criticism of the mark xvi pilot dial

Here are my two cents on the mark xvi pilot dial, which, especially if you own one, you'll notice has received its share of knocks in this and other IWC forums.

The criticism seems to focus on the hands, which are said to be untraditinal, and on the lack of the digit 9. Regarding the former, I do not find the blunt hour hand on the Mark xii and xv particularly attractive. Regarding the latter, the dial as is seems to me to have a nice symmetry, with the 1 - 2 - 4 - 5 balanced by the 7 - 8 - 10 - 11. Inserting a 9 would only upset that nice balance. So it seems to me.

I confess to being biased, because I am absolutely crazy about my mark xvi and find the dial enlessly fascinating. In fact, Nina, my significant other, catches me gazing at it all the time and gives me this quizzical yet--thank heaven--indulgent look.

Cheers to all fellow IWC fanatics.

I agree

I think in terms of legibility, this watch wins its Mark XV or XII sibling.

The amount of luminous area on the hands are just magnificent and improves legibility quite significantly. I only wish that the case diameter could have been 1-2mm bigger, or as big as the chronograph model and IWC can always create mid size/ladies version.

Nevertheless, it is indeed a nice watch. Wear yours in good health.

Regards,
Wenda

I agree

I fully agree as to the mark xvi's legibillity and its luminosity, but I do not wish it were any bigger. Thirty-nine mms seems big enough to me.

Wear YOURS in good health, too!

Like you

I'm biased. I think the criticism of the Mark XVI is really about the facts that it does not have an in-house movement and that it sits close to the bottom of the IWC price range. But the hugely popular BP 5004 has the same dial and hands and the much-loved 3717-01 has an ETA-based movement and essentially the same hands and dial. From my perspective, the Mark XVI is the very apex of the pilot's watch idea: Rugged, highly accurate, easily readable day or night even from across the room. You are right to be absolutely crazy about your Mark XVI, I'm sure crazy about mine. Don't let other people make you feel any less crazy about it.

The Mark XVI has lost is history

The change of hands on the Mark XVI to the 'Big pilot' type was a mistake. The origins of this particular watch are from a specification set out by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) in the late 1940's. The design of the hands was incorporated in the spec, and all the pilots watches of that type produced by IWC for over 50 years used the same style of hands. The adoption of the 'Big pilot' style of hands on the Mark XVI mean that link was broken. It's still a nice watch, its an IWC , but personally I will treasure my Mark XV, with the 'right' hands, all the more.

After 60 years...

and after seeing the Mark XVI, the MoD might change its specifications. I had to get accustomed to the new hands, but right now I think the Mark XVI looks the best it can. I am quite sure though that the specs of the MoD are quite different now.

I think it is a good idea to have this not too expensive watch in the catalog: it may be expensive enough for a lot of people. I know a colleague who got the Mark XVI as a gift after finisning a difficult study. He chose the Spitfire version though, and it looks magnificent too.

Kind regards,
Paul, wearing steel VC Portuguese

The Mark XVI has lost is history

Sorry, I guess I was thinking a little further back in history.

The Mark XVI is history moving forward >

The new hands are the best part of this most recent design concept. Taking the B-Uhr hands and putting them in a mat black frame is brilliant designing on IWC's part.

I also welcome the return of the two dots with the triangle. Whomever it was in the MOD who removed them from the B-Uhr design should have been put in the brig and still be there!

As Paul correctly implies, it is not 1948 and we are in a new era.

Long live the Mk XVI.
--
Cheers from Isobars.

Still puts a smile on my face

after 2 years of daily wear!

Excellent photo!

Cheers from Isobars.

Like you

"Apex of the pilot's watch" . . . You've nailed it!!!

Cheers! and wear yours in good health.

The Mark XVI has lost is history

Right on, Alan!

The Mark XVI has lost is history

I agree completely with you.
The first time I worn the mark XVI immediately I realised how it was near to the B-UHR.
Great watch!!!!

They're all "fantasy" watches...

I personally like the more traditional look, but also I respectfully submit that we shouldn't kid ourselves. They're not "real" military watches, no military in its right mind would spend what these watches --whether they're Mark XV or XVI's-- cost. They're not "real" flight watches too --any pilot could do just as well with a Cheap Black Plastic Casio or several dozen other watches that cost a fraction. Few of these Marks see more than as a passenger in commercial airline seat.

There's nothing wrong with all that --I happen to like the watches, but the moment authenticity is exploded then all bets are off. The heritage issue really was a marketing ploy to upper-middle class consumers. There's nothing wrong with that, too --but once we understand that, all bets regarding styling again are off.

At best one is saying that a replica of something "pays homage" to a concept that might be a little different than presupposed. It's for marketing.

All this is one reason I love my St Ex chrono --it's really a nice looking watch, in my opinion, and the perfect fantasy watch for what it represents. Sure, history is lost on the model, but I'm not sure that has real value.

Regards,
Michael

Don't worry, don't take it too serious either...

I would be an addict to the MKXV, as I am, I have the metal bracelet, and "enhanced" it with a genuine IWC croc leather strap and deployant clasp. Lot of investment for a simple watch. Still.

And guess what, I actually wanted the MKXVI, and was even "warming up" my significant other one for such thing.
Well I did not, compared price and asked myself, is there something else... ? And yes there was.

If not, it would have been the MKXVI, no doubt.
So please, Prize yourself happy that you did, and go forward. Do not look backward, I am sure you will achieve other goals, and not regret what you did before.

The MKXVI is yet another very nice looking Pilot Watch !!

Ciao, Rob.

The Mark XVI has lost is history

You raise a valid point about the Mark XVI's representing a break with tradition. To be consistent, would you not also argue that adding a day window to the Mark XII was also a break with tradition, and thus also a mistake?

Don't worry, don't take it too serious either...

greetings from Singapore!
I just got the mark XVI with metal bracelet.
I am very happy with my purchase.
Could u be so kind as to post a pic of the leather croc bracelet? How much did u pay for the leather strap?
thanks

Mine on croc strap

It rocks on the strap.