The Titanium IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Patrouille Suisse

Sitting alongside the very big Big Pilot (the real deal for many) and the less big Big Pilot 43 in the range of IWC’s Pilot watches, the Mark XX is the latest generation of a watch that is the true essence of a tool for aviators, in a reasonable size. A watch with great pedigree, which can trace its origins back to the Dirty Dozen and the early Mark series, it’s been modernized and updated over and over since the 1990s to become the current Mark XX, available up until now in stainless steel only. But today, IWC released what’s surely the best-looking version of the Pilot’s Watch Mark XX so far, a model paying tribute to the Patrouille Suisse. What matters? A full matte titanium case and a monochromatic look. And in the long Mark lineage, this should sound familiar…

Discreetly presented in 2022, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX is the latest version of a watch that has been available to the public since the early 1990s – with the Mark XII – but that originated during wartime as a watch commissioned by the MoD. Replacing the Mark XVIII (there was no Mark XIX, for an unknown reason), the Mark XX is slightly more compact (thinner, shorter), came with minimal updates on the dial and, mostly, a new 5-day power reserve movement. Up until now, we’ve seen it in multiple editions with a classic black dial, sunray-brushed blue or green dials, and a matte white version too. And all came housed in a stainless steel case, with a strap or a steel bracelet.

Yet, it’s widely known that Pilot’s watches at IWC have long been extremely desirable when housed in matte titanium… Take for example the ultra-confidential but highly collectable “Safari” Big Pilot tribute to 5002, the Big Pilot IWC Racing Works or the Mark XII Saab Limited edition “Mellow Yellow” – speaking of which, this new IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Patrouille Suisse almost feels like a continuation of this Saab limited edition, with its titanium case and grey dial. And this is what makes this edition particularly appealing.

Now, Saab doesn’t exist anymore and this new titanium Mark XX is made as a tribute to the Patrouille Suisse, the Swiss Air Force’s acrobatic team, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. IWC has been a partner of the Patrouille since 1994, releasing several dedicated watches for the occasion. The latest in line is this Mark XX, which still measures 40mm in diameter, 10.6mm in thickness and about 49mm in length. The main difference is, of course, the matte blasted titanium case, bezel, crown and caseback (with dedicated engravings), giving it an instrument-like look and most certainly great comfort on the wrist.

The other major update compared to the classic steel Mark XX, and once again a close resemblance with the Saab limited model, is the slate grey dial – even though it’s here sunray-brushed and not vertically brushed. The rest of the dial is identical to other Mark XX, here with black-outlined hands and, as the only touch of colour, a red tip on the seconds hand. This limited edition comes on a black textile strap with EasX-CHANGE system and a titanium pin buckle. Under the solid back is the calibre 32111, a manufacture movement with automatic winding, 4Hz frequency and solid 120-hour or 5-day power reserve.

Released as a limited edition of 250 pieces, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Patrouille Suisse IW328209 will be available from the brand this autumn, and priced at EUR 7,000 or CHF 6,300. For more details, please visit www.iwc.com.