NEWS! IWC's Press Release on its 2012 Pilots' Watches!!!

Thank you, Michael.

Miramar is a perfect fit for IWC & the new line has a strong military look. Very interested to see all the new releases.

I am. Can't wait for a better look.

Hello Michael,

this new collection looks really exciting, I can't wait to see it the pictures, and to see it in person too!!

Happy new year to everybody

Alex

Michael,

better than the current one? Now I'm impressed!

I really like the Miramar strap shown in the press release image also.

IWC confirms itself as one of the most careful brands in straps/bracelets development.

Stunning new Pilot watches form IWC. I am really looking forward to see the them in the flesh. A 48mm Big Pilot TOP GUN sounds great and the 46mm on the picture is a dream. I realy love the strap. Will it fit my Big Pilot? I hope so.
I am also very pleased with the fact that IWC brings more ceramic watches.
Can't wait to see them. Hopefully the prices are friendly :-)

The whole of the 2012 Pilots line-up is truly awful, too big, has lost the clean/classic look I associate with the Pilot range and a pointless date window. I think I'll stick with my Mk XVI.

I am wondering what are actually the differences between the "older" 5004-01 and the new 5009-01?

From IWC website they seem rather identical, but maybe i am missing something...

anyone?

Hacra, go to the archives (magnifying glass in tool bar above) and see the NAD/MF posting on 16th January 2012.

I really like the mark XVI and the pilot chrono but I'm wondering why are these watches water resistant to only 60m with a screwed crown and backcase? personnally, I will feel more comfortable with a WR of 100m.

RAZ,

As an owner of a XVI and soon to be Chrono, my thoughts are that the reason for the screwed crown and case back was to indeed make it WR to a degree. Being that the XVI and Pilot Chrono are protected to 6 Bar, any additional design/parts/cost necessary to WR it past that depth is probably pointless as these were not intended as dive watches. The AT models take care of that requirement. I would say that 6 Bar WR is more than suffient for a Pilot watch.

The only time I see that 6 Bar may not be enough is if the plane goes down over water. If one ends up below that 6 Bar depth, I don't think they will be concerned about the WR rating on their watch. I suspect that the warranty won't cover any water damage anyway because the user exceeded the depth limit willingly or not. Lets hope no one ever finds themselves in that position.

Finally, I also believe that the screwed crown and back add strength to the overall specifications. The crystal for example has also been specially secured for protection against extreme pressure changes.

Overall...Pilot models offer excellent protection for water,pressure,magnetic,dust and shock situations. As a added bonus, the XVI and Chrono have "workhorse" movements and are highly accurate. And, best of all....they just look damn good!!!

Go Pilots,

Andy

Andy,

As per your description in your last paragraph, one could say that some of the Pilot's are on a par with some of the Ingenieurs, which I would certainly agree with.

Perhaps I could have better said that there are strong similarities between some of the Pilots and Ingenieurs

RAZ,

As an owner of a XVI and soon to be Chrono, my thoughts are that the reason for the screwed crown and case back was to indeed make it WR to a degree. Being that the XVI and Pilot Chrono are protected to 6 Bar, any additional design/parts/cost necessary to WR it past that depth is probably pointless as these were not intended as dive watches. The AT models take care of that requirement. I would say that 6 Bar WR is more than suffient for a Pilot watch.

The only time I see that 6 Bar may not be enough is if the plane goes down over water. If one ends up below that 6 Bar depth, I don't think they will be concerned about the WR rating on their watch. I suspect that the warranty won't cover any water damage anyway because the user exceeded the depth limit willingly or not. Lets hope no one ever finds themselves in that position.

Finally, I also believe that the screwed crown and back add strength to the overall specifications. The crystal for example has also been specially secured for protection against extreme pressure changes.

Overall...Pilot models offer excellent protection for water,pressure,magnetic,dust and shock situations. As a added bonus, the XVI and Chrono have "workhorse" movements and are highly accurate. And, best of all....they just look damn good!!!

Go Pilots,

Andy[/quote]

Actually, I'm hesitating between the mark XV and the XVI (I dont like the mark XVII 41mm case and the date). I like the anti reflective coating and white date on mark XVI but I prefer the mark XV hands.
What are the difference between the 2 movements?

Good luck with your chrono and dont forget pictures!

Regards

Actually, I'm hesitating between the mark XV and the XVI (I dont like the mark XVII 41mm case and the date). I like the anti reflective coating and white date on mark XVI but I prefer the mark XV hands.
What are the difference between the 2 movements?

Good luck with your chrono and dont forget pictures!

Regards[/QUOTE]

RAZ:

Some clarification regarding the Mark XV vs. XVI....

XV = 38mm XVI = 39mm

XV = White Date Window XVI = Black Date Window

Both models have AR coating, XVI has both sides of crystal coated.

May be a challenge to find XV new in box as the last year produced was 2005. You can still find XVI around but I wouldn't wait long since stocks are depleating with the soon arrival of the XVII. Can't see the return of the XV hands until the next change (probably 5-6 years) and that's only if designers want to bring it back.

Movements...Both the XVI and the new XVII have the same movement ( modified ETA 2892-A2) a real "Workhorse" and I think the XV had the same also, but I may be wrong on that one.

So... whichever model you choose, you will appreciate the simple beauty and clean design of the MARK series. It's a great watch for all occasions.

Thanks for wishing me good luck on the Chrono. I have a post (Special Election- Your Vote is Requested) out right now requesting as much input as possible. Tommorrow I must advise my AD of my intentions.. 3717 or wait for first delivery of new 3777.

Happy Decision Making,

Andy

When are the prices likely to be released...I'm sure I will need to save, and it would be nice to know the target number..