IWC Mark XVIII

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

I think the 36mm comes off as a little dressier (despite being the exact same watch in a smaller case). The date placement is better, too

As for the size of the Mark XVIII, IMO it wears bigger due to (1) thin bezel and (2) long lugs. But my wrist is probably under 7" and I'm fine with it. In 2022, so many watches are massive that I'm not sweating a 40mm pilot with long lugs.

The 36 also comes in two finishes, and the polished (currently the blue and slate dial versions) definitely appear significantly dressier. Their thinner, more lustrous, leather straps contribute to that for sure.

The 36 I love is the Rake collaboration from a few years ago, but those are few and far between these days.

Curious, did you compare yours to the spitfire at all and off so, what was your impression of that one?

[Star Ferry]

Originally Posted by dannyp

The 36 also comes in two finishes, and the polished (currently the blue and slate dial versions) definitely appear significantly dressier. Their thinner, more lustrous, leather straps contribute to that for sure.

The 36 I love is the Rake collaboration from a few years ago, but those are few and far between these days.

Curious, did you compare yours to the spitfire at all and off so, what was your impression of that one?

Impression was that spitfire is targeted toward enthusiasts, with the 39mm case, in-house movement, and available fabric strap. The reason I passed is the yellowed color on the hands and parts of the dial. For me that seems like a new watch trying to look vintage, sort of like paying extra for a pair of ripped jeans.

Was a nice watch, for sure. I also liked the top gun in ceramic, but 41mm was pushing it on me due to the lugs. I think 39 would be a good size for the Mark line. It worked for the Explorer line

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

Impression was that spitfire is targeted toward enthusiasts, with the 39mm case, in-house movement, and available fabric strap. The reason I passed is the yellowed color on the hands and parts of the dial. For me that seems like a new watch trying to look vintage, sort of like paying extra for a pair of ripped jeans.

Was a nice watch, for sure. I also liked the top gun in ceramic, but 41mm was pushing it on me due to the lugs. I think 39 would be a good size for the Mark line. It worked for the Explorer line

Yea, all of the colors sort of turned me off as well, much like the Air King. The XVIII is sort of the natural successor to the XV, though I’d really like to see the in-house caliber in the 36mm case as an XI/XII homage. Not a huge faux patina fan for an expensive watch.

Your Explorer comment is also on the money, and explains why I love the Pilot 36: Could never get myself to love Explorer 39 proportions but bought one the moment it went back to 36. Likewise, I just find my XVI just a bit too big these days .