The IWC Mark XVIII (18) is a modern watch, drawing its aesthetics from classic pilot watches of years gone by. This iteration of the Mark XVIII uses a black textured dial matched with contrasting white markers and arabic numerals. The result is a highly legible dial that one can tell the time with from across the room (true story!). Once the light dims though, it becomes a different story. The lume on the Mark XVIII, quite frankly, leaves a lot to be desired. Only the main markers (12 triangle, 3, 6, 9) are lumed. It’s really baffling as to why IWC decided not to lume all the markers and numerals when other pilot watch manufacturers can at a fraction of the cost.

A point of controversy on the IWC Mark XVIII is the placement of the date window. I found it rather jarring at first when looking at pictures and it just seemed out of place, but on the wrist, all is forgiven. I quickly got over it as the overall aesthetics was a classic pilot watch and the date window simply hides. I think too often, we as watch enthusiasts get caught up in too many of the little details (good and bad) of the macro world.

The watch wears slightly larger than its 40mm diameter would suggest, mainly due to its long 50mm lug-to-lug measurement. Add that on to its 11mm case thickness, you have a fairly flat watch. Worn on my 16.2cm wrist, however, it fits comfortably thanks to the downward sloping lugs that help hug the wrist.

So after all that, why should you pick the IWC Mark XVIII? The finishing. The brushed finishing of the case radiates a soft glow that just can’t be found on more affordable pieces. The way the case gleams on the wrist from brushed finishing and highly polished bevels attest to its status as a premium pilot watch. Then when the light strikes in the right way, a thin, high polished ring reveals itself around the dial. It’s sublime.