When IWC made a watch for the British Royal Air Force, it solidified their position as the pilot’s watch of choice. In the early days of military aviation, temperature swings, pressure, and magnetic fields from equipment confounded many timepieces. When the Mark 11 was developed, military and civilian pilots alike discovered the deep technical skills of the IWC watchmakers.

This year, they celebrate 75 years of the Mark series with the Mark XX. To find inspiration for this new design, IWC looked to the past. The black numbers and indicators are crisp and clear against a bright white background. One review of this watch referred to it at “complex simplicity,” and we agree.

Of all the watches in the Mark collection, the anniversary edition XX is probably the one that most resembles the original in 1948. You can get it with either a black leather strap or a five-link steel bracelet. Both mount options have IWC’s “EasX-Change” system, requiring no tools to swap out the strap. 

The case is 40mm and has been given a new side profile along with an updated lug geometry. It sits at a 10.8mm thickness and the back has the iconic engraving of a vintage plane, and the IWC’s name around the circle.

What’s inside this watch is what’s most dazzling. This auto-winding watch has a power reserve that lasts up to 120 hours. That’s 5 days of reliable timekeeping, even if it’s sitting on your dresser. The Mark XX is water resistant up to 100m (328ft) and has a strong front glass that is made to stay secure even if there’s a sudden drop in pressure while flying. There’s also a soft inner case made to protect the watch from magnetic fields.

This anniversary watch elegantly walks between a modern functionality and look, while never forgetting where it came from. It’s the kind of watch that stands proud in formal settings and holds its own in casual events. With a respectable water resistance and durability, you’d be hard pressed to find an occasion not right for this watch.