Mark XV vs XVI

Hello, I'm about to purchase my first IWC. It's either going to be the Mark XV or XVI... a second hand XV is available, but it's a 2004 and has never been serviced, making me think it definitely needs a service and wondering how much a routine service for a little worn watch will be? I'm also wondering about the clasp leather band... I've a 16.5cm wrist. As I understand it the leather band comes in various sizes (small, medium, large). Does anyone know what size band I need as I haven't been able to try on the clasp band? Many thanks, Anthony

Welcome here, this being your first post. I would go for the Mark XVI: because it is a bit bigger, and I like the hands and dial more. And it has the super reliable and accurate 30110 movement, I'm not sure about the Mark XV. Your wrist is a bit smaller than mine. I use the standard size straps, but they are on the last hole, so you might have to go for a XS strap. Good luck!

Kind regards,
Paul

Thanks Paul... I'm leaning that way, especially as the Mark XV sold as I was writing my forum query! Any sense of the reliability of the power reserve (42 hours quoted). Best, Anthony

Hello Anthony, I have a Mark XVI and find the power reserve lives up to the quoted duration. The Mark XV is a bit more "correct" in some collectors' eyes (in that the dial follows the style of the previous Mark XI and XV whereas the Mark XVI has more of a B-Uhr style face). Personally, I prefer the look of the XVI and I wear mine with the brown croc strap with cream strap from the XVI Spitfire model for a vintage look.

Regards, Jat.

Many thanks Jat... is that a standard leather strap or the clasp strap (I understand that they come in small, medium, large lengths... I've a 16.5cm wrist, so am guessing small). Bests, Anthony

I'm not sure of my wrist diameter, but I'm 6'2" and very big boned. I believe the OEM size band is the medium length. I wear mine comfortably with the strap secured in the 3rd hole.

I just got my Mark XVI last month and am still amazed at it accuracy and ultra high quality appearance. I have a few really nice watches. My Ulysse Nardin is gorgeous. But the IWC has a higher quality appearance, in my opinion.

Congrats and enjoy with whichever one you choose.

Tom

Thanks Tom... best with your own new Mark as well... Anthony

Hi Anthony, sadly mine are rather slender wrists of 6.5in (which more or less rule out all the other IWC watches, though my wallet is thankful I suppose) so I wear the short length strap:

Best, J.

Very nice combination, a really classy watch. This combination, black dial brown strap, makes me think of a watch on summer holiday, the watch wearing sunglasses. Don't ask me why.

Kind regards,
Paul

Thanks Paul, funny you should think that - just the other day I showed this combo to a guy at an AD while I tried on a 3717 and he also said it was an "Italian look" that reminded him of Panerai..

Best, J.

Thanks for that... I've been thinking silver face, but that black face, brown strap really works well.