Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen and HODINKEE have been working quietly for two years to bring us the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “HODINKEE”, a no frills, understated timepiece inspired by the ultimate post-war pilot’s watch – the Mark 11 from 1948. This rendition features new proprietary alloy Ceratanium®, a 39mm case, an automatic movement and no date window. The original was pure, rugged, and was purpose built with an anti-magnetic dust cover and clean and legible dial. The Mark 11’s evolution features the Mark XII in the mid-1980s and all the way through until the 2016 release of the Mark XVIII. IWC also brought out a cult classic in 1994 — the Ref. 3705 Fliegerchronograph with a black ceramic case. This was the first chronograph produced in ceramic with a 39mm case.
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “HODINKEE” is a blend of both the Mark 11 and the 3705, giving us the most beloved parts of the reference 3705 and marrying them with the current production Mark XVIII. This limited edition timepiece features IWC Schaffhausen’s proprietary alloy Ceratanium®, which is a mix of scratch resistant ceramic and durable and lightweight titanium. And of course, IWC Schaffhausen’s Pilot Technology is infused here as well, with an anti-magnetic soft-iron inner case and glass secured against drops in atmospheric pressure. The simple, uncluttered dial features painted white Arabic numerals with stick indexes at three, six and nine o’clock. At 12 o’clock, there is the characteristic arrow seen on past Pilot’s watches. The strap is a durable olive green embossed calfskin with a Ceratanium® pin buckle. Each caseback is numbered and engraved “INTERNATIONAL WATCH CO. PILOT’S WATCH HODINKEE”. The IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “HODINKEE” features the IWC Schaffhausen caliber 35100 with a 42-hour power reserve.
This limited edition watch from IWC and HODINKEE is versatile and understated in the most beautiful ways. Its design shows just how little it has to prove. It just works and all its discreet details are what make it a must-have.
Priced at $6,400 and limited to only 500 numbered examples worldwide, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Edition “HODINKEE” is available now through the HODINKEE Shop and select IWC boutiques worldwide.
