IWC presents the new Mark 18 pilot watch (photo)

The legendary Mark 117, which was introduced in 1948, deeply influenced the design of contemporary classic pilot watches. In 2016, the Swiss watchmaker IWC also presented the entry-level watch Mark 18 pilot watch with a calfskin strap or a steel bracelet.

In 1941, the Royal Air Force (RAF) found that most of their positioning was not accurate. One of the reasons is that the Royal Air Force lacks the precision-to-second precision navigation watch support. Navigation is possible through a precision navigation watch and a sextant, which is the most accurate navigation method at the time. In addition, the strong magnetic field and temperature changes in the cockpit also affect the accuracy of the watch's travel time. Finally, a sudden drop in pressure inside the cabin can cause the mirror to rupture. This prompted the Royal Air Force to book the Mark eleven precision navigation watch built by IWC after the war. At this time, IWC has become famous for its “special watch for pilots” and large pilot watches. The watch was delivered in 1949 and was quickly confirmed: the Mark 11 watch is synonymous with precision-to-second precision navigation watches. This watch is precise, sturdy, temperature resistant, waterproof and extremely easy to maintain. The watch has a soft iron inner casing that protects the movement from magnetic fields. The screw-in mirror can withstand sudden drop pressure without loosening. In order to meet the core purpose of displaying the navigation time with absolute precision, the appearance of this “pure watch” is simplified overall, as the fuel tank display has become the standard configuration for the cockpit instrument. The watchmaker even gave up the chronograph because at the time, the use of any additional features would have an impact on the accuracy of the travel time. The design of this watch is simple, it is a design example, and it is still the blueprint of the pilot's watch. This watch has a production cycle of more than 30 years, from 1948 to 1984, and continues with numerous successor models. The Mark 11 watch is one of the most coveted top quality collections.

Not much more, just right

In 2016, IWC opened a new chapter. Three stainless steel models of the Mark 18 pilot watch (model: IW327001/IW327002/IW327011) are on the stage, equipped with black (model: IW327001/IW327011) or silver plated (model: IW327002) dial, the common feature is: streamlined to Core element. The dial and display are contrasting and very close to the perfect classic pilot watch. So it's no surprise that the designer took inspiration from the cockpit dashboard of the JunkersJu52 in the 1930s, which can definitely be called the blueprint for a classic pilot watch. Its circular display is large and neatly arranged. From the birth of the "cockpit design style" in the future: no more, just right, all based on clarity and layout at a glance. The Arabic numerals are huge and round, each in a given position, with two exceptions: the number "12" is replaced by a white triangle logo with dotted marks on both sides for higher read-time clarity. The "3 o'clock" position is the date window - a touch of modernity is still essential. The Ju52 pattern is engraved on the bottom of the watch. The wearer can choose between two different straps. The two models feature a stylish black Santoni calfskin strap (model: IW327001/IW327002) with an orange leather lining on the inside. The third watch is paired with an elegant steel bracelet (model: IW327011). All Mark 18 pilot watch models are now also available with a two-tone fabric strap inspired by the historic Nato strap. In addition, the Mark 18 pilots each launched a special edition of the "Little Prince" and the TOPGUN Naval Air Force series.

Mark eleven names originated

The name Mark 117 originated from the Royal Air Force. At that time, all the equipment in the army was named after Mark. Although it was produced by many manufacturers, it was interchangeable because the installation size was the same as the fixed point. The correct spelling of Mark eleven is “Mk.11”, because shortly after the end of World War II, the Royal Air Force gave up the Roman alphabet as the numbering method and the Arabic numerals as the counting means. In just a few months, Mark eleven defeated all competitors with its superior ruggedness and precision. In the next few years, IWC produced more than 8,000 military Mark 11 watches for the Royal Air Force. It was not until 1981 that it was retired from the Royal Air Force as a precision navigation watch. In addition to military watches, the watch factory also produced about 1,500 civilian versions. The last batch of watches was delivered to retailers in 1984. Ten years later, IWC will follow the legend of Mark Twelve in the Roman spelling tradition and continue to this day.

Mark eighteen pilot watch technical parameters

Model: IW327001IW327002IW327011

Technical characteristics

Mechanical movement – ​​date display – central seconds hand with stop device – soft iron inner casing protects the movement from magnetic field effects – screw-in crown – glass mirror is assembled to withstand sudden drop pressure without loosening – Special engraving

Movement

Movement: 30110

Frequency: 28,800 times / 4 Hz per hour

Gems: 21

Power reserve: 42 hours

Winding: automatic winding

Watch

Material

Model IW327001: Stainless steel case, black dial, black Santoni calfskin strap, stainless steel pin buckle

Model IW327002: Stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, black Santoni calfskin strap, stainless steel pin buckle

Model IW327011: stainless steel case, black dial, stainless steel bracelet with fine adjustment

Mirror: double-sided anti-reflective convex sapphire glass

Waterproof performance: 6 bar

Diameter: 40 mm

Thickness: 11 mm

Women's Shirt

Women'S Shirt,Ladies Shirt,Shirts For Women,Ladies T Shirts

SUZHOU DEVELOP TOGETHER IMP & EXP CO.,LTD , https://www.suzhoutaitong.com