What are some of the best IWC's that can be daily wearers for any occasion as well as not break the bank?

Looking for something that looks great, has historical significance, can be worn any day, and isn't extremely expensive. Would love to hear some insight, thanks!

not sure how the previous comment relates to my post, but also thought i'd add I prefer watches in the 39-42 mm range

Hi Takeyourtime
I would say the IWC that suits your criteria is a Pilot Watch Mark XVIII, a true Icon, in one of the following colours
[](s1335.photobucket.com/user/regnimelf3717/media/IWC/094BE4E0-CF79-42BA-B13C-C3A3148458A7_zps3bnrczch.jpg.html)

[](s1335.photobucket.com/user/regnimelf3717/media/IWC/449EBF3A-B632-4D34-AD68-0A14FB27833F_zps5chvxofv.jpg.html)

[](s1335.photobucket.com/user/regnimelf3717/media/IWC/9B810894-33F5-412D-BFFB-489963652E19_zpstoz9ykw4.jpg.html)

Take a look at the 3706 Fliegerchrono with Luminova classic dial on Mark I. bracelet. You can buy it pre-loved for a relatively good sum of money and makes a good figure anywhere. Chronograph, day-date, 6 atm WR, extra antimagnetic feature. I love mine.

I agree with Mark 100%!

Well, there are some. ;-)

It depends on what your personal preference is but in any line the entry models qualify, each having a very different character.
Then it depends on what you mean by saying "not break the bank". The difference might be between Valjoux and inhouse based calibers or between a simple 3 hands watch or a chronograph.

Any comment given here - including mine of course - will give you a personal opinion.

Mine is that I don't like the new Marks too much. They're nice watches but something for me is missing. My first IWC love was the Mark XV. It had more character than today's models but in the end for me it was too small (38 mm). That's why I changed it.

One option is this one
[](media3.iwc.com/site_media/thumbnails/c8/d9/IW377719_9QhCptt.c8d9cbd51ca83c63c640f9db45f37eb8.jpg)

Another one could be this:
[](scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13260138_592028530966785_8933445711064509369_n.jpg?oh=addca054fc5d942e3e619655e5611277&oe=57DDF41B)

or that one is a wonderful option too:
[](media1.iwc.com/site_media/thumbnails/25/3f/L_IW371401_2011.253f906fe271f5b651c9d38efd666a18.jpg)

Of course entry models in the Aquatimer or Portofino range could do very well too.
Go, try out, take your time, look which one sings to you most.

thanks for all the great responses! i actually have had my eye on the mark 18 so maybe just maybe i will soon make it mine

Good question and, like others, I'd opt 1. Portuguese Chrono or 2. any Pilot or 3. any '70s Caliber 8541 IWC watch

Good luck choosing,

Bob

Speaking from a little experience wearing a direct descendant of the Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth, I will nominate the Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth IW3236-01 (rubber strap) or IW3236-04 (stainless steel bracelet). Both have been out of production for a few years now, but they're definitely out on the second hand market and I'm sure some boutiques or ADs will still have some first hand.

This watch should take most anything and everything you'll be doing on a daily basis and ask your wrist "did I just feel a bump?". I have worn my watch when I go to the gym, shower, swim, sauna, hot tub, dived to 28 meters in the ocean, cook, move things (carefully not to scratch my watch), type on my laptop as I'm doing now, etc etc. Any scuff marks or scratches will just add character to the Mission Earth.

You'll just need to decide between a lighter rubber strap or a heavier stainless steel bracelet!

Voted with my wallet:

[](s114.photobucket.com/user/craniotes/media/IWC%20Mark%20XVIII/37208785-5888-4FFD-A07D-F8667012C8A6_zpsu5cven2g.jpg.html)

Hard to beat for the money; can be dressed up or down with a simple strap/bracelet change.

Regards,
Adam

Hmmm, Portugiese Chrono or Pilot's for every day and any occation? Can't really seen it in humid enviroment and water. Go with the new 3239 Ingenieur. It really works in any occation, and you can fell off your boat and not worry if you pushed and of the chrono pushers by accident (and that can occur, believe me i know)

Actually the issue shall mostly lie at the strap of the watch and not the watches as a whole. For example, take Mark for example. If we change the strap of Mark to bracelet or other water resistant straps the the issue would pretty much be resolved.

Yes, but you still have the 60 WR water resistance, witch is fine for casual quick shower or hand wash, but i would keep it away from salt water, swimming or God forbid - snorkling. Not that I'm saying that the seals would not hold, but in my mind, 120 is a little safer than 60m WR

Plus, it has a few grams more of solid Steel, so it can survive a pub fight, anniversary with a wife or a night with a mistress :)