IWC made waves at the inaugural Miami Grand Prix back in 2022 with the release of a titanium Pilot’s Chronograph that used the same AMG PETRONAS green that could be found on the Mercedes team’s F1 car. The use of titanium made a world of difference for the generously proportioned Pilot’s Watch, and the bright colors worked way better than they had any right to. Even the strap followed suit, with IWC adding a bright red variation the following year. This year, as we lead into the 2025 Formula 1 season, and on the eve of the official car liveries being revealed in London (more on that in this week’s upcoming podcast episode), IWC has formally released a new Mark XX watch done in the same titanium material with AMG PETRONAS green dial colors. They’ve also released a new XPL Shock Absorber in the same colorway, but the Mark XX may find more relevancy in the market, broadly speaking.
As IWC have expanded the Mark XX collection, materials like titanium haven’t featured quite as prominently as we’d have hoped. Just a single version done for the Swiss market had been released up to this point. This new reference marks a bigger step for the material within the collection, hopefully setting the stage for additional releases in the future. Then again, this isn’t exactly a heavyweight frame to begin with, so it doesn’t go quite as far as it did within the Pilot’s Chronograph range.
This Mark XX takes everything we love about the platform, such as its size (40mm) and classically simple design, and amps it up to 11 with the use of lightweight titanium, and the vibrant teal green colors representing the hour markers, minute index, and even the hands. The color works surprisingly well here, though it might not make the cut in terms of sheer practicality, it does offer plenty in the personality. Of course, it can be toned down with a natural strap choice, as this does utilize the brand’s quick release mechanism that still utilizes regular spring bar holes, so options are limitless in terms of third party.
As IWC makes clear moves up market with more luxurious offerings, the Mark XX is often left in the shadows of bigger releases (such as the XPL today), but it’s an important part of the brand’s foundation that I’d suggest represents the most appealing qualities prized by enthusiasts. This Mark XX is priced at $6,100, and as such remains relatively accessible while still boasting the best of the brand’s tool watch DNA.
The IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team (which is the watch’s full official name) is available now, and does not look to be limited in production. There are plenty of other IWC straps available for the watch, including a bright red unit to match the existing Pilot’s Chronograph. IWC
Leave a Reply