Just flip Rolex for New IWC Mark XVI

Hi
Just flipped my Rolex Air King (great watch just too small for me) for a new Mark xvi. Been looking for a nice Pilot watch that's in my budget so pulled the trigger on the Mark xvi. Tried on the mark xvii but just a bit too big on my wrist. Are the marks xvi and xvii the same movements.
Are there any problems/issues I should expect?
I'm really pleased with the clarity and quality of finish, decided to go for leather straps as my wrist swells in the days and steel straps are proving to uncomfortable for me.
Can anyone share any experiences of this watch? Good or bad?

Hi David,

Welcome to our Community and congrats on the new Pilot!!!!!!

You should not expect any issues with the watch. The last Mark I had was back in 2003 the XV and it was great!

How about some photos of your new acquisition?

Welcome to The Forum, David.

Great watch, as Nad suggested, some photos would be nice.

Cheers!

David, welcome and a good flip!

My Mark XVI gets a lot of wrist time (in fact I'm wearing it right now) and not only have I never has an issue with it - it also happens to be one of my most accurate watches in the collection!

Greetings David,

Jumping from the Air King ( 34mm ? ) to the XVI probably feels like a major upsizing. As the owner of the MARK XVI, I feel comfortable saying that many who acquired their first IWC pilot felt the same. However, after enjoying your new 39mm pilot for a bit, you will find that 41mm (like the XVII) won't seem a bit big. Please do not interpret my remark as you chose the wrong size. My personal feeling is I prefer the XVI to the XVII because the diameter and height is a better balance for that model and I'm not a fan of the expanded date being added on the XVII (new Spitfire it looks fine). That said, the movements are the same as well as the 20mm lug size. I can say that my XVI is the most accurate IWC in my collection. Never had a repair/quality issue in the 2 years I have had it. It is sporty and semi-dressy which allows it to be utilized for many occasions. It lays down on the wrist beautifully and no problems fitting comfortably under a long sleeve shirt.

You made a great choice going for the XVI. I was a bit surprised that you found a new one at this time as where I am, there hasn't been one in stock for awhile. Did you get it from a AD or a Boutique ?

Enjoy your new pilot in good health. Can't wait to see what IWC model/size is your next. Yes...there will be a next !!

Andy

Hi All
Thanks for your kind replies. I will post some pics when possible. I bought it new from my local AD in Nottingham, UK.I don't think there is an IWC boutique in the UK? Is there?
I knew it wasnt being produced anymore but just thought the size was ideal for my small wrist. Also new it was within my budget, whereas alot of the other IWC s whether new or pre owned were alot more than my budget, all be it very nice watches!I have bought pre owned previously with good results but couldn't resist this chance for a brand new IWC.
What years was the Mark XVI produced in?
thanks

In Wellington here in New Zealand the local AD has both the XVI and the XVII in stock. I have the XVI on strap which I purchased in late December last year.

It is a great watch. I hope you enjoy it

My experience mirrors Mark's in that my Mark XVI is one of the most accurate watches I own. It is my exclusive travel watch and seems to take the rigors of busy airports and quick climate/locale changes with aplomb!

Welcome as a Mark XVI owner. There will be more as you become increasingly infected by the IWC uhren-virus. Congratulations on your acquisition.

David, let me congratulate you firstly for graduating to IWC and secondly for acquiring a Mark XVI which is a continuation of an iconic watch from IWC.

Vishal

Congratulations David! Enjoy and wear your watch in good health. As others wrote, you will quickly get used to the size of your new watch and be warned that IWC watches are addictive!

Kind regards,

Clemens

I know it's 6 bar but does that mean I can swim with it on?
I currently have a leather strap which I would have to change if used in water but what other strap options are there? Steel bracelet is one, is a rubber iwc strap an option?

Congratulations David!

I would be reluctant to swim with any IWC other than an Aquatimer. Congratulations on your first IWC. Regrettably, the UK does not have a boutique yet but there are a few Authorised Dealers, particularly in Bond Street that have some impressive IWCs for sale.

Hi David,

congratulations to your "upgrade", a really good one actually, there won't be any problems other than the wish to get an additional IWC in short time...and another one...and...

As other members said, I like the Mark XVI and think that has a very good balance between diameter and height. I think the Big Watches Kingdom is finishing, and our loved Mark XVI has a perfect size.

My XVI is accurate and I agree on saying it's a very good watch for a lot of different ocassions.

Enjoy it. It is a great watch for a select minority.

Carlos.

I saw that there is soon to be an IWC boutique in Regent Street London owned by Watches of Switzerland. Likewise there is a shoe box of a boutique in the watch room at Harrods.
As for a cheap alternative strap how about a NATO where it costs next to nothing and being nylon will dry pretty quickly. But I would heed what Rave has said re swimming. By the way there is a local collector not a million miles from you in Mansfield. At his peak he had many tens of IWCs only. He still has a small collection but has sold many for logical reasons.

I guess I'm in the minority, but with a screw down crown and 6 bar I think it should be ok for swimming. That's what IWC says in their guidelines on water resistance. I plan on using my mark xvii in water this summer (with bracelet).

congrats for selling your ROLEX!

...and of course purchasing an IWC!!

Hi Bill...

Just wondering which chronograph this is???

Well, its surely an upgrade in terms of brand and looks, in my opinion. Very few companies can match the aesthetic value of IWC and a Rolex isn't one of them. About the only aesthetic competition IWC has for round watches is a brand it "mentored" so to speak - A.Lange & Sohne.

I'm not sure how good Pilot watches look in person though I'm tempted to go for a 40mm Mark XVII. Love my Portofino Chrono every bit though.

Congrats and welcome to the IWC club.