These watches by IWC translate the pilot’s watch aesthetic into dimensions that seem small today, but that are wholly justified by historical watches. The original IWC Mark XI was 35 mm in diameter and so a millimetre smaller than the new models. Today, 36-mm watches of this type are ideal for people with smaller wrist sizes, including women. The IWC 3240 watches are now the smallest timepieces in the company’s range, and they represent the entry-level for the pilot’s collection, with movements made by Sellita.
Comparison between the IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 IW324001 (left) and the original Mark XI
The differences with respect to the original Mark XI are mainly on the dial, with a slightly depressed central area adding extra structure, different hands and crown, the date window at 3 o’clock, the IWC logo instead of the broad arrow, and the word “Automatic” instead of the T in a circle that denoted the use of tritium for the luminescence in the historical model. The appearance of the watch is further enhanced by the sunburst dial finish and the mirror-polished bezel. The case is 10.5 mm thick and water-resistant to 6 bars.
The watch is powered by the self-winding IWC calibre 35111 movement, with a soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields. Power reserve is 42 hours. The movement is made by Sellita, SW300-1 (in turn a variant of the ETA 2892), and it runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, 4 Hertz. It has the stop-seconds function, stopping the second hand when the crown is pulled out.
The version with blue indices and silver dial is particularly attractive, either with blue alligator strap by Santoni (IW324003) or a stainless steel bracelet (IW324004). Here are the different versions of the IW3240:
Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 IW324001
Slate-coloured dial, dark brown alligator strap by Santoni, stainless steel butterfly clasp, price €4,600 incl. tax, £3,190 incl. VAT. Available from April 2016.
Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 IW324002
Slate-coloured dial, stainless steel bracelet, stainless steel butterfly clasp, price €5,700 incl. tax, £3,950 incl. VAT. Available from April 2016.
Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 IW324003
Silver-plated dial, blue alligator strap by Santoni, stainless steel butterfly clasp, price €4,600 incl. tax, £3,190 incl. VAT. Available from April 2016. Update September 2016: this watch has been withdrawn from the catalogue.
Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 IW324004
Silver-plated dial, stainless steel bracelet, stainless steel butterfly clasp, price €5,700 incl. tax, £3,950 incl. VAT. Available from April 2016. Update September 2016: this watch has been withdrawn from the catalogue.
Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 IW324005
Silver-plated dial, gold-coloured indices. dark brown alligator strap by Santoni, stainless steel butterfly clasp, price €4,600 incl. tax, £3,190 incl. VAT. Available from April 2016. Update September 2016: this watch has been withdrawn from the catalogue.
