Author Topic: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?  (Read 24630 times)

Offline watchdiver

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2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« on: January 28, 2016, 12:27:58 PM »
IWC introduced the new Mark XVIII at SIHH 2016 this year, and it is now smaller at 40mm, compared to the previous Mark XVII at 41.5mm.  They also replaced the date window with a more traditional date window, reintroduced a roman numeral 9 and moved the pilot triangle lower. And they lowered the price slightly.  What do yo think about the smaller size and other changes?

I for one like this trend to lower sizes slightly on dressy watches :).


« Last Edit: January 28, 2016, 12:38:34 PM by watchdiver »

Offline Kesharoo

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Better balance and symmetry to the watch now.
« Reply #1 on: January 28, 2016, 01:14:32 PM »
I never did like the empty space at the missing 9 for Mark XVII.

Offline vkalia

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2016, 12:38:44 AM »
I prefer the older dial but the newer size....

Offline Timeless

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2016, 06:12:19 AM »
Older dial is well balanced, newer dial is more feminine. IMO

Offline davidtth

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2016, 06:18:05 AM »
i still prefer the mark 16 dial, with full of number and such design just not far diff from any other 3rd party brand, love the size and the blue dial version

Offline theseira

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2016, 06:19:58 AM »
I am disappointed with the whole SIHH pilot range.

Offline hidden830726

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #6 on: January 29, 2016, 09:13:09 AM »


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Offline leewae91

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #7 on: January 29, 2016, 11:07:09 AM »
so the only difference between the stowa and that mark18 is that the movements are to iwc standards?

Offline hidden830726

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2016, 11:37:23 AM »
so the only difference between the stowa and that mark18 is that the movements are to iwc standards?

IWC use SW300, which is equivalent to ETA 2892, which is more advance than the 2824 workhorse. AR both side vs one side, both have its merits. 60vs50m water resistance seems meh, screw down crown or not does not improve water resistance.

IWC have its magnetic protection, which Stowa only have it in their 43mm flieger. IWC probably come with a better strap, but that is secondary.

The main difference is the price.........




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Offline rnsm1979

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2016, 12:54:50 PM »
so the only difference between the stowa and that mark18 is that the movements are to iwc standards?

IWC use SW300, which is equivalent to ETA 2892, which is more advance than the 2824 workhorse. AR both side vs one side, both have its merits. 60vs50m water resistance seems meh, screw down crown or not does not improve water resistance.

IWC have its magnetic protection, which Stowa only have it in their 43mm flieger. IWC probably come with a better strap, but that is secondary.

The main difference is the price.........

hahhahahhaa, well, this is very subjective

Offline Khairul

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #10 on: January 30, 2016, 06:49:04 PM »
The Miramar version of the MK XVIII is good looking though, still a stealthy 40mm.

Offline leewae91

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #11 on: January 30, 2016, 09:48:12 PM »
The Miramar version of the MK XVIII is good looking though, still a stealthy 40mm.

agreed on that, the military theme seems to make it a lot more attractive

Offline Alvin-8880

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #12 on: January 31, 2016, 05:24:36 PM »
I own a Mk XVII and find it the smallest on my wrist compared to smaller watches like Rolexes at 40mm.
Now that the Mk XVIII size is reduced to 40mm, it must look even smaller. Personally I like the fan window of MK XVII especially with the red arrow. It is the eye of the dragon in Chinese saying.  ;D The whole dial came alive because of that .

Offline AbbasHabshee

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #13 on: January 31, 2016, 07:33:42 PM »
I have to agree with members, the main difference is just the price tag but TBH i have to say the finishing done by IWC is much better than STOWA. Its up to an individual preferences. If you dont mind spending more on a good finishing watch then why not? But it doesn't mean that STOWA is not a good watch. Both are beutiful IMO but for me i have to say i love the new IWC :)

Offline sookyee1115

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #14 on: January 31, 2016, 08:29:25 PM »
Great! My wrist only can wear max 40mm

Offline watchdiver

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #15 on: February 01, 2016, 02:45:38 AM »
The Miramar version of the MK XVIII is good looking though, still a stealthy 40mm.

I think the Miramar MK XVIII is 41mm according to the site.  I do love the military dial and would love to see this in blue.  (Top Gun Chrono on left is 44mm)




I have to agree with members, the main difference is just the price tag but TBH i have to say the finishing done by IWC is much better than STOWA. Its up to an individual preferences. If you dont mind spending more on a good finishing watch then why not? But it doesn't mean that STOWA is not a good watch. Both are beutiful IMO but for me i have to say i love the new IWC :)

Have you handled both side by side?  How much better is the case work and finishing on the IWC vs Stowa (love the look of both watches, but never handled the Stowa in person).


I own a Mk XVII and find it the smallest on my wrist compared to smaller watches like Rolexes at 40mm.
Now that the Mk XVIII size is reduced to 40mm, it must look even smaller. Personally I like the fan window of MK XVII especially with the red arrow. It is the eye of the dragon in Chinese saying.  ;D The whole dial came alive because of that .

I do love that altimeter inspired date window, I felt it was very unique.  Do you have a wrist shot to show how the Mk XVII wears compared to your 40mm Rolex?

Offline hidden830726

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #16 on: February 01, 2016, 04:49:29 AM »
Actually when i said the main difference between a Stowa and IWC is the price, im just joking. Im a big IWC fans myself.

Not to belittle IWC, i really like the new offering, the case is probably better, anti magnetism, 10m more water resistance, screw down crown, and most importantly, brand recognition wise, IWC is way more recognize.

i would have justify paying the price if its their own movement instead of a Selita. Im not saying Selita no good, but i really have no way to justify the price.

With roughly the price, Tudor offer inhouse movement and better value. Or with roughly 1/3 of its value, Damasko give better technology in their offering.

So what are we buying with IWC?
« Last Edit: February 01, 2016, 04:51:11 AM by hidden830726 »
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Offline Jedirat

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #17 on: February 01, 2016, 10:58:38 AM »
Actually when i said the main difference between a Stowa and IWC is the price, im just joking. Im a big IWC fans myself.

Not to belittle IWC, i really like the new offering, the case is probably better, anti magnetism, 10m more water resistance, screw down crown, and most importantly, brand recognition wise, IWC is way more recognize.

i would have justify paying the price if its their own movement instead of a Selita. Im not saying Selita no good, but i really have no way to justify the price.

With roughly the price, Tudor offer inhouse movement and better value. Or with roughly 1/3 of its value, Damasko give better technology in their offering.

So what are we buying with IWC?

I like IWC as well. Ppl buying IWC maybe because it is a watch just made for man? haha..

Btw, I more prefer Mark XVII than XVIII IMHO, 40 mm is rather small even Mark XVII 41 mm is considered no too big.

Offline leewae91

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #18 on: February 01, 2016, 11:03:08 AM »
im curious tho, is the 1mm difference huge for this model?

Offline hidden830726

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #19 on: February 01, 2016, 11:16:33 AM »
Depend wrist size and preference tho, also, the lug play a parts. Typically 7 inch wrist just nice for 39-41mm, thats my opinion.

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Offline Shiang

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #20 on: February 01, 2016, 01:04:25 PM »
Looks pretty alright to me. Quite drawn to The Little Prince edition.

Offline watches12

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #21 on: February 01, 2016, 05:18:39 PM »
I am disappointed with the whole SIHH pilot range.

I guess every real watch lover is

Offline engkow

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #22 on: February 01, 2016, 06:40:58 PM »
Size is personel preference, to me I prefer 38 - 40 mm

Offline Ek lex

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #23 on: February 02, 2016, 10:38:11 AM »
Hmmm... Where's Sidestreaker? Im waiting for his comment...

Offline hidden830726

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Re: 2016 IWC Mark XVIII is now smaller at 40mm, what do you think?
« Reply #24 on: February 02, 2016, 10:43:59 AM »
I guess its quite mix feeling for iwc fans. Opinions are too divided for this one.

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