Even with new watches flooding the market every day, there are still a few iconic classics that fans can’t get enough of. One of those classics is the IWC Mark 11 ? probably the most quintessential pilot’s watch there is, produced by IWC from 1948 until the early 1980s. Even though other models came before the Mark 11, and even though IWC has continued the “Mark” series beyond it, the Mark 11 still stands out among the rest. So, while the most recent iteration of the series, the Mark XVIII, is significantly different in its design, IWC has now unveiled a special edition of that watch that will incorporate design elements from the historic model: the Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Tribute to Mark XI.”
The IWC Mark XVIII “Tribute to Mark XI”is limited to 1,948 pieces. One notable difference between the “standard” Mark XVIII and the Tribute to Mark XI are the indices, which are thinner on the special edition. Also, the dots at the triangular index at 12 o’clock are missing. Like the Mark 11, the Tribute to Mark XI has small rectangles at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock that are coated with luminescent material. The hands have received a luminescent coating as well. And speaking of the hands, those are also in the same style as on the Mark XI, including the very recognizable rectangular hour hand.
The original IWC Mark 11, from 1948°
The Tribute edition is powered by the automatic Caliber 3511, which is n...