Introducing: The IWC Pilots Watch Mark XVIII Edition 'Laureus Sport for Good Foundation'

February 27, 2018

The Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII is one of the cornerstones of IWC's collection, along with the likes of the Portugieser Automatic and the Big Pilot. In the current iteration of the Pilot's collection, IWC offers many variations of its entry-level aviator's watch, including some different color options, a few materials variations, and even a throw-back model. The latest addition is the watch we have here, IWC's annual limited edition to support the Laureus Sport For Good Foundation. These watches always feature rich blue dials and commemorative caseback engravings, and this model is no different, though here you also get the 41mm case rendered in glossy black ceramic too. Why This Watch Matters In theory, there's nothing groundbreaking here: an IWC Mark XVIII and a special watch for Laureus. However, this year's iteration on the charity-focused limited edition is a real standout. Before this, you could get ceramic Pilot's watches, but the Mark XVIII was only available with the very niche Top Gun Miramar dial configuration. In recent years, many of IWC's limited editions have featured engravings in the style of "One Of 1,500" or something similar C this watch is actually individually numbered out of 1,500, an added bonus for collectors. A portion of the proceeds from these watches go to Laureus Sport For Good Foundation too, so you can feel good about your new purchase. Initial Thoughts Simply put, this is an easy-to-love variation on a familiar theme. The blue dial is stunning and the black hands with luminous fill and red tip really ground the design. The black date disc is another little touch that elevates the design overall. I might have preferred matte ceramic, personally, but that's very much a matter of individual taste. Coming in at $5,650, this is definitely at the top end of the Mark XVIII offerings, but it's competitive in comparison with IWC's other ceramic models. If you're looking to get a bad ass pilot's watch, this should definitely be on your radar. The Basics Brand: IWCModel: Pilot's Watch Mark XVII Edition "Laureus Sport For Good Foundation"Reference Number: IW324703?Diameter: 41mmThickness: 11mmCase Material: CeramicDial Color: BlueIndexes: Arabic numeralsLume: Yes, on hands and markersWater Resistance: 60 metersStrap/Bracelet: Black embossed calfskin strap The Movement Caliber: IWC Caliber 35111 (Based on Sellita SW300-1)Functions: Hours, minutes, hacking seconds, dateDiameter: 25.6mmPower Reserve: 42 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph)Jewels: 25Additional Details: The closed back has a special engraving from an 11-year-old contest winner in Brazil and the movement is protected from magnetism by a soft-iron inner caseback Pricing & Availability Price: $5,650Availability: ImmediatelyLimited Edition: 1,500 pieces, individually numbered on the casebackFor more click here.