At was just last year that IWC Schaffhausen introduced their “Mark XVIII” in both a stainless steel and ceramic version. But, they’re back at it again with a new “Mark XVIII Heritage” timepiece made out of titanium, as a current production offering.
Last year’s “IWC Mark XVIII” in stainless-steel (Ref#: 327001) * Image courtesy of IWC
Shortly after the steel and ceramic releases IWC also present their enthusiasts with a limited edition “Mark XI” reissue, which looked very similar to the “Mark XII” although it was meant to be a homage to the “Mark eleven”. Gets confusing with all the back and forth referencing, but let’s focus. At the time we also reviewed the limited edition “Mark XI” here.
The new “Mark XVIII Heritage” now in its 5th generation, returns in a 40mm case made out of titanium with a solid screw-on case back.
Image courtesy of: IWC
It’s not the first time the “Mark” series has been offered in titanium, there was also a trio of limited edition: the Saab watch, plus the “EF and “GL” edition; which we discussed in an older blog entry you can read here.
In essence this titanium version is quite identical to the steel version; and IWC aficionados will be glad to hear it has only been increased in price by a mere $200 dollars. A great pilot watch for those that will also appreciate the clear, yet old timely legibility of its vintage style dial. It also comes equipped with a screw-in crown and is topped by a sapphire convex glass with an anti-reflective coating on both sides. The glass is secured against displacement by drop in air pressure. Water-resistance on this watch can reach up to 60 meters (196 feet).
Image courtesy of: IWC
Time is exhibited on a black dial with Arabic numerals, except for the 12 o’clock position which has the iconic IWC “triangle” with a dot on each side. There is also a beige railroad motif minute track circling around the dial. So, IWC has brought back the “6” and ”9” hour numerals and eliminated the altimeter-style date.
Image courtesy of: IWC
The central hands are also colored beige with blue accents outlining them. Its formal austere aviator dial seems to acquire a more subtle and soother look with the beige coloring. There is also a date aperture at the 3 o’clock position. Both the hands, Arabic numerals and minute index markers have all undergone a luminescent coating, for an enhanced legibility.
Image courtesy of: IWC
IWC Mark XVIII Heritage
The “IWC Mark XVIII Heritage” (Ref#: IW327006) is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, caliber 35111 with 25 jewels and 28,800 vph. This timepiece is equipped with a soft-iron case for protection against magnetic fields. And the movement is decorated with a Côtes de Genève perlage finishing. Power reserve on this IWC can last up to 42 hours, when fully wound.
Image courtesy of: IWC
Mounted to the watch is a brown calfskin strap with exposed stitching, secured to the wrist by a titanium pin buckle. And should be available starting in November 2017 from IWC boutiques, for more up to date information you can visit the official IWC Schaffhausen website here.
MSRP: $4,150.00 USD
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IWC Schaffhausen, IWC, Mark XVIII, Heritage, Luxury Watches
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