Introduced last year in steel or ceramic, the Mark XVIII is the entry-level IWC pilot’s watch for men. Just three months ago it got a makeover with the well received, limited edition Mark XI reissue. And the retro-inflected style is back again with the Mark XVIII Heritage in titanium (ref. IW327006), which is part of the regular collection, and best of all, priced at only US$200 over the basic steel model.

Now in its fifth generation, the base model IWC pilot’s watch was facelifted last year – the altimeter-style date was deep-sixed while the missing “6” and “9” hour numerals came back – while being resized to a practical 40mm. These tweaks give the watch a more classical feel that suits the vintage-style dial well.

The classic austerity of the aviator’s dial is leavened with cream-coloured luminous markers and numerals, along with blued steel hands.

While the titanium case appears novel – IWC also just debuted the Big Pilot’s Watch in titanium – this isn’t the first time the case material has been introduced in the “Mark” series. A trio of limited editions of the very first Mark XII were offered in titanium: the Saab watch, as well as the “EF” and “GL” editions.

The Mark XVIII is otherwise identical to that of the steel model, 40mm in diameter. Powering the watch is the ETA-based cal. 30110. Like IWC’s other pilot’s watches, it features a soft-iron inner cage to protect the movement from magnetism.

Price and Availability

The Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Heritage in titanium (ref. IW327006) is priced at US$4,150, or S$6,550, and will be available from November 2017 at IWC retailers and boutiques.