IWC Mark XX 40mm Pilot Watch unboxing, Review, & Walkthrough including a big flaw with EaseX-Change

Here is my review of the IWC Mark XX ( Mark 20) unboxing, review, and walkthrough. I clarify a flaw on the EaseX-Change system causing premature wear and damage straps if changed frequently. Not a big deal if you don't change straps often, and you could use aftermarket straps without EaseX-Change. Regardless, IWC needs to address this.
Correction to the Height dimension, it is 49mm not 45mm
UPDATE: I had this replaced, it appears mine may had been a manufacturing issue. I will be doing an update video to address it further. The one from this video, the straps within the lugs were tighter than they should had been making it more difficult to remove the straps. The replacement is not as tight, the straps are much easier to swap, and the straps are not getting damaged.
Speaking of Straps, go to www.Vintagerstraps.com
Use discount code DougFNJ for 15% your entire order. Only 1 discount applies on his site.
Link to Jeffrey McMahon's Channel could be found here:
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Link to Watch Addiction Rules here:
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‪@JeffreyMcMahon‬
‪@iwcwatches‬
#MarkXX
#Mark20
#watchreview
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#militarywatch
#lumewatch
#pilotwatch

[@Valera_Scotland]

Gorgeous...I decided to get the older Mark XVI, and have no regrets... I prefer many things about the 16, but this 20 is clearly a fantastic watch... Anyone on a smaller budget, do consider the 16 which in my opinion is an absolute classic and definitely not hyped at all, which means the prices are still reasonable In case anyone wondering why I prefer the older model, and if it helps - here it is: - smaller case (only a tiny bit. It's basically the same) - blacked out hands and date wheel which means there are no shiny surfaces on the dial - cheaper! - I like the missing numbers on the 16. Gives it symmetry - case back is cleaner Now the 20 is stunning and perfect, don't get me wrong! I think they are both wonderful. I just don't need any more water resist (60m screw down crown is plenty. I'll never swim with a watch like this anyway), and the white date wheel and more polished surfaces on the whole watch make it less tooly..... - normal spring bars are fine with me. I bought a lovely strap from bulang and sons with a quick change system. Man their straps are just the the best! - I do like having an ETA which will be easy to service, but both are fine. I'm not too concerned about movements Thank you for the great vid. I love that blue dial

[@SL-xy5pn]

I have the 16 as well which I sold the 18 for. I agree with all of your points, no shiny hands, no off-center date window, and a more balanced dial. The numbers are also broken up adding more interest and less fuss to the dial. The 16 remains my most favorite mark to date! Also agree that it's relatively affordable and nobody really talks about it. Let's keep it a secret, shhh...

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you for the helpful, detailed, and thoughtful comment Valera, I’m going to pin this to the top. I like how IWC holds true to the design, and that the changes are subtle. I always prefer better water resistance personally, if it doesn’t have it, I find myself being too careful even though likely don’t need to be. The polish is done just right, but I also wouldn’t had complained if it had none. I’ll take an unpolished tool any time. Thank you again for watching and the time you took to write. Going to have to look up the strap maker.

[@Valera_Scotland]

@@SL-xy5pn ha ha brilliant... we've done well matey

[@Valera_Scotland]

@@DougFNJ thank you so much that's brilliant! Yes, Bulang make superb straps and they ship worldwide too... pricier than some, but really worth it

[@austinzizzi1142]

The 16 is one of the best in the line I discovered how good it was after trying to decide which one I wanted after trading in my spitfire automatic. In the end it was down to the 15 or 16 and I ended up with the 15 just because I wanted more of a field watch than a pilots watch feel

[@coffeeboyclips1973]

Stunning piece, I have the mk18 and tried the blue mk 20 with bracelet and leather, the watch looks better on leather but the bracelet is amazing, easily one of the best. You cant get bored of this watch, it's simple but stunning. Iwc imo beats Rolex and Omega, the brand is for the enthusiast.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

😂

[@danielt.muller7009]

Good review. The scuffing of the straps is an absolute no-go for me and unfortunately confirms my view of IWC that they often miss the mark.

[@DougFNJ]

Hit the nail on the head in so many ways, missed it with the system.....easily fixable though.

[@jamescrawford5805]

Apart from scuffing, have you noticed a rattle. I bought my XX on a bracelet and bought an IWC leather strap. It rattles like a box of nails…. The fitting is awful. Any experience of this?

[@DougsPerspective]

Hi Doug, this is Dougiebaby from the forums. Great video - thank you! A possible solution to decrease the wear on the strap when exchanging could be to hold watch head flat and allow strap to hang down towards ground. Then push release button and slide strap away from case. That way the leather strap will not come in contact with the case and wear.

[@DougFNJ]

Dougiebaby! Great to hear from you. It was ultimately manufacturing. I’ve since gotten a replacement, and that is much easier to work with. I’ll be doing an update video. The straps were so tight on the sides of the lugs, you had to be WAY too careful to remove them. The replacement does not have the same tightness.

[@DougsPerspective]

@@DougFNJ Great to hear that they have corrected it -- as one would want a high quality strap with such a stunning watch.

[@Paka1983]

IWC Mark XV is the best of the series. Hands down. But this new XX comes pretty close.

[@DougFNJ]

The updates on the XX answered a lot of peoples complaints, and created a few others. Choice is always good, thanks for watching Paka

[@JeffreyMcMahon]

Thanks so much for the recommendation. That means a lot to me.

[@DougFNJ]

Well deserved, really enjoy your channel a lot. When a channel has me binge watch content and rewatch some of the videos, you are doing something so right. Can’t wait for the new book!

[@darylwardsnyder4406]

Thanks for a great review. I have the Big Pilot 43 and have had it for a couple of years. I’ve decided it’s too big for my 6 ¾ inch wrist. So, I’m planning on selling it and buying the Mark XX. One thing I noticed in your review. The movement you showed is not the movement inside the Mark XX. The Mark XX has a 120 hour / 5 day power reserve. The movement you showed said three day power reserve on the rotor.

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you for watching, please let me know what you think of it when you get it’s it’s such a great everyday wear piece. I got the movement picture from the IWC website. I have to double check that.

[@wolfdna788]

That extra brown strap is so beautiful

[@DougFNJ]

If it’s not steel, it’s that brown strap or blue rubber.

[@stevens1041]

If I can clinch my promotion, I'll be buying this one. Had my eye on the previous version, once they upped the power reserve, it became an easy choice to make.

[@DougFNJ]

I’m going to be doing an update in this watch too, I have the bracelet. Which version will you be going for?

[@stevens1041]

@@DougFNJ As much as I like all the dial colors (green especially), I'm going with black. Goes with everything and its a classic. This will be my first IWC.

[@judasslip]

Good to finally see more channels talking about this watch. I've had it for about a week, alternating between the leather and rubber strap I bought with it a few times. So far I haven't managed to scrape the leather, I wonder how often you've had to change straps before you noticed damage on the leather? It's good to know though for would be owners.

[@DougFNJ]

Macro shots are hard to get perfect focus, took a lot of takes to get a couple of good ones, probably at least 20 times. Rubber at least likely wouldn’t be affected like that.

[@judasslip]

@@DougFNJ Just goes to show how much effort goes into your videos, and it shows! The way I do it is when removing the strap, I hold the watch dial up with one hand, then pinch the button to unlock and angle the strap downwards so it almost perpendicular with the watch case, lift the strap upwards to ease it out of the hook. This way the strap head doesn't hit the side of the case. When putting on the strap, I find it easier having the dial facing down, and pulling the strap away from the case after snagging the spring bar on to the hooked part. The first few times, I did it wearing a loupe to actually see how the parts were engaging. I've tested this method over a dozen times already, and no marks whatsoever on the leather. I wouldn't say it's a design flaw, it just needs the right technique.

[@alneal2954]

You won’t scrape the leather if you remove the strap correctly. I have the watch and no scrapes on the leather. This guy is wrong!!!

[@thegorn]

@@alneal2954 Sounds like IWC just need to put in the manual how to properly swap straps. I think it's great that the video addresses this.

[@bmike679]

One of the best reviews thank you. Amazing.

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you very much

[@julianread1996]

Great video! A cool watch that although is industrial and machine finished still punches some excellent quality at the price.

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you Julian, 100% agree

[@anth012]

Another great review. You're killing it Doug. Your content is superbly researched and put together. Really enjoyed watching this chanel grow over the years. Keep up the great work.

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you Anthony, always appreciate the feedback. Always working on improvements.

[@mr.seyfried1652]

32111 is actually not a full in-house movement, although it is advertised so by IWC. It is a group use movement developed by ValFleurier first used in Cartier as 1904 MC. Now the modified versions of this movement have been used by many brands under Richemont-VC, Panerai, Cartier and in this case IWC 321111.

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you for watching and taking time to comment. The extra information is always helpful.

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you for watching and taking time to comment. The extra information is always helpful.

[@alneal2954]

How do you know this? Please quantify you assertion!

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

It’s not even remotely in house. It’s based on the ETA 2892. Just another example of a Swiss watch manufacturer trying to fool the consumer with the whole “in house” nonsense.

[@mr.seyfried1652]

@@whereRbearsTeeth no it’s not ETA they used to use ETA or SW300 in their mark 18 but spitfire and marks 20 uses group movement developed by the group.

[@BB-gl7zt]

Thanks for releasing this review, Doug. Not too many videos of this excellent watch out there yet!

[@DougFNJ]

It was such a quiet release, surprised not more content. Happy to do it.

[@aleemmohamed2467]

That's unbelievable. Love your channel, good stuff.

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you so much! Much more coming up this year.

[@adbraham]

Good move getting the brown strap: IMO works better than the blue strap does with the blue dial.

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you, I always prefer brown straps, it works really well with the blue.

[@randyreynolds1045]

Best watch i have ever had!

[@DougFNJ]

Which version do you have?

[@darrenporter1850]

I like the look of these watches

[@DougFNJ]

Something to be said about simplicity, the blue IWC uses is rich

[@underthecuffofficial]

Great video but the cutaway of the movement is the wrong movement. It’s a 32110 (the old 3 day power reserve movement). Other than that, loved the detail of the review and plenty of watch shots which I loved. Shame about the strap catching on the edge of the case. Let’s hope IWC resolve that soon. Or keep offering you free straps anyway 😆. 👍😎

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you, was looking up the movement through the IWC site, appreciate the correction on that. Feedback is always helpful. Been working on improving the video quality, really glad it’s paying off. This watch photographs really well, the dial is so well finished. In the end, the AD was incredible to work with, ended up exchanging up to a 41mm Chrono on bracelet. Fit and finish ended up working out better.

[@Mega-zi7ys]

It's a 120 hr PR ( Baume et Mercier 5 day movement from ValFleurier

[@vntgmike]

Oh cmon McMahon! He’s hilarious 😂 great watch content too! 8:08

[@DougFNJ]

Love that guy’s content. Hilarious and scary amount I can relate to. 😂

[@Fetishmale]

IWC sells the replacement strap for 405$ USD of from 325$ with out the EasX-CHANGE system and there is NO buckle on it WTF! Then is not fast, or easy to change the strap! And the has "left out" that there is no buckle on the replacement strap on there website... That is just plain greed and bad customer service Update: IWC had made an "important message" when you push the buy button, that the strap has no buckle, probably because of bad feedback :)

[@Fetishmale]

it just dawned on me, IWC must have spent several engineer hours making a brand new buckle that could be "easily" removed, the old buckle probable costs IWC, high set, 3$ to make... but no, they went out and made a new STUPID, engineered and more expensive one

[@DougFNJ]

The replacement strap is $280 USD. I compare it to Panerai, they don’t include the buckles on their straps, but as I showed in the video, the buckle swaps out easy.

[@Fetishmale]

@@DougFNJ I have found the price on IWC website for the EU (Denmark), and it was 405$ (USD) for the replacement strap with the quick change system. And also found lots of websites with IWC buckles, some even with fake IWC branded buckles, so there is definitely a market for them, as IWC will not sell you one for reasons...

[@qwertyman9560]

I don't think this has a soft iron inner cage. I don't see it anywhere mentioned in their website, though the Mark 18 specifically does so. The new big pilot and 41 mm chronograph also does not have the soft iron inner cage anymore.

[@DougFNJ]

I confirmed directly with IWC, and surprised they don’t market it. Mark XX does have the soft iron inner cage, and you are correct on the Pilot 41 Chrono, that does not, I’m guessing due to the sapphire back.

[@qwertyman9560]

@@DougFNJ Thanks for confirming, yes the whole thing seems so bizarre ! I would think a watch so iconic for the brand should be getting a little more publicity and fanfare!

[@DougFNJ]

@@qwertyman9560 I’m going to guess they want to sell off remaining stock of the Mark XVIII watches.

[@harry-eto]

If you angle the strap 90° while removing it, the leather doesn't get scratched.

[@DougFNJ]

I did a follow up video, the issue was the watch itself. Something up between the lugs and the tightness. It was replaced and the new one had zero issues with strap swaps.

[@goldencalf5144]

Great review

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you very much 😁👍

[@michaelbishop9157]

is there a reason they don't use applied numerals ?

[@DougFNJ]

Good question, Im guessing a simpler look.

[@jeffreysbaysurftrips3686]

Great video! Would IWC due to this strap flaw create a new case?or rather new straps?Would be a bummer if they would release a new case due to this problem as current owners of the Mark XX would have then a "old style case" of the new model. Is this problem also occurring on the rubber easx-change straps for this model?I reckon rubber is a bit more durable then leather....

[@DougFNJ]

I definitely wouldn’t worry about rubber. Being that EaseX-change is more strap based, I’d hope any adjustments would be made in the straps. Easier to replace if the issue happens.

[@therealtw90]

Why do Mfg nearly always put the anti reflective coating on the outside. It's really dumb. It smudges like a non AR crystal when it's outside. No extra cost to do it on inside of crystal, just coat one side and make that the inside.

[@DougFNJ]

great question Tyler, Rolex does it inside only, main issue with the outside I have is that the exterior coating could mark up and make the crystal look scratched

[@bobj8877]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing the link!

[@DougFNJ]

Thanks for watching Bob! Love his videos. Gets me thinking.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Can’t imagine not buying this watch on the bracelet..

[@DougFNJ]

I typically buy the watches on the bracelet and purchase straps after. Best value typically, the bracelets are usually much more expensive after the fact.

[@adbraham]

Not sure why they keep up with this “soft iron inner case” nonsense; why don’t they just use a silicon balance spring like everybody else? That way they could have a display case back to show off their new in-house movement 🙄

[@DougFNJ]

It's still under patent by Rolex and Swatch Group. When the patent expires, all manufacturers will be able to modify their movements with the silicon.

[@Ossory88]

Why don't they make just the whole watch of silicon? That way the tolerances could be near zero point zero. Hell, why not just put a quartz movement in? Perfect time keeping.... Sometimes it's not about the perfect solution but about doing things the good old way. You know? Like mechanical watches.

[@threefive2072]

nice review. a couple details i may have missed ... did you measure the lug to lug? does the crown screw down? thx.

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you. Lug to lug is 49mm and the crown does screw down. Thanks for watching.

[@namaguitar]

'The height is 45mm'? , you mean lug -to-lug ? I thought it's 49mm. correct me if I'm wrong:)

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you for the correction, will edit that to reflect correct dimensions.

[@namaguitar]

@@DougFNJ I kinda hoped that’s actually 45mm haha.

[@jerryjensen6430]

Nice pilot! Unfortunately they did not put it together correctly! A slight cutout in case or slightly larger lugs could fix the strap rubbing issue!

[@DougFNJ]

They don’t even need to touch the case, just a couple adjustments to the strap ends and they’ll have it down.

[@austinzizzi1142]

They really listened to everything

[@DougFNJ]

They did, I think this will be a huge seller.

[@SagarPatel-gm4oq]

Good video. Could you compare this with Tissot T1164101104700 watch? I agree its insane to compare, however the dial, colour etc. is quite similar to IWC. Anyway, I have IWC Pilot look-a-like which is Swiss made too. Thanks

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you 😬👍

[@coffeeisgood102]

Very nice watch but wish it came in 46 mm. I checked IWC web page but did not see it. It has great style and very easy to read.

[@DougFNJ]

Have you looked at the 46mm Big Pilot's watches?

[@jeremydahm2124]

It's a handsome watch but I still prefer the looks of the XIII. The polished ring around the bezel, white date wheel, smooshed in dial are not improvements for me. Prefer the XIII's hands as well. It looks fancier and lost some the cool tool classic beauty of the XIII in my opinion. Less of a real pilot watch, more of a fancy homage to... Like the Rolex 214270 (which i love) is an homage to a field watch but certainly not a field watch any more. That said, tough to justify 5200 for the XIII on bracelet. The XX and the new 41mm chronos are starting to bring the value to the brand now with inhouse movements and the amazing bracelets.

[@DougFNJ]

I think the IWC bracelets are perfection! Especially now that they are tapering it down, these are the most comfortable. With the hidden extension the way its done, other brands should learn from this. I like the touches, but wish they kept the black version more tool looking.

[@RJGuitz]

Damn. Torn between the IWC MKXX or the new Tudor Pelagos 39.

[@DougFNJ]

Mark XX will be easier to get, unless you want it on bracelet, will have to wait a little bit for the release.

[@wqsnsr8]

Definitely IWC

[@coffeeboyclips1973]

Get the iwc, you don't want a Rolex copy with ugly hands, iwc is up their with Rolex, JLC etc Tudor is in the same league as Longines and Oris.

[@wqsnsr8]

@@coffeeboyclips1973IWC is on Rolex level no doubt but Tudor is definitely not on same level as Oris,Longines or Tag, I would say Tudor is one level below Omega

[@coffeeboyclips1973]

@@wqsnsr8 Tag is one level below Omega, I'd put Tudor below Tag so same as Longines and Oris. I've owned a Tudor bb58, it was a really boring watch and I didn't like the snowflake hands so sold it on. I prefer Longines designs to Tudor.

[@dereklee6057]

That leather pouch/box looks really great! Are those made in Italy too same as the strap? I heard some are made in Thailand

[@DougFNJ]

I’m not sure, going to have to ask my AD to check into that for me. IWC definitely knows how to create a nice unboxing experience and presentation. Top quality!

[@eprohoda]

Good day-superb conttent.

[@DougFNJ]

Thank you so much!

[@ericmoss8344]

Great release from IWC!! Wonder how long before the actual bracelet will be released and at what cost??

[@DougFNJ]

Sounds like some people in Europe are able to purchase on bracelet right now. A sales associate said the bracelet will likely be released separate nearly next year.

[@ericmoss8344]

@@DougFNJ Thanks for the update and that suxs... it's always cheaper to purchase the bracelet w/the watch as a package vs buying it later. Too bad they're not available now as this would be very high on my purchase list.

[@wallpaper000]

Went to zurich iwc store, they had the bracelet version in stock at approx 1k more

[@ericmoss8344]

@@wallpaper000 Good to know they're out there... $1K seems quite steep for an IWC bracelet option but I guess it's priced what they want. I know prices have gone up on everything but Omegas/Breitlings/Glashutte Original and others... it seems like to get the bracelet when buying the watch (vs strap) is usually $200-$300 more at that time, but near $1K when ordering the bracelet alone. I suppose it's something to consider.

[@JJJosh949]

I hate that they turned the date window to white… in fact wished they offered a no date version 😔

[@DougFNJ]

I can't have a watch without that date. I don't mind the white as it matches the rest of the markers.

[@2big2fail29]

Any infos on a white dial?

[@DougFNJ]

Haven’t heard anything yet, I’m sure they will have multiple versions of the Mark XX

[@topgun1324]

I like it.

[@DougFNJ]

Such a great watch.

[@badralsharif6575]

Can’t decide between this and the Spitfire

[@DougFNJ]

If you have a larger wrist, this may work, if you have a smaller wrist, Spitfire has some really nice options.

[@rollotomassi7437]

Why don’t you give price?

[@DougFNJ]

The video stays up forever, prices change, dollar vs other currencies change, different AD’s offer discounts, and it’s easily found on the product pages.

[@duncanidaho2130]

Price?!

[@jeromevienne715]

Not Very différence between this one ans mark 18 ...

[@DougFNJ]

Main differences are internal. Movement, power reserve, 100 Meter Water resistant.

[@Mega-zi7ys]

Baume et Mercier 5 day movement from ValFleurier

[@mendipfox1650]

ETA based in-house movement. Cheeky!

[@DougFNJ]

ETA is under patent by Swatch Group. Manufactures outside of that group haven’t been able to use ETA for awhile. See Mr Seyfried’s comment.

[@Mega-zi7ys]

Not ETA but still 3rd party movement inside.. It Shares movement with Baume et Mercier 5 day movement from ValFleurier

[@mendipfox1650]

@@Mega-zi7ys the calibre 32111 is based in the previous generation 32110 which used a ETA 2892-A2 base. Come on. It’s not rocket science.

[@Mega-zi7ys]

@@mendipfox1650 current one is val fleurier not ETA...still 3rd party. but not ETA . Eta no longer sells movements to others. Still it's just not cool for iwc to sell a mark xx that's 99% the same as the mark xviii then still use 3rd party movements (as as used in baume and Mercie) .. it's just plain lazy . Iwc been off my radar for a long time now. They've lost their way. They pretty much screwed up the ingenuer as well. They made a good design then put in a sellita movement, then they changed the design that now looks awful 🤨.

[@MeestroDavid]

@@mendipfox1650 the 32111 isn't based on the 32110 at all-the 32111 is a distinct movement developed by ValFleurier (owned by the same parent company that owns IWC, Panerai, B&M, etc), whereas the 32110 was a modified & decorated Sellita or ETA depending on the year of manufacture.

[@tongotongo3143]

I think the issue with the strap is your fault.

[@DougFNJ]

I’d agree if I didn’t get the second one that was much easier than the first one. I think it was the watch I got.

[@DzejWiJV]

I like the watch but I can't afford it 😭

[@DougFNJ]

Sell sell sell then buy lol

[@hayios0]

awful stitching on the strap considering the price

[@DougFNJ]

The strap system definitely needs improvement. If the bracelet is like the 41mm Chrono, it will be next level.

[@wqsnsr8]

I think Mark 18 is more beautiful

[@DougFNJ]

I love the look of both, its nice that both are available which makes it a choice. Mark XX is more functional with the updated specs.

[@yashara1e]

One of my grails

[@DougFNJ]

Have you gotten one yet?

[@yashara1e]

@@DougFNJ I wish

[@AcmeRocket]

45mm is inaccurate

[@DougFNJ]

Thanks JVM, added the correction in the video, always appreciate the feedback

[@Trilogysworld]

They copied the Longines spirit smh if I was longines I would sue them

[@DougFNJ]

This one was an original, Longines, Hamilton, Seiko, Timex, etc have made their own versions of pilots. They typically take design feedback directly from pilots.

[@Trilogysworld]

Funny it looks exactly like the Longines spirit 40m

[@coffeeboyclips1973]

Haha, this design is very similar to the mark 18, that came out way before the Longines, iwc are in a different league to Longines, I use to own a spirit, not a bad watch but the iwc for me is better in every way.

[@gregandark8571]

This watch is too much overrated 😅

[@DougFNJ]

Thanks for watching. Curious why you feel that way?

[@gregandark8571]

@@DougFNJ Because a part the very nice dial,this watch is not bringing nothing of special.The movement is based on some ETA caliber and so on ... So if i had to choose over this IWC vs Oris big crown pointer date with caliber 403 made from 0 in house + 10 years of warranty,then of course! i will never hesitate to buy the Oris 403 which is not only better mechanically,but also it's less expensive for circa 2k.

[@DougFNJ]

@@gregandark8571 Thanks Gregan, always like to hear the perspective. I’ll tell you what, Oris is very much up and coming and doing many things right, there is always something about their designs that turn me off enough to not buy one. The bezel design, the use of a sunray dial, always something. I’m sure at some point they will release something that will tick all the boxes and looking forward owning one when they do.

[@Sibbe2560]

Yet another boring and heavily overpriced IWC watch.

[@DougFNJ]

All subjective of course. I’m a fan of the simplicity and versatility.

[@tongotongo3143]

Actually this model is one of the cheapest among all IWC watches. The watch itself is historical and legendary, the dial is quite busy yet very easy to read, I don’t see it’s being boring, for a three hand watch it’s quite exciting and dynamic enough.