IWC Mark XI Pilot Watch
At first glance, this IWC Mark XI Pilot Watch doesn’t look like much. However, peel back the layers on the watch’s storied pedigree and impressive vintage hand-wound caliber 89 movement and you just might find enough to justify the estimated $6,000 USD price tag. Swiss watch maker IWC was one of the original contracts whose watches were issued exclusively to British airmen during World War II, with production for the Mark XI beginning in 1948. Standard for many pilot watches of the time, the brushed, stainless steel case is fitted with an internal casing of soft iron to protect the movement from being adversely affected by magnetic fields. The watch itself gets a Nato strap, and luminous hour and minute markers. And if you’re still not sold, a close look at the watch’s case back reveals its extremely limited numbers — a true war survivor, and one highly sought after by watch collectors.
Bell & Ross WW2 Régulateur Heritage Watch
IWC Big Pilot Top Gun Miramar Line
The new Miramar line with its polished ceramic case, hands and chapter ring in beige, and green textile strap was inspired by the colour and material range typically favoured by the military. Thanks to the 51111 calibre, the largest manufactured in-house by IWC, the watch will continue running for a week when fully wound. The sapphire glass is secured against drops in pressure in the cockpit.
It has been repeatedly noted that history is doomed to repeat itself. But watchmakers Baume et Mercier seem to be completely fine with that. The 180-year-old Swiss company has been releasing some of the finest timepieces since Andrew Jackson was shaking up the White House. The newest addition to their roster is the Flyback Chronograph, so named for its one-push buttons to operate the time dial and stopwatch. The vintage look of the face, complete with telemeter and tachymeter, is offset by the bright blue hands, while the screw laden guts are visible in the rear.
Schofield Watch Company - The Signalman DLC on black sharkskin
In construction and design the Signalman is inspired by the great British lighthouses of the 18th and 19th Centuries. They, like the watch, stand as a testament to great British engineering, impeccable timing and precision. They also encompass an English quirkiness and individuality which sits well with the English-based company and Giles Ellis himself.
IWC Chronograph Edition Antoine de Saint Exupéry
With being 144 years in business, the globally known watchmaker IWC definitely knows its craft. Now they’ve introduced their sixth tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, pioneering aviator and author of the little prince among others. This tribute is a truly rough pilot’s chronograph yet still remains in the frame of elegance aesthetics. The 45mm huge case is made of 18kt rosé gold and houses the Swiss IWC in-house caliber 89361 with flyback complication, 38 jewels and a power reserve of 68 hours.
