These days IWC are the masters of the quiet launch, stealthily adding a new model to their website and boutiques without any fanfare. In the case of the new Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Patrouille Suisse that is somewhat ironic, considering it’s produced in collaboration with the Swiss Air Force Aerobatics team. If there’s one word to describe aviation display teams, subtle is not it.
The new watch has the distinction of being the first titanium cased watch IWC have produced with the Patrouille Suisse during their five-watch collaboration. Titanium is incredibly lightweight and has a stellar strength to weight ratio, making it great for wristwatches. It’s had a surge in popularity in recent years with the argument that a watch should feel appropriately hefty becoming less common as more and more people become familiar with titanium.
It measures 40mm in diameter with a thickness of 10.6mm, which is really well proportioned for a pilot’s watch. Balanced between wearability and readability. Speaking of readability, the dial is incredibly clean and clear. It has oversize Arabic numerals coated with lume for great legibility in low light condition. The dial itself is sunray brushed grey, a deviation from the Mark XX’s traditional black or white displays.
On the caseback you’ll find an engraving of three planes in formation flight as well as the dedication “Tribute to Patrouille Suisse”. The movement protected by the titanium back is the IWC 32111 calibre, an automatic movement with a 5-day power reserve. It’s a really solid movement and combined with the fact that the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Patrouille Suisse is a limited edition of 250-pieces contributes to the £6,300 price tag.
I wonder if by releasing a titanium Mark XX as a limited edition IWC are investigating how much demand there might be for a core collection model in the metal. Given how much of a following the Mark Series, I image the answer is a lot.
Price and Specs:
More details at IWC.
