IWC have been the premier pilot or Flieger watch brand since the first models were used by both sides during the Second World War. From its founding in 1886, the brand has grown into a Swiss giant but never lost the DNA that makes the Maison unique.
When the IWC Pilot’s Mark XX came out in 2022, it brought with it some considerable upgrades over the Mark XVIII. They may not have been apparent just by looking at the two watches, as the design language remained mostly unchanged, but the real difference lies within the case itself. The ETA 2892 was replaced by the in-house calibre 32111 which saw the power reserve increase from 60-hours to an amazing 120-hours as well as improvements in accuracy and regulation.
For me, the Mark XX is the perfect pilot watch design, and I absolutely love it. So much so that I bought one earlier this year. And with a 20mm lug width and black dial, this has the makings of a strap monster. To find out whether it deserves this title, I raided the WatchGecko store cupboard to find the best strap choices for the IWC Mark XX!
Endurance Rubber Deployant Watch Strap
With the Mark XX’s increased water resistance of 100m, I wanted to choose a strap that could keep up with the watches capabilities while also looking great for everyday wear. I love sailcloth straps as they have all of the practicality of rubber straps but have a slightly more traditional look.
This is the new Endurance Sailcloth with a deployant clasp in Sandstone Beige and it is possibly my new favourite strap for this watch. The rubber feels super soft, and I love the way the colour complements the dial and indices. Another thing I noticed while wearing this strap is that the excess rubber tucked under the clasp creates a bouncy cushion that I can rest on while writing! Super comfy!
OCTOPOD Perlon Nylon Watch Strap
Another choice that can keep up with the Mark XX’s sport capabilities. The Perlon OCTOPOD can go anywhere that this watch can and possibly even further. In black it complements the dial colour and creates a very stealthy aesthetic. The Mark XX tends to fly under the radar anyway (pun very much intended). Most people don’t notice it unless they are a true watch enthusiast and I like that about it. The black colour Perlon fabric accentuates the sleek and modern design of the Mark XX while adding the comfort and functionality that the OCTOPOD is known for.
WatchGecko Handmade Two-Piece Canvas Watch Strap
The Mark series began life after IWC were commissioned to produce a military watch for the British armed forces during the second world war. Most of you will be familiar with the story of the Dirty Dozen. Twelve watch brands that were producing the same specification WWW (Wrist Watch Waterproof) for the Allied forces of which IWC was one. During the late 1940s the RAF commissioned another watch from IWC for use by their pilots and so the Mark XI was born. Based on the WWW but now with large numerals and a centre seconds hand for improved legibility.
Almost 80 years on and this design has been evolved into the form of the Mark XX, meaning that this watches ancestors carry a lot of military history. I thought it would be fitting to pay tribute to this with a distinctively military inspired Handmade Two-Piece Canvas strap in Khaki. This strap is made of wax canvas from Martexin and lined with a hydrophobic cow leather for comfort and durability. This gives the Mark XX a rugged and utilitarian look that would be akin to the looks of the pilot watches that came before this model.
Ostend Thick Padded Leather Watch Strap
A watch of this quality deserves an equally high-quality leather strap. This Thick Padded Leather Strap in Baranil Cognac is the perfect choice. Handmade by LIC in Belgium and part of our premium range, the leather feels amazing and looks gorgeous with the best shade of Cognac I’ve seen. This strap transforms the Mark XX into a much dressier watch and something that I could comfortably wear at formal events. The hand stitched edges in white compliment the white font on the dial brilliantly. And the vintage aesthetic of this strap highlights the watch’s historical design language brilliantly.
The strap I bought this watch on was the black leather. For a replacement one of those IWC charge almost double the price of this LIC strap and having handled both, I can’t see any reason for the dramatic price difference. It’s long been known that OEM straps are more expensive than third party and I know that there are some of you out there that cannot wear a strap with a different logo on the buckle. But there’s some good news for you here as the quick release ‘EasX-Change’ buckle from the Mark XX fits perfectly onto this LIC strap. A perfect combo that looks like and outperforms the OEM option, brilliant!
I now feel confident giving the IWC Mark XX the title of strap monster. I have seen that it can look good on rubber, on fabric, and on leather. Able to fit in with any outfit from suits to gym wear. This has possibly been an expensive article for me to write as I love all of these combos and might have to purchase some of them!
Would you agree with me? Does this watch deserve the strap monster title? And also let me know if you would like me to do a full long-term owners review of my IWC Mark XX.
