The New Favorite Watch: The IWC Mark XX

[@lukewalker1051]

It is very good watch for sure. Nice comments about your Dad. I was fortunate...the biggest gift in my life, to have great parents as well. I am old now and my father is long gone and I still keep his Longines in my watch drawer as a reminder of him.

[@guylong42]

Just got mine in blue 3 weeks ago and same thing explorer 1 is staying in the watch box. I really felt in love with it.

[@manuelcdq]

I have both, Explorer 214270 39mm and Pilot MarkXX. And the most that i prefer is the IWC.

[@temujen]

Some of the best watch reviews out there. Never just a spec or ad read, but also not too out there in the ether either. Gorgeous watch!

[@MrCdmorenot]

I’m six crowns deep at the moment and am currently pursuing a Mark XX. The watch is nearly perfect. The proportions, the bracelet, power reserve is nuts on this one. Only thing holding me back is that I know for a fact, the Explorer will remain largely untouched.

[@MichaelRimmer-qx8jp]

I own both and the Explorer still gets wrist time. Have the white dial Mark XX though, so that differentiates it

[@Leo-gh7nz]

I've been recommending this as the best one-watch collection for a while now, basically since I purchased one. 100M WR, nice size, quick strap change system. Speaking of the quick change system, the IWC has the best implementation of this imo because it's the easiest and most tactile to use but it's NOT a closed system. For example, Cartier and VC have really good systems, but you can't just use any strap you want with those watches. Longines has a system where the quick change is built into the strap itself, but it's not as tactile as the IWC and you are left without springbars on the watch if you remove the bracelet or strap. If you remove the IWC strap, you are left with the case and standard springbars sitting on the watch. So you could even quickly swap in a NATO if you wanted. And the IWC legit looks good on all 3 strap options - steel, rubber, leather. Then you add that each are quite high quality. The bracelet has an ingenious microadjust system and easy to change links (only the Santos has an easier system imo). If you want just 1 do it all watch, get this. If 1 is a bit boring, get the Tudor BB54 as a second watch, and then GTFO the hobby with under $10k spent.

[@davidgant6720]

It’s just one of those watches that you don’t realize how good it is until you put it on the wrist. Amazing.

[@barlow1973]

I have had two IWC Mari XVIII, Petit Prínce with blue dial and bracelet and the black one. They are virtually identical except for the caliber. After the honeymoon I ended up selling both. However, my 2006 Rolex Explorer 36 mm is still in love with me for comfort, discretion and versatility. It goes more unnoticed than the IWC without a doubt. In any case, the Mark XX is a great watch. Congratulations and enjoy it!

[@perudolux]

Had the same experience with a XVI.. my explorer is still on my wrist for the exact same reasons

[@justingalore123]

The IWC mark is a perfect watch. And great to celebrate our Dads.

[@LemonJelloQQQ]

Time for them to update a 36 or 38mm option! Love all these updates for the XX. Thanks for the thoughtful review

[@scott7841]

I got my IWC Mark XX about 1 1/2 years ago (green dial). I have over a half of a dozen other watches. But, honestly, since I've had this watch, it has received the most wrist time - by far. It's just the perfect daily wearer for so many reasons. And I am surprised IWC, as a brand, does not get more attention than it gets.

[@therascals8237]

I got the blue Mark XX on the bracelet a few months ago. It's been a great daily watch for me. I like it best on the rubber strap. I also like wearing it on a mustard yellow nato strap. It's so easy to change straps..no need to remove the spring bars. I agree with your assessment on the adjustment on the bracelet..I wish it had a couple more clicks available. The reason is that there is a huge jump in size when you take out one link. The jumping minute hand is annoying, but I can live with it. I do wish it was cosc certified, which I don't think is unreasonable for a swiss watch at the $6k price point. The dual AR is a blessing and curse. I love that I can see that beautiful dial so so well. I hope the front surface AR holds up. ARC tech has improved over the years for water beading and durability (at least for eyeglasses) so hopefully this holds for watches as well. I do wish the lume was better. For nighttime use I will switch to my Tudor Ranger. Otherwise I love everything about the dial, numerals, hands, second hand, date window, and proportions. Case finishing, size, shape, crown are also wonderful. To me, it's the perfect daily watch overall.

[@technologist1412]

I agree 100%. I have the XX Spitfire, same design, just different colors. Came on a green strap and had IWC throw in a black pilot style silicone band. Between the two option, the watch literally goes with everything.

[@WhoDatNinja09]

I had my eye on this for over a year before purchasing, it’s been in my collection for a few months and I’m still blown away with the wearability, given the size on my 6.5 inch wrist, this fits like a glove. Price had me hesitant for a while but I don’t regret it. I see myself owning this for a while.

[@PPN462]

I bought a blue Mark XX a few weeks ago too. I appreciate its simplicity/legibility and the 120 hours power reserve. One of the best strap system and best bracelet out there with the hidden button for micro-adjustment. The only things that could be improved is lume and the quirky movement behavior you mentioned. Not really issues but some minor annoyance. It's a great watch when you need something that is no nonsense amid a collection of fancy and shiny Rolex or GS.

[@nathanlikert9866]

Definitely the best modern Mark, but still can't beat the Mark XII. The sword hands are from German flieger watches, while the Mark series has RAF heritage, using the clipped hour hand of the Mark XI. The newer Marks blend those two awkwardly. The new font also looks like Comic Sans. Other than that, it's great!

[@nicolasv99]

I still favour the size and styling of the Mark XV, which I find to be the perfect modern pilot watch, but the long power reserve and the clasp of this newer iteration are quite nice. Great honest and competent review.

[@scottelmore4894]

Now I want a Mark XX too! Great job son!

[@y3n0]

I recently acquired the Mark XV and I love it. The 38mm case is perfect for my wrist, imo (7.25"). I wish i got it with the OEM bracelet though---IWC still sells them, but for a whopping $1500. I am intrigued with the Mark XX, though as the dial is great. Anything between the XV and the XX, I have major nitpicks with the dials.

[@johnnyguitar6697]

Agree with you. The Mark XX is easily the best model since the Mark XV.

[@cantcatchm3m5]

I prefer the explorer because the dial is more symmetrical. My OCD keeps noticing the 2, date and 4 line up vertically but the 8,9,10 form an arc. It’s like the movement is too small to get the date window further out.

[@StanberryMusse]

I've recently began my obsession as a watch collector. And i must say- out of all the luxury brands I've been researching, for me the AMZWATCH's watches are the most intriguing.

[@robertp5123]

Harrison, love your IWC timepiece. I have a IWC “Spitfire” green dial. It’s definitely a nice watch. Moyer is a very nice boutique. I was lucky to pick up my Zenith El Premerio - Aaron Rodgers watch at Moyer. Bill and Gideon provide exceptional customer service.

[@spencerstein8525]

Got the Mark XX with silver/white dial about 3 weeks ago. Still in the honeymoon phase, but it’s been terrific. Incredibly comfortable and legible. One of the best GADA watches in the market. Have other blue, black and green dial watches in the collection so the silver/white dial is a nice change of pace for me and adds a bit of distinctiveness to the watch.

[@prabhukavi9779]

The date window placement bothers me on recent IWC Pilots. The Mark XV’s placement is perfect.

[@KnifeWatch]

When you wear a watch every day, this becomes the first thing you forget

[@tedj9]

Couldn't agree more. The movement is too small for the case size, bringing the date too close to the centre of the dial. The mark XV was much better. I even prefer the mark XII's date placement over the current mark XX.

[@ArchDrake]

2-year Mark XX owner here. Get yourself a loopless blue Artem sailcloth strap. The dial's blue is the exact same as the strap and it looks even better than the OEM leather strap. :)

[@LarsVader23]

7:57 Exactly! This is not talked about enough. IWC watches are crazy legible and over the years this became the absolute key feature for me. I own watches with domed saphire crystals and one layer of AR coating on the underside of it. They create harsh reflections making it harder to read the time. Same for chrome hands. As an everyday wearer the Mark XX is my absolute grail watch. Hope to purchase it one day.

[@Anonymouslyme1]

What bugs me is the chickens head at 12 o’clock it’s all I see 😂😂

[@dvdaltizer]

Been eyeballing these for a while and it’s been a toss up between this or an Explorer but this video really convinced me to go for the IWC Also, thank you for mentioning the blue dial! I was going to go with the black but that’s so cool that it almost looks black most of the time, but you get a nice blue shine in different lighting. Awesome.

[@evanc1974]

Great video. What would you consider alternatives to this watch? Thank you

[@hammalamiri12]

I don’t own a mark xx and for the longest time I always thought it was overpriced and had extra long lugs = herd mentality - however after getting hands on a few times now. It’s genuinely a perfect watch. An explorer 40mm and an IWC mark xx blue can be a perfect duo. Both exceptional and both perfect imho

[@PPN462]

The Mark XX honestly is a better spec-ed watch and makes the Explorer obsolete unless you absolutely love the Explorer design. It is very likely that you are going to wear one a lot more than the other. IMO if you want a perfect duo, you are better off balancing it out and pairing the Mark XX with something dressier/fancier in the Rolex lineup like a Datejust or a Yachmaster.

[@willbrink]

That may be the first IWC I'd have any interest in.

[@ogramail]

Great watch though I would have like to see an open case back to be able to contemplate the beautiful movement. I know it is a sporty GADA watch but it is a deal breaker for me. I do agree on the fact that part of the charm of the XX is that it is under the radar for a luxury watch. But, it is a bit too expensive to create such an effect: I would pick up a Longines Spirit to get a great watch, similar flyer design, great details and finitions for a portion of the price. But it is just my modest opinion. Great review as always Harrison

[@Pete22222]

Had mine since early this spring. Such a great watch and the best bracelet on the market

[@underdog5081]

Great review and love the story behind this. Many congrats on this purchase. All the best

[@timgerber5563]

Congrats, Sir! I think the blue dial looks the best out of the different dial colour options with the steel bracelet, but it looks even more amazing on the brown leather strap. Personally, I‘ve decided for the spitfire, because I feel it looks a bit more like the mark xi and the mark xx actually looks more like a „baumuster a“ flieger, but both are amazing watches. I wear my spitfire on Natos during the summer (green and sand coloured looks amazing) and on a brown leather strap mostly during winter, because it matches my red wing moc toe boots. Love the watch, but maybe if one day I have too much money, I would even get the mark xx as well just because it looks so amazing on the steel bracelet.

[@alec1234554321]

Got mine in September. Still in love with it

[@ConsentinoBiagi]

My favorite 2024 is the Prospex Limited Edition 1965 Recreation European Exclusive in Gradation Island Blue. The dial is stunning and the contrast when on a white strap is to die for. I will get my hands on one from MAMACOO

[@rnunez70681]

Tom.Cruise wore an IWC Mark XV on Vanilla Sky, and there are a couple of shots in the movie where you can clearly see it. I blame that watch, and that movie, for getting me into this rabbit hole of watch collecting and owning. See, before that I was more than happy with my first Sub, a 16610 that I bought back in the late 90s for $2800. Then I saw that movie, and that watch on a black leather strap, with all the arabic numbers on it just looked cool. I started looking for what model it was, I did not know anything about IWC or watches on straps. For me Rolex and bracelet rolex watches were king, and I day dreamed of owning a day date one day for special occasions and my Sub for every day. Then I found IWC, then AP, then VC, Breguet, JLC, etc and I really wanted a watch on a strap and I haven't found the one, I love arabic numbers and the ALS 1815 fits the bill but i can't afford it. Maybe I should just get the Mark XV or this Mark XX and have a 2 piece collection along with my 16570 Polar and call it a day. I do waste a lot of time browsing for watches and it needs to stop, it has become a lot more complicated that it needs to be.

[@douglasmstewart]

I had been eyeballing the Mark XX recently as well. This may have pushed me into the buy zone.

[@mbell7498]

When I had to choose my first "big" watch the IWC was one of the candidates, but in the end I opted for an Aqua Terra, and I must say that I didn't regret it. I still like the IWC, despite having bought a Bremont which satisfied my desire to have a Pilot. Basically with the 30% discount I got for the Aqua Terra, and the fact that the Bremont was second hand at a third of the price, I spent on these two watches like the IWC.

[@sammansoor8531]

Nice review pal. The bracelet is made by Brogioli SA. They made bracelets for other Richemont brands (among others)

[@rocksolidhugo]

My favourite dial design brand EVER

[@kahsings]

You can never go wrong with any of the Marks

[@coffeeboyclips1973]

I own the mark 18 in black, i cant seem to ever get bored of it and have worn it almost 3 years. If i was to change, it would only be for another iwc, possibly the mark xx in black or blue. Iwc is my favourite brand, wish they weren't so expensive though 😊

[@Dailyfixcarry]

Great informative review. This rundown of the watch would the mark 20 in my want list. Thanks man !

[@TheKornheaD]

compared to a similar Sinn watch, is it better value for money?

[@richardlocke7264]

Nice watch, it is on my short list. Regarding double AR coatings: I have a Zenith Rainbow (El Primero) that I purchased approx 20 years ago with double AR coating. I loved the clarity! Anyway, I could see the scratches but only at certain lighting and angles. ( it took an effort to see the scratches). This year I had the Zenith serviced and my watchmaker removed the scratched outer AR coating. So, enjoy the double coating and in 20+ years have it removed- Its all good. They are much more durable than people think.

[@seankayn]

This was an amazing episode. Thanks for comparing to the explorer plus the side by side shot with other watches too. Great job.

[@willraz]

Did you consider the green dial? Recently saw the green on bracelet and I was blown away

[@PineapplePizza1]

Entry level! It's $5000+

[@Falkenroth1]

I’m actually a Tudor Ranger fan, latest model. I do like the look of this watch. I love a clean dial.

[@kushing80]

Great review! Spot on regard the merits of the bracelet. As a Mark XX and Explorer 36 owner, I have to say that they wear quite differently. The IWC is a more substantial daily whereas the Explorer wears more like a dress watch. Both are GADA watches though. BTW - you must have worked in retail or marketing 'Endcap' ;-)

[@rodrigosaccosilva7109]

I am between a mark xx white dial in bracelet, omega aquaterra teak black dial in rubber strap or tudor ranger/pelagos39. Actually i own a conquest black and carrera blue. Any opinion or help for my choice? Thanks

[@johnnyguitar6697]

I will probably pick this model, in blue, on the leather strap, plus a couple of rubber straps to boot. Great watch. I just wish that all of the indices were lumed, instead of just the cardinal points.

[@jacekbzdzikot2704]

Mark xx is greats watch, maybe favorite from all my watches 🤞 I have decide to get the green one, so vibrant coulor

[@Iwantproblems]

At 6:32 is there a finishing defect by the tip of the hand? There seems to be a couple of paint scuffs 😳

[@porkadobo5035]

Terrific video yet again, my friend!

[@HarrisonElmore]

Thanks again!

[@BonDijon]

excited to see the review of your dads watch! are you also going to review your ma's watch as well?

[@trevorhirst5096]

i want one, but i feel that the finishing on the bracelet and the case is wildly different - like they are made for different pieces and just sorted together. kinda seiko like. I might also feel that the lack of taper on the bracelet makes it feel outdated. Also I noticed a few detail issues on your macro shots - dot in lume on upper triangle, smudge on your hour hand tip, weird pattern on the dial near date window, etc. that's not cool at this price range.

[@TonySmithyman]

Had the Mark 18 with the Eze X strap system. After the snap on buckle continued to just fall off, I lost all faith in the brand, looked great as well as I didn't want any other branded strap, sold not long after, such a shame. In other news your reviews however are superb.

[@mjhastings4534]

I love the mark xx just wish theyd be more transparent about accuracy of that beautiful in house movement

[@Youy0u3010]

Nice review..IWC watches have to be worn to be really appreciated. Once you own one you always struggle to reach for another watch in the rotation!

[@davidb9531]

I love this piece, I think watch nerds need to buy pieces like this simply because brands bother to invest in easy bracelet changes, Rolex generally can't be asked to make things easier, or even care about straps for most of their watches so props to iwc, this destroys the explorer for me

[@pasquale78]

Very cool watch although I don't really like non tapered bracelets. Talking about bracelets, the microadust and the way you can remove links is very innovative, There are, however, more brands that have easy ways of removing bracelets. Vacheron does this in their Overseas for example.

[@DennisC_X]

What do you think about the Pilot Chrono 41 compared to this?

[@douglaskrueger357]

Love my spitfire … put it on the mark 18 bracelet and voila! Besides, its bracelet is probably the best in the business.

[@timur9429]

Bought a Doxa 300 recently but this Iwc mark 20 with blue dial is on my List as a next watch !

[@lamentate07]

It's a great watch, but I went for the Aqua Terra instead. It looks more like a luxury watch than the IWC, and the movement is better. The bracelet on the IWC is far superior though. Might pick this up in the future sometime when I have more money. This hobby is bad for the bank balances of most!😅

[@pittss2c601]

Which Grand Seiko did your Mother purchase. My wife & I love our Grand Seiko's. I also love G Shock. Can't beat Japanese engineering and manufacturing.

[@monagave]

this is on my list. I want the green or blue dial!

[@FlatsixSTM]

At 10:45 are those specks of dust on the dial on the macro shot?

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Absolutely beautiful watch, but Entry level and Luxury definitely don’t go in the same sentence.

[@TheBoujiman]

Please review a Baume and Mercier baumatic watch (Clifton or Riviera). They also have a 5 day power reserve and seem to be very well made in terms of both movement and finish.

[@iqbalhussain9791]

Where did you get a black easx strap with white stitching. I can’t find it on their website. They got black with black stitching.

[@Watch_Papa]

Have the same watch and also just reviewed it. How did you choose the blue dial? I was between the green and the blue.

[@affegorilla1299]

This watch is up there on my list to but with the white dial! 😜

[@KnifeWatch]

White dial mark xx looks amazing

[@LavisP]

Beautiful watch. Hope to own one soon.

[@danb8877]

its been my GADA for about 8 months or so now. The bracelet is amazing and I do wear it on it , sometimes. The watch is a strap monster. 90 percent I wear on nato now.

[@repodonkey]

Amazing watch, classic, solid. Definitely a top 5% household income watch though.

[@Giannis020]

What does that mean?

[@danb8877]

@@Giannis020 its not for the poors

[@repodonkey]

@ It is too expensive for 95% of people to actually consider buying.

[@Giannis020]

@repodonkey ok. It is considerably less expensive than most rolexes though.

[@Dio82723]

My first IWC ! I love it ❤

[@kurtmarion2799]

Did you show a sapphire caseback? The movement looked unreal

[@nilxnull]

I love the watch but wasn't aware of how many features the bracelet has. A grail for sure.

[@sanghoonlee5171]

I have this watch on a strap. I didn't get the bracelet because I prefer a fully brushed bracelet, not the partially polished bracelet that IWC makes. Otherwise it is a truly wonderful bracelet. I need IWC to release a Mark XX with fully brushed bracelet so I can purchase the bracelet separately.....

[@randys766]

It’s almost too perfect. Get the brown strap too, it changes everything. It is the single best “one watch collection” on the market.

[@mertinanc]

Do you use a smoke machine for the Haze effect?

[@WatchesCanBeFun]

I’ve always thought it looks very sharply cut. Is it dramatically different than the oyster case?

[@HarrisonElmore]

No the sharpness I talked about on the underside of the case is similar to a new Omega Speedmaster or a new Rolex, but the issue is that the oyster case usually has a caseback that's usually sticks out more, so it keeps your wrist less in contact with those edges. This one because it's so thin on the backside, the edges are more felt. Same issue with new Speedmasters. Granted these are my assumptions from my experience.

[@stephengarratt8027]

Love the watch, but, I've never been able to get any anti- magnetic information.

[@gpapa31]

$6,000+ watch is considered entry level luxury? 🤔 Nonetheless I loved the video and agree to most of your points, it’s an absolutely beautiful and classy watch without screaming.

[@PPN462]

It's entry level for IWC. Only the Pilot 36 lineup is cheaper in their collections.

[@impexRQ]

I love it … absolutely beautiful but juts wished they had add lume to all the numbers

[@StittSpring]

As a watch enthusiast with NO budget, thank you MAMACOO for great-looking mechanical watches that I can afford! their are very clean, classy look, $150 each. I still watch videos about expensive “proper” watches, but I enjoy what I have

[@Austinomical]

What about the 36mm version of this?

[@junhokim4328]

Tudor needs to make a bracelet for fxd with this tech

[@shuycg]

Is that shop location somewhere in the US?

[@cookiesncrypto]

Just got a great Norqain watch from Moyer on Chrono, great deal

[@stevenbarnes4959]

I would love this watch more if it had no date!

[@chris425amp7]

Got alot of good reviews, them spring bar's want to be strong. My Cousin lost a David Coulthard TAG in the sea in Goa an he was gutted, think the bar went..

[@ronb4115]

Bracelets need to be a perfect fit at this price range.

[@bananabonzai]

need this one in 36mm

[@Austinomical]

They have it!

[@tdub25]

We need a gold version…. For us 1%ers….. and a TI version for the weight weenies who ride skinny tire bikes

[@Mac88tilinfinity]

Over $6,000 is entry level?