IWC Pilot's Watch Mark X

The Mark X is a pilot's watch produced by IWC from 1944 through 1948. It was created to the Mark X specification of the British Ministry of Defense.

Overview

After World War II, the British Ministry of Defense created a specification for a pilot's watch and selected twelve companies to produce it. Along with well-known competitors like Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Buren, and Eterna, IWC produced a Mark X watch for the MoD. All such watches featured similar markers, hands, and numerals and were marked by a "broad arrow" indicating British Crown ownership. IWC had previously produced a "Spezialuhr für Flieger" (Special Watch for Pilot's), which was retroactively and unofficially named Mark IX to differentiate it.

The Mark X is designed to be simple to read, with little superfluous decoration. The dial features numerals from 1 to 12 inside the marked chapter ring. Luminous markers are placed on the hours, with larger markers at 3, 9, and 12, contrasting with the matte black dial. Small seconds are in a subdial at 6:00. Unlike the predecessor, syringe hands are used.

The Mark X uses a hand-winding movement, IWC's Cal. 83.

The successor, the legendary Mark XI was introduced in 1948 with central seconds and different dial markings.

Movement: Manual winding calibre IWC 83 Case: Stainless steel, satinated Ø 36 mm Screw-down caseback in stainless steel Dial: Black with luminous markers White numerals Steel hours and minutes hand, coated with luminous color White seconds hand Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds Bracelet: Leather strap Production: Production: 1944 - 1948 Predecessor: IWC Pilot's Watch Mark IX Successor: IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XI