IWC Pilot's Watch Mark XII
The Mark XII is a pilot's watch produced by IWC from 1993 through 1999.
Overview
The legendary IWC Mark XI aviator's watch was a "cult watch". Produced from 1948 until the early eighties, the Mark XI was never available to the public. Instead, it was offered to military and civilian pilots as a tool for aviation. Sensing an opportunity in the 1990s, IWC introduced a civilian version in 1993, the Mark XII.
The Mark XII is designed to be simple to read, with little superfluous decoration. The dial is plain, with numerals from 1 to 11 inside the marked chapter ring. Luminous markers are placed at 3, 6, 9, and 12, with a large triangular marker at 12. A white background date window replaces the marker at 3:00, contrasting with the matte black dial. The case measures 36 mm across, with short curved lugs giving for a snug fit by modern standards. A large knurled crown screws down for 60 meters of water resistance. The bracelet has 11 flat links across, and a double deployant clasp is fitted. The solid caseback is marked "Die Fliegeruhr Automatik" ("the automatic pilot's watch").
The Mark XII uses Jaeger-LeCoultre's Cal. 889/2, known as Cal. 884 to IWC. The companies were closely related at the time, so it is no surprise that this excellent movement was selected. It is a 28,800 A/h movement with 36 jewels and is adjusted in 5 positions.
The basic Mark XII was produced in a stainless steel case with a black leather strap or steel bracelet. A yellow gold version with a leather strap was also produced. A limited-edition Mark XII Mellow Yellow was created co-branded with Saab in 1997. This is made of titanium instead and uses a movement from ETA. Another limited edition of 500 pieces, in platinum, was also created.
The successor, Mark XV was introduced in 1999. XIII was skipped because it is an unlucky number in Western countries, as is XIV in Asian cultures.
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