After many years of wanting an IWC Mark something-or-other, I've finally found myself in a place where funds are not a problem.
So I went on a hunt for anything from XII to XVIII. I settled on the XVI which, for me, is a wonderful combination of a very clear handset, balanced dial and sensational clarity, coupled with a slender, wrist-hugging case.
I was hunting around shops in my area (really not good), and the usual websites. I found one on eBay that looked rather nice and noticed that it was listed by SW Watches. Having not heard of them before, I read various reviews and found that they're highly recommended.
So I dropped my £2,750 on Saturday night after a few beers of courage.
It turned up this morning and I'm very happy with it indeed. It's a beautiful piece; crisp, clean and nonsense-free. The build and finish are amazing.
Thanks to Steve at SWWatches for superb service and great communications.
Last edited by Filterlab; 26th September 2023 at 10:21.
That's a really lovely looking IWC, congratulations. There's something about the design of the IWC Mark watches that is really appealing. Maybe it's the ultimate legibility? I'm tempted myself. Havn't quite built up the courage to make a purchase as yet though.
Only taken me since 2008 to get one.
Thanks kindly for your words.
This looks great wear in good health.
Yep, liking that. Right up my street, enjoy.
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Thanks fellas.
Bought a new strap for it as the original (now in the box) is a little worn.
Rubber with cloth back and natural stitching. Buckle fits a treat.
Congratulations, I've very nearly bought one of these on several occasions! I think the MKXVI is the pick of the bunch for me. I like the font of the numerals and the fact they're not all on there. The MKXVIII sometimes reminds me of one of those phones for elderly people with easy to see buttons.
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If you can get hold of one I can highly recommend an IWC Nato strap. I use one on my MKXVII and find them a great option.
Only a few minutes ago I was wondering if IWC made a NATO. I do love NATOs.
Thanks.
They are leather lined and great quality. I’ve got a khaki Green and Black with silver Centre band. They are the only straps I use on my MK.Originally Posted by Filterlab
Very nice watch. I wear my Mark XX most of the time now.
Hi Rob. Well you waited a long time to get one and you look to have found a good example. I remember looking at the Mark XII in the late 90s and liking it, though I was unable to afford one back then. It didn’t mean anything to me at the time that it had a JLC movement. I knew nothing about the Mark XI either.
In the last six years or so, I’ve had a couple of Mark XVs and a Mark XVI. I prefer the handset of the XV, though the hands of the XVI onwards are just as legible. I’ve also owned a Mark XVIII edition “Tribute to Mark XI”. Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to pick up a February 2022 XVIII complete with bracelet. I won’t say it’s a keeper, but I have no plans to move it on.
I recollect that members Baden H and Trident 7 both have lovely examples of the Mark XI and i think that particular model is the best looking watch ever made. The XVI isn’t shabby, either.
I wholeheartedly agree. The XVI has the most balanced dial of all. This seems an unpopular opinion though as most people seem to prefer the XV.
It’s been on my wish list for a long time. The only thing that has held me back is the relative simplicity of the dial, case and movement, relative to the price they go for. I know I’ll take the plunge eventually, though.
Well done OP. Lovely pickup.
Thanks fellas, for the words and info.
I used to long for the XV, which is why I owned four Speedbirds. But my tastes have altered slightly as has my eyesight, and the XVI just seemed a better bet. I also looked at the XVIII but the '9' seemed a bit unnecessary to me, kind of imbalanced the dial to my eyes, and the font seemed a little too rounded; but if there were no XVIs around then I may well have plumped for one over the XV as I still think it's easier to read at a glance (to my older eyes anyway).
I am loving this XVI though. I know they're very simple pieces for the inordinate cash they fetch, but now I have one on my wrist I 'get it'. Strange hobby this!
I'm still loving my Fortis Cosmonaut Chrono however. Both that and this are eternal keepers.
The hand set on the XVI onwards whilst not true to the mark XI are much more legible for people who require reading glasses ...Thanks fellas, for the words and info.
I used to long for the XV, which is why I owned four Speedbirds. But my tastes have altered slightly as has my eyesight, and the XVI just seemed a better bet. I also looked at the XVIII but the '9' seemed a bit unnecessary to me, kind of imbalanced the dial to my eyes, and the font seemed a little too rounded; but if there were no XVIs around then I may well have plumped for one over the XV as I still think it's easier to read at a glance (to my older eyes anyway).
I am loving this XVI though. I know they're very simple pieces for the inordinate cash they fetch, but now I have one on my wrist I 'get it'. Strange hobby this!
I'm still loving my Fortis Cosmonaut Chrono however. Both that and this are eternal keepers.
It's great that IWC have kept the mark series running all these years; each version offers something slightly different ...
That's me!
It is. A refresh each time keeps it new and gives the older models heritage.
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