IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII IW3270-11 Showcase Review

See this watch online: https://goo.gl/TR9bNZ Discover the world of IWC: https://goo.gl/qsGlJe 2016 is the year of the Pilot's watch at IWC with the entire portfolio of Pilot's Watches, including the iconic Mark series, receiving a complete makeover. In the case of the Mark XVIII, the makeover has been in the interests of restoring traditional styling features and size to the timepiece. For 2016, a number of refinements have been implemented. First the case has been pared down to a more tradition and versatile 40 mm from 41. The dial of the watch has been extensively refined, such that the triple date window has now been pared down to a simplified single date window and the return of the Arabic numerals 9 and 6 render the dial more traditional to its instrument-inspired predecessors. Finally, the triangular index at 12 o'clock has been dropped below the minute track. With respect to capabilities, design, and engineering, the watch features an elaborate multi-link bracelet with broad channels on the underside, such that you can see they easily clear skin and hair. They will not pinch skin. They will not pull hair. The bracelet is modular such that, if you take note, you'll see individual dimples on the underside of the bracelet allowing each individual link to be removed for the most precise sizing possible. Now a twin trigger deployant clasp ensures that the watch is secure when it's clasp is closed. It can't simply pop open, not friction fit. It does require positive disengagement of both triggers to open. But once open, it features the convenience of a micro-metric sizing system that IWC uses to permit take-in and take-out of bracelet length according to your requirement for precise fit or activity, inactivity, hot or cold weather that can expand or contract the wrist. It's also important to note that the IWC Caliber 30110 is automatic winding with a 42 hour power reserve so with the exception of occasional corrections to the date, the watch is essentially set it and forget it convenient. The crown is a screw-down. Simply thread it counter-clockwise until it pops into the first position. Now the watch can be wound. It cannot be over-wound to the bridle-style main spring. It's also important to note that several refinements to the Caliber enable more precise time setting and date setting. You'll note that in the outer most position the crown does hack the balance, stop the seconds. This allows precise synchronization to a known accurate reference time. In the second position, you'll note that there is a quick-set function for the date to rapidly correct, should the watch run down or encounter an irregular length month. Now it's important to note that the Mark series has an aviation heritage dating back to the mid-1940's when the very first examples were designed for the British Ministry of Defense for aviation duty in the RAF. Again true to its historic predecessors, the watch has a no-nonsense instrument-style dial. Again, refined for 2106 but very true to its heritage, perhaps moreso than ever. It's also important to note that the watch features a number of unseen refinements. Six atm water resistance is the first. When you screw the crown in completely, such that it is flush to the case, the watch has what IWC deems sufficient rated depth for shallow diving, snorkeling, and water sports. Six atm being sufficient for this as rated by the factory. The watch has other refinements that are specific to aviation including blow-out protection such that the crystal, the crown seals and the case back are all secured against becoming dislodged in the event that an aviation cockpit explosively decompresses. Finally, the watch does feature a soft iron inner case. That case envelopes and shields the movement itself by channeling magnetic flux densities around the movement. The para-magnetic cage allows the hairspring of the watch to be protected from all but the most fearsome magnetic flux densities.