Every year for over a decade now, IWC unveils a limited edition to raise funds for the Laureus foundation, a charity that brings sport to underprivileged children across the world. Each year’s Laureus watch has been different from the last – the preceding editions were the Da Vinci chronograph and ladies’ Portofino – but all share the same deep blue metallic dial.

The latest watch for the good cause is unusual, being the very first Laureus watch in black ceramic, the very first Laureus in a material other than stainless steel in fact. The Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” has a glossy black ceramic case that’s 41mm in diameter, being the same case as that on the Mark XVIII Miramar.

And as is tradition the usual matte black dial has been replaced by one in metallic blue, with a red-tipped seconds hand for some colour.

The other feature that’s a Laureus tradition is the engraving on the case back that reproduces a drawing by a child selected by the foundation. This year’s motif was done by an 11-year-old Brazilian girl who is part of Instituto Reação, a Laureus-supported organisation in Brazil dedicated to improving the lives of slum-dwelling children with education and sports such as judo.

Like the standard Mark XVIII, the Laureus edition is powered by the cal. 35111, which is a rebadged Sellita SW300. And it’s enclosed by a soft-iron cage to protect the movement from magnetism, a standard feature on IWC’s aviator watches.

The watch is paired with a crosshatch embossed calfskin leather strap.

Price and Availability

The Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” (ref. IW324703) is a limited edition of 1,500 pieces and is priced at US$5650 or S$8,650. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the edition will go to Laureus Sport for Good.