IWC Watches - Moving Towards the Skies

Introduction

The IWC Company is famous for having been producing professional watches for pilots and fans of aviation since the middle of 1930-s. The pilot's watches present one of the most successful IWC watch lines.

The very first IWC pilot's watch entered the world of watch-making in 1936. There is a strong possibility that the brand's watchmakers were inspired by Junkers Ju 52. This aircraft was believed to have initiated the safe passenger flights and its dashboard served as the basis of the IWC's pilot's watches' dial style that over time has become a real classic. Consequently, IWC called its traditional line of pilot's timepieces - Classic.

There is no doubt that the IWC Big Pilot's Watch initially produced in 1940 happens to be the most brutal yet romantic pilot's watch created by the brand for military observers and navigators. You would agree that the line of pilot's watches wonderfully reflects IWC's philosophy - restrained mechanics and functionality gave birth to simple, clear and 100 percent masculine design.

Pilot's Watches in 2006

In 2006 IWC added a new stream into its Classic Collection, having remained faithful to the tradition of developing watches specially for pilots.

The Classic Collection has comprised a range of five models. Every timepiece features restrained image and provides supreme legibility, as well as great functionality. Let us list the models of the 2006 IWC Classic collection. First of all there comes the Big Pilot's Watch powered by the largest automatic movement in the world - Caliber 51110. It is followed by the Chrono-Automatic, the Double Chronograph, the Mark XVI, as well as novel Midsize watch.

The Mark XVI is a derivative from Mark XV, a highly demanded watch the story of which is connected to World War II. The Pilot's Watch Mark XI embellished the wrists of Britain Military Air Force pilots. The real legend of watch-making, IWC Mark XV, has come through redesigning process and was logically renamed into Mark XVI. The design of the latest Mark version has come even closer to famous German pilot's watch design.

So, what has been changed about Mark XV? First of all, the brand's watchmakers have enlarged the watch's diameter by one millimeter - now it is 39 millimetres. This change added even more balance to the proportions of the timepiece. The dial features really functional design - the peculiarity that proves the fact that the Mark XVI represents a new step in the logical development of this famous IWC pilot's watch.

The Mark XVI is powered by 30110 caliber automatic movement that provides 42-hour power reserve. Besides pure timekeeping, the date function is performed. The Mark XVI is available with a matt black crocodile leather strap with a comfortable stainless steel buckle. However, the future watch owners may consider one more alternative - Mark XVI on a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp. The special IWC bracelet system makes the bracelet easily adjustable to the wearer's wrist.

One more important detail - the convex sapphire crystal is protected by anti-reflective coating, the watch's accuracy will not be influenced by drop in air pressure. The timepiece is water-resistant up to 60 meters.