power reserve: 120 h
Winding: Automatic
Date display
Central hacking seconds

Case, dial and bracelet

• Ref. IW328901: Stainless steel case, black dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, integrated stainless steel bracelet with butterfly folding clasp
• Ref. IW328902: Stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, integrated stainless steel bracelet with butterfly folding clasp
• Ref. IW328903: Stainless steel case, aqua dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, integrated stainless steel bracelet with polished centre links and butterfly folding clasp
• Ref. IW328904: Grade 5 titanium case, grey dial, black hands and appliques, integrated grade 5 titanium bracelet with butterfly folding clasp

Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
Case diameter: 40 mm
Height: 10.8 mm
Screw-in crown
Soft-iron inner case for magnetic field protection
Water-resistance: 10 bar

IWC Schaffhausen presents a new version of the Portugieser Automatic 40 with a stainless steel case and a striking salmon-coloured dial.

Introduced in 2020, the IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 takes inspiration from the timeless design of the first Portugieser from the late 1930s.

Dressed in a stainless-steel case, the new Portugieser Automatic 40 (Ref. IW358313) has a striking sunray-finished salmon-coloured dial with rhodium-plated hands and appliqués.

This timepiece is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82200 calibre with Pellaton automatic winding system. This movement has a power reserve of 60 hours. In addition, components like the heart-shaped cam or the clicks are made of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. The watch comes with a black alligator leather strap with a butterfly folding clasp.

The new salmon dial version of the Portugieser Automatic 40 will first be available exclusively in UAE as of February and then available worldwide as of April through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners, or online at IWC.com.

The piece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

Technical details

Model: IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 with Salmon Dial Ref. IW358313

Movement
IWC-manufactured calibre 82200
Mechanical movement with Pellaton automatic winding system and small hacking seconds
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 31
Power reserve: 60 h

Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 40.4 mm
Height: 12.4 mm
Glass Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
See-through sapphire glass back
Water-resistance: 3 bar

Dial
Salmon dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliqués

Strap
Black alligator leather strap

In addition to the new IWC Portofino Complete Calendar model, the Schaffhausen based luxury watch maker has announced the launch of the Portofino Automatic Pointer Date, the first Portofino model with a jumping date indication in a sub counter at 6 o’clock.

The IWC Portofino Automatic Pointer Date (Ref. IW359201) features a pointer date indication in a sub counter at 6 o’clock. On the analogue display, a small hand points to the current date. Every night around midnight, the pointer jumps to the new date.

It has a 39-millimetre stainless steel case, a silver-plated dial, and gold-plated hands and appliques. The hand for indicating the date is in blued finish. It is fitted with a brown calfskin strap with a quick-change system.

The IWC Portofino Ref. IW359201 houses the Calibre 35160 automatic movement with a power reserve of 50 hours.

This new watch will be available as of February 2023 through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners, or online at IWC.com.

Moreover, this automatic watch is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

Technical details

Model: IWC Portofino Automatic Pointer Date, Ref. IW359201

Movement
Calibre 35160 Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 25
Power reserve: 50 h
Central hacking seconds
Pointer date indication

Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 39 mm
Height: 10.8 mm
Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
Water-resistance: 5 bar/ 50 meters

Dial
Silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands and appliqués

Strap
Brown calfskin strap
Quick-change system for easy change of the strap