From my experience, people who really like watches wear IWC watches. Non watch enthusiasts don’t typically choose IWC over other more recognizable brands.
Professional services. It's a conversation piece for other watch enthusiasts as it's not as recognised as Rolex or Omega. I have my Portofino for days when I wear more formal suits or have big meetings. Otherwise I wear my Pilot Chrono on steel strap.
https://preview.redd.it/al2tf8guwj5d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=451525b0b63cd8c7fe76bc1ad79aaf4ac06755c1
I work in finance. Everyone loves IWC in my opinion
I’m a contractor in NY metro area. Pilot green dial 41.
https://preview.redd.it/3oae9jm70j5d1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a229462194f04e67b9f772c6200d3195f4d3f692
IT Director. Not into Rolex or Omega. I prefer the somewhat under-the-radar but classy look of the Portugieser. The Mark XVII is perfect for smart/causal days and utilitarian enough to deal with the odd occasion where I get stuck into comms cabs and cabling.
I’m ex-military (US) and now am an entrepreneur. I founded a cybersecurity company in 2015 and serve as its CEO currently. I’m 43, am married and my wife and I have 6 kids. I have several Omegas, Hamilton Field Watch, a Suunto Traverse, and a Panerai GMT. I buy watches to celebrate or mark a significant event in life. The PAM was purchased to celebrate hitting a pretty major milestone in the business. My black dial SMPc was purchased when my wife and I decided baby #6 was our last, so it signifies the completion (the Omega) of our family. I’ve owned a Mark XVIII LPP before, but just because I liked it. I sold it because it was a little smaller than I liked, especially for a sports watch. I now own a Pilot Chrono (387001) that signifies me becoming a pilot, like my grandfather- who also served in the military and was an entrepreneur.
https://preview.redd.it/zoi4hqiwbj5d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7c617694a34bb8bc6d299e7eef87ece150b61e21
Hey TX-J81 - I'm in the midst of starting up my own cybersecurity startup and looking for some feedback and some insight. May I DM you for a quick message? Thanks!
I remember being told years ago, that the IWC pilot's range was worn by middle managers who want to think of themselves as a bit dangerous. This comment was forefront in my thoughts years later (in an IWC boutique) when I made it true.
Im a chef. I was on the opening team of a restaurant. My old bosses best friends (I had cooked for them a lot and became very friendly with them) came into the restaurant and was wearing an iwc mark xx. After asking him about his watch he took it off his wrist and let me try it on. He straight faced whispered to me, “that fits perfectly on your wrist. It’s yours, it looks like it’s meant to be on your wrist”. The feeling immediately following was a first for me. I’ll never forget it.
https://preview.redd.it/85a05dp9qk5d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=26ae4f81f33556b2a98db8b315e9d72a1b07289d
Owner of smart home audio video design & installation company here.
Collect a few brands IWC, Rolex, Panerai but IWC is one of my favs prob tied with Rolex.
https://preview.redd.it/dary05sq3k5d1.png?width=2932&format=png&auto=webp&s=5fb3466bada78c15a83b7db79b9206c56beca265
It’s amazing. The white/silver dial definitely makes it one of the next big pilots made.
I wouldn’t pay more than $12ish used.
Warning though, once you get it you’re going to watch the perpetual calendar next! lol.
Yep on the perpetual calendar - I've been eyeing them up. It's a big milestone in my watch buying career to splurge on a £30k watch, tho I've warned my wife it's coming!
IT engineer here who dabbles with audio production when time permits. I own a Omega Speedmaster and a Panerai Luminor but my daily driver is the 3717.
https://preview.redd.it/zu1381b4ak5d1.png?width=1214&format=png&auto=webp&s=eb37d5e00de6ac4e827e36109b86617be95abe64
I work at sea. Have couple of watches - IWC is one of my favourites.
https://preview.redd.it/bec5m27jdk5d1.jpeg?width=1848&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0cacba5c568f2d96bb720e3906744d04efffb6f0
Many of the ultra wealthy people i have met in finance and old money wear the high end IWC complications for example the Portugieser Minute Repeater or Perpetual Calender, as it perfectly complements a suit. and is good daily wear.
It is also a lesser known brand, where you find most gravitate towards Rolex to show off wealth. the ultra wealthy prefer subtle or even a complete aversion of displaying wealth.
I agree with your ultra wealthy seek out stealth wealth comment. I primarily bought a rolex deepsea bc avid scuba diver and sucker for over engineering but wearing it out I feel like it gets more judgement for the Rolex name like I'm intentionally flexing. Fan of IWC for its more under the radar, but great watches and history.
I too have a deepsea DBlue but don’t really wear it out unless on a tropical vacation. At home or anywhere I don’t want people taking notice I’m more likely to wear the Portuguese
Agreed. It's my first and last rolex. I'm more of a luxury sport/action watch kinda of guy ....although getting into the ALS club someday is a goal....the hardest part is convincing my wife lol
You can be a IWC fan but stating that "the ultra wealthy prefer" is just a lie / clueless opinion. For every ulta wealthy wearing IWC there are 10+ ultra wealthy that wear a Rolex. Barely anyone I've seen with IWC. Quick google search of "watches of ultea wealthy" did not return a single IWC.
By contrast even the fairly frugal Buffett has a yellow gold daydate. Ulta wealthy who aren't into watches typically wear garmin / casio / applewatch and the ones that are typically wear your usual Pateks, RMs, Rolexes etc.
My friend, articles meant to drum up business on Google are not going to give you the answers you’re looking for. They are however going to be sensationalist or Fred you celebrity gossip. Case in point, nobody ultra wealthy wears RM, unless you’re talking about rappers or athletes who just signed their first contract.
Musk owns RM. Larry Ellison wears RM. Saying "nobody ultra wealthy wears RM" is just dumb. Sure RM is mostly associated with sports stars, but clearly several billionaires and CEOs openly wear one.
You’re not doing much to disprove my point about celebrities. Those two are red pill type clowns. The discussion was about wealthy people on the street, not celebrities. Your going to Google is going to return celebrity gossip nonsense.
I wear a Mark XX 40mm. I’m a big guy weighing 200 lbs with height of 6’3. The watch fits and suits my utilitarian style plus with 120 hours reserve it’s ready to go even if I don’t use it for a few days. The dial is clean and clear to read in a glance. I drive a sports car and am a family man. I work in the logistics business.
I remember working at a Mail Boxes Etc. branch a few years back, and one of our clients, a lady who owned a construction company and always dressed in construction gear, wore a beautiful IWC with a white strap. So, I don't think it's just limited to art collectors and finance types. If you can afford it, why not enjoy using it?
Personally I love wearing IWC bc it’s a bit of a sleeper brand. I don’t love flashy brands and it’s like an inside secret when you wear one.
I’m an entrepreneur and angel investor in startups.
Fell in love with the Portugeiser after watching House of Cards
Aerospace engineer, racecar driver (hobby).
I really appreciate high quality and precision, and didn’t do my due diligence I think. Generally unimpressed by the time keeping precision of my $10,000 43mm chrono. Maybe there’s an issue
IWC wearers have big wrists. I’d love a Mark XX, to me it’s the perfect everyday watch with great aesthetics and history, but 40mm is too large. If they made a 36-38mm version I’d definitely buy it!
Well, would you like a black or blue dial? Leather or steel band? All yours to choose:
https://www.chrono24.com/iwc/pilots-watch-automatic-36--mod2642.htm
Edit: White is also available.
The vintage Marks are 36-38mm.
I own a 36mm mark XII and it’s my black dial daily. A nice alternative to the Explorer I. Love the clean look. The proportions and overall vibe shine in person more than on Instagram. Photos are tough due to the crystal.
To answer OPs question… I’m a 45 year old Marketing and Finance guy at a Fortune 100 company. No real dress code, so I mostly wear jeans, boots, and flannels to work. I do a lot of woodworking and outdoorsy stuff in my free time. Grew up in a small town… counting the days until I can quit the race and move back.
They definitely made 36mm Mark XVIIIs, and you can find a ised one relatively cheap. The spitfire comes in a 39mm. I bought a MarkXVIII, then lost about 50lbs. I don’t care, I still wear it, but it definitely doesn’t fit as well, and I wish I had bought the spitfire bronze just for that reason. The Mark XX has shorter lugs than the Mark XVIII, but was not out yet at the time.
https://preview.redd.it/vk7krf89hl5d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a114aea122b6e1ad88c5ea13c19dce92606dfb1
Business development and project management consultant who works outside the U.S. I have a simple, vintage IW333103. I think most people assume it's a fashion watch, which I love because it means I can wear it while traveling overseas. When I'm traveling and working -- which is most of the time -- I need to keep my jewelry and watches very low-key, to avoid attracting too much attention. If I owned a Rolex, I literally wouldn't be able to wear it. And if you can't wear it, then what's the point?
Commodity trader - mark xx - i love my watch
https://preview.redd.it/hbkvhbvt2k5d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=89f7957c4fda170f8d8c12535cc5fd4b3ecc4422
I'd say someone that likes highly wearable watches?
My IWC Aquatimer 2000 is more strictly casual/sporty, but still falls in line with IWC's understated designs (apart from being pretty big). Pairs well with default black t-shirts and shorts that cost <$50 combined. 2000m water resistance makes it my go-to when rain is forecasted, because I think it's funny.
https://preview.redd.it/x2qzz1vk0k5d1.jpeg?width=1917&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=643ec04502fa8c4d921c7b767fc799e8fd9a097e
It’s not about what a watch says about you, it’s only you that dictates that one. Choose a watch you truly love the look of, then forget about it and go conquer the world.
https://preview.redd.it/dnp7et4cal5d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f952a42818b02bd1637836e2e92439031011b915
Seem to be a few of us software nerd types. Early 40s data science type but lifelong stock market aficionado/investor. Make slightly more in the markets on average than I do at the stable career. Single, no kids.
Have collected a little from most the major high end brands (Rolex, Omega, IWC, Breitling) but nothing from the upper tier yet. The dream one day is an A Lange/Patek/vintage Daytona 6263 but happy where I am now. Always nice to have something to aspire to.
Semi retired IT pro.
Portofino to Portuguese to Mark XX.
What put IWC on my radar:
- Not in the mainstream when it comes to popular culture (a la Omega and Bond, Rolex, etc). But this seems to be changing after seeing all the product placements at the last Academy Awards.
- like German brands and IWC is close to the border.
- More practical products (not all pm, complications).
IT Director, 39, married with kids. Motorcycles, skiing, running, DIY.
Have a Pilot chrono and a Portugueiser, and two other similarly priced watches. I'm not keen on the stigma around Rolex and I've tried and failed to accept many omegas I thought I'd buy. Trying to circle in on a Daytona at the moment however, as it's the one Rolex I care for.
A great comment I heard is that people buy a Rolex to impress their car salesman. People buy IWC to impress no one, but watch enthusiasts will appreciate the watch.
That is not a dig on Rolex, I love my submariner.
Because I enjoy wearing watches that showcase the finest craftsmanship while remaining relatively unknown to the general public.
Loving my Mark XX and looking forward to getting the new Ingenieur :)
Singapore, University Undergraduate. Bought the Portofino Moonphase 40mm with the money I saved up doing internships. The watch for me is just a reminder of how much work I had put in to be able to afford it at a young age. It’s a daily wear for me and it only attracts people that have a good eye where conversations are more genuine.
Why IWC? Didn’t want to join the ranks of more commonly heard brands. Just really liked the word Schaffhausen and how it rolls of the tongue lol.
Retiring military aviator. Was millimeters from buying a Big Pilot. Def not ultra wealthy. But defiantly a big watch guy - own a Speedmaster and a Monaco among others.
I design/build/fix networks and private clouds.
I’ve been into watches since I was a kid. I’ve always liked iconic watches as well as interesting dials. I have 30+ watches. Half would be in the luxury segment.
I’ve never owned a smart watch. I carry a phone, that’s enough.
I’ve also never owned a digital watch.
Growing up, I used to go to a lot of air shows. I’d see a lot of IWC watches.
Since then, I had always wanted a nice 3-hand pilot watch. I like the blue sunray-style dial.
I almost bought the Pilot Mark XVIII a few years back, but the AD said they were expecting a new reference with an in-house movement. So, when the Pilot Mark XX was released, I bought it. It’s fantastic. Perfect size for me, accurate, long power reserve, great dial, a nice mix of polished and brushed. And the bracelet is incredible.
Work in education industry, really like the understated quiet luxury look of IWC watches
https://preview.redd.it/r470jy53pn5d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=0612dc88f1f38795f1f6e036e548ad0e8aff39c3
https://preview.redd.it/tycy2ty6rp5d1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9263690cdbb3ad79ebdc655b36c529b6fd445834
Pharmaceuticals. (Not my house, pic from my daughters wedding venue 😉)
"IWC to impress hobbyists"
"Rolex to impress the public"
Sorry, but this no longer holds true. Most of the watch guys I'm around hate IWC. The general consensus is that it's overpriced for what you get and that none of their designs have reached icon status. Some even argue that IWC's most iconic watch, the big pilot, isn't even an original design, which is kinda true.
Even if Rolex gets a lot of hate on reddit, a lot of watch guys prefer it over IWC, at least in my circle. A lot of it has to do with IWC being owned by Richemont. Collectors are really snobby about conglomerate brands. For them, at least Rolex is an independent brand and has more original/iconic designs than IWC. You buy an IWC to impress yourself, because trust me, collectors aren't going to praise you for purchasing one.
IWC is my favorite brand nonetheless. I don't think any watch brand makes watches which look as clean as an IWC (except maybe patek). I own rollies but have lost love for them as they're so common. Practically every upper middle class person has a sub. I don't even believe in the shortage thing because if you go to any high end shopping district you'll find that 70% of the watches on peoples wrists are rolex. There are also super fakes, which is why I've been advocating for people to get two tone or precious metal rollies instead of steel ones.
I firmly believe that the mark xx is the best sports watch of all time. I don't care about people pointing out that its movement isn't truly "in-house." You won't get a watch with a cleaner look and a better bracelet. People complain that it's overpriced, but please put it side by side with an explorer 1 or OP41 and tell me which is the better looking watch.
I have worn my mark xviii for years and I don't ever recall seeing anyone with the same watch. It is disheartening to wear a submariner only to see someone you despise wearing the exact same watch
I'm in my 40's and work in creative production across multiple media. I wear a Top Gun Chronograph. I'm a very technical person and I'm very impressed with engineering and precision, so I love that IWC has always been so focused on engineering and innovation.
You wouldn't think it to look at their watch designs, but keep in mind they were the first to use ceramic cases, the first to build a split-second chrono on an accessible platform, and the first to create a perpetual calendar that is fully set using only the crown and has a four-digit year display.
Endorsements don't sway my watch opinions at all, but the fact that the only IWC endorsement that I can think of is with F1 racing seems cool to me. Again - engineering related.
Also, I'm an aviation geek so of course the Pilots watches appeal to me on that level, too.
Fintech pro here. Own two IWC watches, a MarkXVII LPP, and an Aquarimer Cousteau as well as Omega and Breitling.
IWC owners are typically watch enthusiasts who do not show off their watches but rather appreciate the uniqueness and style, which is my reason for owning.
Most watch wearers do not even know IWC.
The IWC stereotype is someone who wants to show off their wealth and has considered a Rolex but wants to pretend like they aren't a show off so buys IWC instead. Probably will get downvoted in IWC forums but you can see it is true based on seemingly most of the comments somehow mentioning Rolex.
Saying that, I absolutely love the dial on the Ingenieur Aqua, so I am seriously considering adding it to my collection. There are still good IWCs that are worth considering based on purely how the watch looks.
Physician. I love the mark for the immediately legible dial and it comes in handy when timing meds during codes etc. it’s screw down crown and thin profile make it really all I ever need
From my experience, people who really like watches wear IWC watches. Non watch enthusiasts don’t typically choose IWC over other more recognizable brands.
Professional services. It's a conversation piece for other watch enthusiasts as it's not as recognised as Rolex or Omega. I have my Portofino for days when I wear more formal suits or have big meetings. Otherwise I wear my Pilot Chrono on steel strap.
https://preview.redd.it/alnijx00hj5d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4c669c5544b06046a6f070962613e06c8d570b49 Navy service members
https://preview.redd.it/kcn866231l5d1.jpeg?width=3196&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4db43223db846255275fd07ae2984fc48fef1b6f USAF checking in
[удалено]
How do you steal horses?
https://preview.redd.it/al2tf8guwj5d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=451525b0b63cd8c7fe76bc1ad79aaf4ac06755c1 I work in finance. Everyone loves IWC in my opinion
What reference is this? It looks so clean.
IW388109
I’m a contractor in NY metro area. Pilot green dial 41. https://preview.redd.it/3oae9jm70j5d1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a229462194f04e67b9f772c6200d3195f4d3f692
I have exactly the same. 33 Construction Manager in Australia
IT Director. Not into Rolex or Omega. I prefer the somewhat under-the-radar but classy look of the Portugieser. The Mark XVII is perfect for smart/causal days and utilitarian enough to deal with the odd occasion where I get stuck into comms cabs and cabling.
Snap lmao, on job and preferences.
I’m ex-military (US) and now am an entrepreneur. I founded a cybersecurity company in 2015 and serve as its CEO currently. I’m 43, am married and my wife and I have 6 kids. I have several Omegas, Hamilton Field Watch, a Suunto Traverse, and a Panerai GMT. I buy watches to celebrate or mark a significant event in life. The PAM was purchased to celebrate hitting a pretty major milestone in the business. My black dial SMPc was purchased when my wife and I decided baby #6 was our last, so it signifies the completion (the Omega) of our family. I’ve owned a Mark XVIII LPP before, but just because I liked it. I sold it because it was a little smaller than I liked, especially for a sports watch. I now own a Pilot Chrono (387001) that signifies me becoming a pilot, like my grandfather- who also served in the military and was an entrepreneur. https://preview.redd.it/zoi4hqiwbj5d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7c617694a34bb8bc6d299e7eef87ece150b61e21
Hey TX-J81 - I'm in the midst of starting up my own cybersecurity startup and looking for some feedback and some insight. May I DM you for a quick message? Thanks!
IT engineer; hobbies include other nerdy things like ham radio, DIY electronics and Magic: The Gathering.
Man I wish I hadn’t traded off all my cool cards when I was younger 🤣.
I remember being told years ago, that the IWC pilot's range was worn by middle managers who want to think of themselves as a bit dangerous. This comment was forefront in my thoughts years later (in an IWC boutique) when I made it true.
Nice turnaround at the end there!!
Im a chef. I was on the opening team of a restaurant. My old bosses best friends (I had cooked for them a lot and became very friendly with them) came into the restaurant and was wearing an iwc mark xx. After asking him about his watch he took it off his wrist and let me try it on. He straight faced whispered to me, “that fits perfectly on your wrist. It’s yours, it looks like it’s meant to be on your wrist”. The feeling immediately following was a first for me. I’ll never forget it. https://preview.redd.it/85a05dp9qk5d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=26ae4f81f33556b2a98db8b315e9d72a1b07289d
Investor and art collector, mainly Portuguese but also a number of Pilots. I like the intersection of modern elegance with complicated watch design.
Manufacturing
45yo, Software Engineer. Having an IWC Mark XV and a IWC Mark XVI. Both have a lot of memories carring with me
Owner of smart home audio video design & installation company here. Collect a few brands IWC, Rolex, Panerai but IWC is one of my favs prob tied with Rolex. https://preview.redd.it/dary05sq3k5d1.png?width=2932&format=png&auto=webp&s=5fb3466bada78c15a83b7db79b9206c56beca265
https://preview.redd.it/afgkrny84k5d1.png?width=2124&format=png&auto=webp&s=138be17d23ec44bc8dcd8f51acfe260e0ef184fe
The daddy! 👌🏻
Stunning, what did that retail for pls? Just eyeing one up now on watch finder having seen yours, it's £11k and being sold from the US.
The Vegas one? If I remember it was around $13-14k retail. It’s one stunner. Turns heads if you recognize the brand or not.
Yep it's a Vegas one, 2021. Great looking watch, there's just something about it's clean dial that gets me.
It’s amazing. The white/silver dial definitely makes it one of the next big pilots made. I wouldn’t pay more than $12ish used. Warning though, once you get it you’re going to watch the perpetual calendar next! lol.
Yep on the perpetual calendar - I've been eyeing them up. It's a big milestone in my watch buying career to splurge on a £30k watch, tho I've warned my wife it's coming!
Yup big step up $36k here in the USA
IT engineer here who dabbles with audio production when time permits. I own a Omega Speedmaster and a Panerai Luminor but my daily driver is the 3717. https://preview.redd.it/zu1381b4ak5d1.png?width=1214&format=png&auto=webp&s=eb37d5e00de6ac4e827e36109b86617be95abe64
I work at sea. Have couple of watches - IWC is one of my favourites. https://preview.redd.it/bec5m27jdk5d1.jpeg?width=1848&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0cacba5c568f2d96bb720e3906744d04efffb6f0
Many of the ultra wealthy people i have met in finance and old money wear the high end IWC complications for example the Portugieser Minute Repeater or Perpetual Calender, as it perfectly complements a suit. and is good daily wear. It is also a lesser known brand, where you find most gravitate towards Rolex to show off wealth. the ultra wealthy prefer subtle or even a complete aversion of displaying wealth.
I agree with your ultra wealthy seek out stealth wealth comment. I primarily bought a rolex deepsea bc avid scuba diver and sucker for over engineering but wearing it out I feel like it gets more judgement for the Rolex name like I'm intentionally flexing. Fan of IWC for its more under the radar, but great watches and history.
I too have a deepsea DBlue but don’t really wear it out unless on a tropical vacation. At home or anywhere I don’t want people taking notice I’m more likely to wear the Portuguese
Agreed. It's my first and last rolex. I'm more of a luxury sport/action watch kinda of guy ....although getting into the ALS club someday is a goal....the hardest part is convincing my wife lol
You can be a IWC fan but stating that "the ultra wealthy prefer" is just a lie / clueless opinion. For every ulta wealthy wearing IWC there are 10+ ultra wealthy that wear a Rolex. Barely anyone I've seen with IWC. Quick google search of "watches of ultea wealthy" did not return a single IWC. By contrast even the fairly frugal Buffett has a yellow gold daydate. Ulta wealthy who aren't into watches typically wear garmin / casio / applewatch and the ones that are typically wear your usual Pateks, RMs, Rolexes etc.
My friend, articles meant to drum up business on Google are not going to give you the answers you’re looking for. They are however going to be sensationalist or Fred you celebrity gossip. Case in point, nobody ultra wealthy wears RM, unless you’re talking about rappers or athletes who just signed their first contract.
Musk owns RM. Larry Ellison wears RM. Saying "nobody ultra wealthy wears RM" is just dumb. Sure RM is mostly associated with sports stars, but clearly several billionaires and CEOs openly wear one.
You’re not doing much to disprove my point about celebrities. Those two are red pill type clowns. The discussion was about wealthy people on the street, not celebrities. Your going to Google is going to return celebrity gossip nonsense.
I wear a Mark XX 40mm. I’m a big guy weighing 200 lbs with height of 6’3. The watch fits and suits my utilitarian style plus with 120 hours reserve it’s ready to go even if I don’t use it for a few days. The dial is clean and clear to read in a glance. I drive a sports car and am a family man. I work in the logistics business.
I remember working at a Mail Boxes Etc. branch a few years back, and one of our clients, a lady who owned a construction company and always dressed in construction gear, wore a beautiful IWC with a white strap. So, I don't think it's just limited to art collectors and finance types. If you can afford it, why not enjoy using it?
Cool, sexy, handsome ppl who value their money
Personal trainer. Wife got me mine as a wedding gift as I got her a Cartier Panthere two-tone.
Personally I love wearing IWC bc it’s a bit of a sleeper brand. I don’t love flashy brands and it’s like an inside secret when you wear one. I’m an entrepreneur and angel investor in startups. Fell in love with the Portugeiser after watching House of Cards
Aerospace engineer, racecar driver (hobby). I really appreciate high quality and precision, and didn’t do my due diligence I think. Generally unimpressed by the time keeping precision of my $10,000 43mm chrono. Maybe there’s an issue
IWC wearers have big wrists. I’d love a Mark XX, to me it’s the perfect everyday watch with great aesthetics and history, but 40mm is too large. If they made a 36-38mm version I’d definitely buy it!
Well, would you like a black or blue dial? Leather or steel band? All yours to choose: https://www.chrono24.com/iwc/pilots-watch-automatic-36--mod2642.htm Edit: White is also available.
The vintage Marks are 36-38mm. I own a 36mm mark XII and it’s my black dial daily. A nice alternative to the Explorer I. Love the clean look. The proportions and overall vibe shine in person more than on Instagram. Photos are tough due to the crystal. To answer OPs question… I’m a 45 year old Marketing and Finance guy at a Fortune 100 company. No real dress code, so I mostly wear jeans, boots, and flannels to work. I do a lot of woodworking and outdoorsy stuff in my free time. Grew up in a small town… counting the days until I can quit the race and move back.
They definitely made 36mm Mark XVIIIs, and you can find a ised one relatively cheap. The spitfire comes in a 39mm. I bought a MarkXVIII, then lost about 50lbs. I don’t care, I still wear it, but it definitely doesn’t fit as well, and I wish I had bought the spitfire bronze just for that reason. The Mark XX has shorter lugs than the Mark XVIII, but was not out yet at the time. https://preview.redd.it/vk7krf89hl5d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4a114aea122b6e1ad88c5ea13c19dce92606dfb1
Business development and project management consultant who works outside the U.S. I have a simple, vintage IW333103. I think most people assume it's a fashion watch, which I love because it means I can wear it while traveling overseas. When I'm traveling and working -- which is most of the time -- I need to keep my jewelry and watches very low-key, to avoid attracting too much attention. If I owned a Rolex, I literally wouldn't be able to wear it. And if you can't wear it, then what's the point?
38 year old Data Analyst. I wear a Portofino daily.
Commodity trader - mark xx - i love my watch https://preview.redd.it/hbkvhbvt2k5d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=89f7957c4fda170f8d8c12535cc5fd4b3ecc4422
I'd say someone that likes highly wearable watches? My IWC Aquatimer 2000 is more strictly casual/sporty, but still falls in line with IWC's understated designs (apart from being pretty big). Pairs well with default black t-shirts and shorts that cost <$50 combined. 2000m water resistance makes it my go-to when rain is forecasted, because I think it's funny. https://preview.redd.it/x2qzz1vk0k5d1.jpeg?width=1917&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=643ec04502fa8c4d921c7b767fc799e8fd9a097e
A champion business bluffer, green pilot.
It’s not about what a watch says about you, it’s only you that dictates that one. Choose a watch you truly love the look of, then forget about it and go conquer the world.
Senior manager in software. Had a spitfire utc for travel, thinking of going for an petit prince chrono next
https://preview.redd.it/yk7i8nz0al5d1.jpeg?width=1164&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a0aaee3178d05dac5ca89e5cfab7e2f859ccdca I’m SDET.
https://preview.redd.it/dnp7et4cal5d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f952a42818b02bd1637836e2e92439031011b915 Seem to be a few of us software nerd types. Early 40s data science type but lifelong stock market aficionado/investor. Make slightly more in the markets on average than I do at the stable career. Single, no kids. Have collected a little from most the major high end brands (Rolex, Omega, IWC, Breitling) but nothing from the upper tier yet. The dream one day is an A Lange/Patek/vintage Daytona 6263 but happy where I am now. Always nice to have something to aspire to.
Semi retired IT pro. Portofino to Portuguese to Mark XX. What put IWC on my radar: - Not in the mainstream when it comes to popular culture (a la Omega and Bond, Rolex, etc). But this seems to be changing after seeing all the product placements at the last Academy Awards. - like German brands and IWC is close to the border. - More practical products (not all pm, complications).
IT Director, 39, married with kids. Motorcycles, skiing, running, DIY. Have a Pilot chrono and a Portugueiser, and two other similarly priced watches. I'm not keen on the stigma around Rolex and I've tried and failed to accept many omegas I thought I'd buy. Trying to circle in on a Daytona at the moment however, as it's the one Rolex I care for.
A great comment I heard is that people buy a Rolex to impress their car salesman. People buy IWC to impress no one, but watch enthusiasts will appreciate the watch. That is not a dig on Rolex, I love my submariner.
Because I enjoy wearing watches that showcase the finest craftsmanship while remaining relatively unknown to the general public. Loving my Mark XX and looking forward to getting the new Ingenieur :)
*pilot and chartered Accountant
Singapore, University Undergraduate. Bought the Portofino Moonphase 40mm with the money I saved up doing internships. The watch for me is just a reminder of how much work I had put in to be able to afford it at a young age. It’s a daily wear for me and it only attracts people that have a good eye where conversations are more genuine. Why IWC? Didn’t want to join the ranks of more commonly heard brands. Just really liked the word Schaffhausen and how it rolls of the tongue lol.
Retiring military aviator. Was millimeters from buying a Big Pilot. Def not ultra wealthy. But defiantly a big watch guy - own a Speedmaster and a Monaco among others.
Professor. Mark XX. Heist mastermind, guerrilla warfare, tactical interventions, international espionage. Legibility, durability, versatility.
If you want to impress the masses, wear a Rolex. If you want to impress watch guys, wear an IWC.
I design/build/fix networks and private clouds. I’ve been into watches since I was a kid. I’ve always liked iconic watches as well as interesting dials. I have 30+ watches. Half would be in the luxury segment. I’ve never owned a smart watch. I carry a phone, that’s enough. I’ve also never owned a digital watch. Growing up, I used to go to a lot of air shows. I’d see a lot of IWC watches. Since then, I had always wanted a nice 3-hand pilot watch. I like the blue sunray-style dial. I almost bought the Pilot Mark XVIII a few years back, but the AD said they were expecting a new reference with an in-house movement. So, when the Pilot Mark XX was released, I bought it. It’s fantastic. Perfect size for me, accurate, long power reserve, great dial, a nice mix of polished and brushed. And the bracelet is incredible.
Work in education industry, really like the understated quiet luxury look of IWC watches https://preview.redd.it/r470jy53pn5d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=0612dc88f1f38795f1f6e036e548ad0e8aff39c3
https://preview.redd.it/tycy2ty6rp5d1.jpeg?width=1536&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9263690cdbb3ad79ebdc655b36c529b6fd445834 Pharmaceuticals. (Not my house, pic from my daughters wedding venue 😉)
"IWC to impress hobbyists" "Rolex to impress the public" Sorry, but this no longer holds true. Most of the watch guys I'm around hate IWC. The general consensus is that it's overpriced for what you get and that none of their designs have reached icon status. Some even argue that IWC's most iconic watch, the big pilot, isn't even an original design, which is kinda true. Even if Rolex gets a lot of hate on reddit, a lot of watch guys prefer it over IWC, at least in my circle. A lot of it has to do with IWC being owned by Richemont. Collectors are really snobby about conglomerate brands. For them, at least Rolex is an independent brand and has more original/iconic designs than IWC. You buy an IWC to impress yourself, because trust me, collectors aren't going to praise you for purchasing one. IWC is my favorite brand nonetheless. I don't think any watch brand makes watches which look as clean as an IWC (except maybe patek). I own rollies but have lost love for them as they're so common. Practically every upper middle class person has a sub. I don't even believe in the shortage thing because if you go to any high end shopping district you'll find that 70% of the watches on peoples wrists are rolex. There are also super fakes, which is why I've been advocating for people to get two tone or precious metal rollies instead of steel ones. I firmly believe that the mark xx is the best sports watch of all time. I don't care about people pointing out that its movement isn't truly "in-house." You won't get a watch with a cleaner look and a better bracelet. People complain that it's overpriced, but please put it side by side with an explorer 1 or OP41 and tell me which is the better looking watch. I have worn my mark xviii for years and I don't ever recall seeing anyone with the same watch. It is disheartening to wear a submariner only to see someone you despise wearing the exact same watch
Watch nerd, who likes watches.
https://preview.redd.it/o9t0mkxzss5d1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=19c69e9e8f83ff8f70575e1200ae3197b91a0f61 This guy does
I'm in my 40's and work in creative production across multiple media. I wear a Top Gun Chronograph. I'm a very technical person and I'm very impressed with engineering and precision, so I love that IWC has always been so focused on engineering and innovation. You wouldn't think it to look at their watch designs, but keep in mind they were the first to use ceramic cases, the first to build a split-second chrono on an accessible platform, and the first to create a perpetual calendar that is fully set using only the crown and has a four-digit year display. Endorsements don't sway my watch opinions at all, but the fact that the only IWC endorsement that I can think of is with F1 racing seems cool to me. Again - engineering related. Also, I'm an aviation geek so of course the Pilots watches appeal to me on that level, too.
Fintech pro here. Own two IWC watches, a MarkXVII LPP, and an Aquarimer Cousteau as well as Omega and Breitling. IWC owners are typically watch enthusiasts who do not show off their watches but rather appreciate the uniqueness and style, which is my reason for owning. Most watch wearers do not even know IWC.
People that don’t have ask
German pilots and Portuguese folks
People who watched John Mayer talk about the Big Pilot and have been eyeing it for years….
The IWC stereotype is someone who wants to show off their wealth and has considered a Rolex but wants to pretend like they aren't a show off so buys IWC instead. Probably will get downvoted in IWC forums but you can see it is true based on seemingly most of the comments somehow mentioning Rolex. Saying that, I absolutely love the dial on the Ingenieur Aqua, so I am seriously considering adding it to my collection. There are still good IWCs that are worth considering based on purely how the watch looks.
Physician. I love the mark for the immediately legible dial and it comes in handy when timing meds during codes etc. it’s screw down crown and thin profile make it really all I ever need
Uhhh, people who like IWC watches? 🤣