2019 IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII Edition "Hodinkee" Black 39mm

This 2019 IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII Edition "Hodinkee" Black. The Mark XVIII was introduced in 2016 and is a direct descendant of the iconic Mark XI, which was produced from 1948 until the 1980s. It was mainly issued to the Royal Air Force, but was also issued to the Commonwealth armed forces. The robust case and legible Arabic numerals made this a firm favourite amongst the many users of the Mark XI. This special collaboration was Limited to 308/500 pieces. Featuring a 39mm matte Ceratanium case that gently curves at the tapered lugs. Made from a patented Titanium and Ceramic alloy IWC has developed called Ceratanium; it has the combination of lightness and strength with a hard scratch resistance and a stealthy black aesthetic. Its curved flanks lead to a lug-to-lug length of 51mm and a thickness of 10.5mm, giving the watch an impressive presence on the wrist. On the right side is a signed Ceratanium crown. A sapphire crystal with AR coating for excellent viewing angles sits above a matte black dial. An outer minute track with faux-patina lume plots at 12, 3, 6, and 9. Large white Arabic numeral indices mark the hours, and at 12 o’clock, the iconic triangle. At 3 o’clock, a date window. The baton hands are filled with faux-patina lume, complemented by a fine, tapered, sweeping second hand with a leaf counterweight. At noon, we have the IWC motif completing this exceptional collaboration timepiece. On the reverse, a screw-down Ceratanium case back with the special edition details and ‘Hodinkee’ number out of 500 engraved into it, inside an automatic IWC Cal. 35100, 25 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour, based on the Sellita SW300-1. It comes paired with its 20mm IWC strap with a signed buckle, and also comes with its IWC presentation box and papers.

This watch is sold with its original IWC box and paperwork. The watch comes paired with its original 20mm IWC strap with its signed buckle. The watch is from February 2019 and is sold in worn, but very fair condition, as you can see from the photos and comes with our 12-Months Warranty.

Arguably one of the best limited editions Hodinkee have done, and it is this wonderful IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII, reference IW324801 and limited to 500 pieces total. Featuring an all black Ceratanium case and a matching matte black dial, contrasted by the faux patina which gives the watch real character on and off the wrist. I would not hesitate to book an appointment and see this watch on your wrist for yourself, but be warned, you just may leave with it on your wrist, it is that good!

Reference : IW324801
Movement : Automatic IWC Cal. 35100
Age : February 2019
Year : 2019
Case Size : 39mm
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 47.5mm
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Ceratanium
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

In 1867, a passionate visionary named Florentine embarked on a quest to revolutionise the art of watchmaking in Europe by applying for a passport. Fueled by the ambition to craft timepieces using the innovative American system of watchmaking, he drew inspiration from the renowned Federal Armouries at Springfield and Harpers Ferry. This meticulous system was designed for armaments requiring precision-engineered interchangeable parts—an ideal match for the world of horology. As a true pioneer, Florentine was instrumental in introducing this groundbreaking approach to the Swiss watchmaking industry. By 1868, Florentine had arrived in the picturesque town of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, where he teamed up with Charles Kidder. Together, they founded a company originally named F. A. Jones & Co. This name would evolve into the iconic IWC International Watch Company, a brand that would come to symbolise excellence in watchmaking. In 1876, after years of dedication, Florentine returned to the United States, where he eventually retired, leaving behind a legacy that lasted until his passing in 1916. The year 1885 marked a significant milestone for IWC with the launch of the first pocket watches featuring a revolutionary digital hours and minutes display known as the Pallweber system. As time progressed, the company continued to break new ground, producing one of the first ladies' wristwatches in 1899, showcasing IWC's commitment to innovation and inclusivity in horological design. In 1905, Ernst Jakob Homberger took over IWC's management on behalf of Rauschenbach's heirs, eventually becoming the sole owner after acquiring C.G. Jung's holdings in 1929. The following years saw remarkable advancements, such as the introduction of IWC's first pilot's watch in 1936, which featured a clever rotating bezel and indicator to log take-off times. The iconic Portuguese watch was designed in 1939, followed closely by the creation of the Big Pilot 52T SC, which catered to a growing demand for larger timepieces with a central second hand. During the tumultuous times of World War II, IWC introduced its first W.W.W. military watch in 1944, specifically crafted for the British military. Four years later, the Pilot's Watch Mark 11 was designed, incorporating an iron cage to protect against magnetic fields. A pivotal moment came in 1950 when Albert Pellaton unveiled the Calibre 85, IWC's first automatic movement featuring an innovative patented pawl-winding system. In 1955, Hans Ernst Homberger became the last private owner of IWC, continuing the legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. The late 1960s brought new challenges with the quartz crisis; however, IWC managed to adapt and evolve. In 1967, they launched the Aquatimer dive watch, and in collaboration with other Swiss brands, they participated in the development of the Beta 21 quartz movement in 1969. The renowned watch designer Gerald Genta made his mark in 1976 with the creation of the iconic Ingenieur, symbolising elegance and engineering prowess. A significant shift occurred in 1978 when German instrument manufacturer VDO Adolf Schindling AG acquired IWC, marking a new era for the brand. During this time, F. A. Porsche designed a groundbreaking chronograph, recognised as the world's first timepiece encased in titanium, a material primarily used in the aviation industry. The spirit of innovation that Florentine nurtured throughout his life continues to resonate in modern IWC watches. In 1990, the company unveiled a horological masterpiece: the Grand Complication, featuring a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and moon phase indicator—a true testament to IWC's craftsmanship. At the prestigious Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva in 2000, IWC dazzled attendees with the introduction of the Big Pilot's Watch. The watch showcased an exceptional automatic 7-day movement that earned accolades from watch enthusiasts and collectors alike. Since then, IWC has become an esteemed member of the Richemont Group, a collective of luxury brands. In 2017, IWC unveiled its groundbreaking invention, “Ceratanium®,” a unique blend of titanium and ceramic alloy meticulously engineered over five years of research and development. This remarkable material combines the lightweight nature of titanium with the strength and scratch resistance of ceramic, yielding a sleek, stealthy black finish that has since become iconic. Today, IWC continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking, consistently innovating and expanding the horizons of horological artistry while honouring its rich heritage.