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Top IWC Watches To Buy And Invest in 2024

UPDATED FEBRUARY 2024

We’ve heard you loud and clear, Timelords. ‘What’s the best IWC watch to buy and invest in 2024?’, ‘How valuable are IWC watches in the current era?’, ‘Will I garner my money back if I consider IWC watches as an investment?’. Well, let’s break it down for you.

IWC have been significant influences in the watchmaking world since their inception in 1869. They haven't had it easy however, facing transfers over to a new family, the Rauschenbach family in 1880 following their bankruptcy.

Now a part of Richemont Group since 2000, IWC has faced the trials and tribulations of the turbulent horological world but have resurfaced with grins to rival a Cheshire cat! Purring with delight, they have been responsible for a slew of innovations.

What are we talking about? How about the first ever titanium model made in 1980, their work with famed designer Gerald Genta on the 1976 Ingenieur collection and their extensive use of ceramic and other materials. You bet that IWC is no brand to sleep on.

There is a very exciting range of best IWC collections suiting all manner of enthusiasts, covering dive watches such as the Aquatimer or precision and style thanks to the infamous Portugieser. This luxury brand has a rich tapestry of timepieces that we need to sink our teeth into.

Okay then! Are you ready? It’s time we took a look at the best IWC watches to buy and invest in 2024.

IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40mm - Titanium

The history behind the Ingenieur collection has been slightly blurred due to the presence of the highly regarded designer, Gerald Genta.

Source - IWC

The collection was actually released in 1955 as a timepiece for the scientific community. Fitted with a soft iron cage, the Ingenieur was created first and foremost to resist magnetic fields in a similar fashion to the Rolex Milgauss.

Of course, as history would have it, the collection peaked in the 1970s when Gerald Genta pulled the collection out of discontinuation and brought it back to life! The renaissance of the Ingenieur was underway.

He gave this illustrious lineup a massive injection of modernisation by converting it into a steel luxury sports watch. This is precisely what he undertook with the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus.

At the heart of this collection are visible screws on the bezel, an integrated bracelet and checkerboard dial design with the Nautilus has gone on to achieve legendary status in the timekeeping sphere.

Remaining one of the best IWC watches of all time, The latest Ingenieur collection from Watches and Wonders 2023 has seen the same stylings, but with a healthy dose of modernism. Made from titanium, they love to progress and move away from conventional steel.

Titanium is inherently lighter and stronger than its counterpart, so it’s a solid trade off.

It suits the concentric square dial design perfectly as the timepiece gives a steely allure throughout.

Dial

The modern Ingenieur follows the same aesthetics. Crafted with a circular dial as per its predecessors, there are 5 screws adorned on the bezel.

Furthermore, it is given a stunning checkerboard aesthetic which is enhanced using a stamp machine that’s pressed down onto an iron sheet then galvanised to enhance the grey hues.

Daubed to the max with Super-Luminova, it is exceptionally legible since the baton indices and hands are already very present on the unfussy face.

Bracelet

The bracelet remain’s integrated in its H-link style and undergoes polishing to keep with the dressy vibe of this best IWC watch.

This is most definitely one for the office or to treat yourself on that big promotion.

Featuring a butterfly folding clasp, the model can be quickly taken off and on with consummate ease. The middle link attachment is a new addition to the collection and allows for excellent wearability, even if your wrists are more suited for the boardroom than the science labs.

Movement

Offering an astonishing 120 hours of power reserve, the edition beats at a hardy 4Hz which is perfect for the date complication at 3 o’clock and hacking seconds. The soft iron shell means the watch needs a solid caseback, but that doesn't stop us bowing down to its radiant retro style they have gone for.

Why Should I Invest?

Famed for both its influence on the science community and its role in horological history,

This best IWC watch collection is revitalised and ready for a modern audience, allowing this to be a solid investment piece.

As one of the first meddlings from Gerald Genta, the Ingenieur collection was dormant for a while before being updated at this year's Watches and Wonders 2023. Its subsequent return means it has more prestige due to its rarity and its associations with one of the greatest watchmakers of all time.

Not bad for an investment piece!

The use of new titanium material legitimises the piece as not an old hack which they have reeled out for a quick pay check.

The updated dial design on this best IWC watch with its suave grey shadings mixed with classic old movie star good looks alongside the integrated bracelet and porthole dial case means this is a neo-vintage styled piece, with a solid movement upgrade.

Its upgrades with the material and the movement, not to mention its timeless dial layout and stylish bracelet style ensures the Ingenieur is a piece that we could certainly consider as a strong investment piece. Pair it with a smart black or grey suit in keeping with the steely aesthetic.

You can buy an IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40mm at retail for £12,900 at the time of writing.

Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41mm

Chronograph watches are a fairly new addition to their lineup.

Source - IWC

Originally released in 1994, chronograph watches by IWC have instantly grabbed the hearts of horological lovers. Utilising the Valjoux calibre 7920 in 1992, they released a double chronograph which allowed two simultaneous time measurements to be performed at the same time.

We like these best IWC watches as they were the creative platform for them to experiment with brand new materials. And who are we to come in the way of science! The Pilots Chronograph Ceramic IW3705 was crafted out of black zirconium oxide ceramic, offering scratch resistant properties.

Tough enough for many wearers, times must evolve and so has the Pilots collection.

Crafted with a 18K 5N gold case, the theme for today is luxury and opulence which is given a tinge of yellow gold. Measuring 41mm, it’s a decent size for the everyday wearer, especially since it comes from the aviation world that relies on legibility.

The brushed aesthetic on the case suits the polished bezel superbly, allowing the eyes to be drawn into the vivacious dial.

Dial

The dial enjoys a British Racing Green sheen, allowing the wearer to be hypnotised by its gorgeous contrast with the golden casing.

Detouring away from the ostentatious Oris Kermit green face and going a touch darker than the Rolex Submariner Hulk, this green dial delight has a sunburst finish, allowing light to promote different aspects of the piece.

The chronograph subdials at 12, 6 and 9 o’clock undergo a similar sunburst finish, keeping the design coherent and consistent throughout. The sub dial located at 6 o’clock features a red hand, offering a flash of colour to the regal green and gold colour scheme.

The white Arabic numerals are extremely legible and are similarly coated with luminescence, as well as the golden hands. The big date aperture situated at 3 o’clock is similarly given a white background, keeping with the general first rate design codes.

Bracelet

The timepiece is given a green rubber strap in line with the gold and green colour scheme. Utilising rubber instead of a bracelet is a good choice as it de-formalises the piece, adopting the rubber’s scratch resistance and water resistance properties as a casual fashion piece.

Accompanied by an EasX-CHANGE system, the timepiece is fresh and easy to quickly change if you need to look dressed up with a gold bracelet...or have a spare ticket for The Oscars.

Movement

As an automatic movement, the edition offers just under two days power reserve at 46 hours with a frequency of 28,800 VpH. Made up of 242 components and completed with a Côtes de Genève finish, the model is in safe hands when it comes to powering that chronograph function.

Mind you if you are planning on taking it away for a few days, this is not quite weekend-proof but still retains its place as one of our best IWC watch picks.

If you want a horoligical juggernaut with enough power to sink a ship, we suggest The Panerai Luminor GMT which has a power reserve of 10 days or how about the IWC Portugieser that has a 168 hour power reserve.

Why Should I Invest?

IWC have virtually perfected the chronograph and has catapulted the Pilot into one of the best IWC watches to own, resulting in a timepiece that has a sporty allure, with a hint of sweet dress sense!

The yellow gold case construction is ideal for the office faring man, as it boasts refinement with a soupcon of luxury and your knowledge on great watches. This is due to the heritage of their legendary pilot watches and the tough movement behind them, allowing them to be a great investment.

Its precious metal construction, competent movement and iconic dial design with highly legible Arabic numerals are concepts which any gent can really enjoy, making them a solid potential investment subject to the model.

We recommend you wear this with a green suit shirt to boast the dial or a green cashmere jumper if you want to take the formal edge off.

You can buy an IWC Pilot’s Chronograph 41mm at retail for £19,900 at the time of writing.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371616

The storied history of The Portugieser is one that can be told over and over to IWC fans! This is not Jackanory…this is something rather special.

Source - IWC

In 1938, two Portuguese sales people named Rodrigues and Texieria arrived at IWC’s Schaffhausen HQ to request a big yet highly precise timepiece. IWC are not ones to miss out on an opportunity to impress and thus created a timepiece based on a pocket watch movement.

A few models would be released but it would really take off in 1993 following the 125th anniversary of the brand. Unlike The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Act 1, this was an entirely new play on the Portugieser.

Entitled the Jubilee and debuted in 1993, it received great timekeeping plaudits and became one of the best IWC watches to add to any discerning collection. Following its immensely successful launch, the collection has since been added to their regular releases and boy do we love it.

This edition comes in at 41mm which is the ideal size for the everydayer. A quick glance reveals that the bezel is actually rather misleading. Its thin design makes it seem very wide and large which actually isn't the case.

Crafted out of stainless steel, it follows a sporty styling which is exemplified through the brushing effect on the sides of both the case and lugs. From the wearer's perspective, the polished effect on the tops of the bezel and lugs, garner a much more dressy design.

Dial

The dial is where the party starts. Forget your lighters, it’s time to wave your Daytona, Royal Oak and Nautilus in the air like you just don’t care.

Featuring a wine red colourway, you may feel a little inebriated when looking for too long at the stunning sunburst finish. The two sub dials based at 12 and 6 o’clock both measure chronograph functions such as elapsed time which is handy in most situations.

The quarter second track on the Rehaut adds an outdoorsy feel to the timepiece since it allows the wearer to measure the stop time. But time does not stop for anyone. It’s also an ode to the nautical heritage of the Portugieser as its original purpose was to be a highly accurate timepiece.

The Arabic numerals are very legible not to mention the very slim Feuille hands which are all rhodium plated, accompanied with matching appliques in a stunning silvery shade.

Bracelet

They are rather conservative with their choice of strapping, opting for a black alligator strap which is an ideal option for the moody burgundy face and classy steel casing.

It’s a great choice as a best IWC watch to buy for both collectors and enthusiasts. Not only is it supple, but it looks fantastic on the wrist as it brings the entire novelty together as one cohesive piece.

Movement

Powered by the in-house Calibre 69355, it offers a fairly reliable 46 hours of power reserve, but gets the ball rolling with a pacy 28,800VpH frequency.

Running functions like small hacking seconds and general chronograph measurements such as minutes and seconds, it keeps everything running as smooth as silk. Enthusiasts can especially admire the ostentatious Cotes de Geneve aesthetic that’s visible through the caseback.

Why Should I Invest?

If you are looking for an investment and the best IWC watch with lineage, you cannot go wrong with the Portugieser.

Given a universal size of 41mm, it is perfect for most men’s wrists. Although the red dial is unorthodox and is certainly a talking point, the classic circular dial and misleading bezel enhance the watches size. For us, this is really quite interesting and catches eyes almost immediately.

As such, we believe that this beauty has every chance of being a solid investment piece. We recommend a similar wine red suit shirt for the office, or black bomber jacket for those day’s kicking back with your friends.

You can buy an IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371616 at retail for £7,600 at the time of writing.

IWC Portofino Perpetual Calendar

Now we know A Lange & Söhne are famed for their complications but what about this luxury brand? We’ve seen a few watches which wouldn’t look out of place in a stretch limousine or at the summit of a rooftop bar. How about a timepiece that is undeniably classy in its own special way?

Source: IWC

Complications are very much in with enthusiasts and collectors. Be it the simplicity of the Cellini Moonphase to the complexity of Audemars Piguet’s Ultra-Complication Universelle RD4, there’s something out there for everyone.

As for the Portofino collection, well this too we would say is a hot contender for best IWC watch. Dating back to the 80s when it was launched as a pocket watch for the wrist, the concepts have remained true to its visuals ever since.

Oozing style and panache, these watches are usually very clean in their design.

Utilitarian as an old military boot camp, these novelties march to their own distinctive beat. Featuring almost empty dials with Roman numeral indices, it counteracts the beautiful and subtle layout with a hardy rounded case and prominent crown.

Luckily for us, they have developed this even further, resulting in the Portofino Perpetual Calendar. Composed of 18K 5N gold, it comes in at 40mm which is a very accessible size for most male wrist wearers.

The case is still rounded in an elegant dress watch style and undergoes polishing on the top of the bezel and sides of the case. No sporty brushing here!

The crown stands out clearly, as per Portofino's predecessors. The lugs are short and sharp, linking directly into the case without the need for tapering at all.

Dial

The dial is silver plated and given a beautifully creamy appearance. All we need now is the strawberries and Roger Federer to knock up and you have the perfect summer’s afternoon.

If gold is your flavour, another of our best IWC watches that sparkles is the Portofino which has it in abundance. Featuring gold on the hands and indices, the watch is gloriously simple in its finish too, negating the need for excess. That’s what the classic horologists love!

Housing a perpetual calendar as the title suggests, the calendar is based on their very own Kurt Klaus’ development from the 1980s. Being able to decipher between the months that include leap years is a sensational achievement and is accurate until the year 2100. Not quite the year 3000, Busted!

The calendar is made up of three sub dials at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, all of which are made out of solid gold. Need we say that the moon phase indication at 6 o’clock is accurate with only a one day deviation in 577.5 years?

Bracelet

Is there anything that’s quite as majestic as a beautiful calfskin leather strap? As supple as it is comfortable, the strap is given a blue hue, perfect for the minimalist styling.

Movement

Powered by the Calibre 82650, props must go to one of the best IWC movements which showcases their highly acclaimed Pellaton winding system. In essence, this specific movement dedicates itself to speed and longevity.

Offering a solid 60 hours of power reserve and a reliable frequency of 28,800VpH, this ceramic infused movement is highly durable and can deal with most knocks effortlessly. Just make sure you don’t take it down the gym for a few sparring sessions.

As far as automatic movements are concerned, we believe that they are really gunning for it with every patent they have.

Why Should I Invest?

Outside of the truly sublime gold case and delightfully simple dial face, it is a beast to rival Cerberus!

The movement is a summation of quite a number of the Schaffhausen brands achievements, namely the Pellaton system which enhances accuracy and longevity. Meanwhile, the perpetual calendar revolutionised the date keeping functions of complications across the entire horological plain.

So, if you are looking for a best IWC watch with precious metals, refinement, luxury apparel and boasts a monstrous movement, we suggest this for a possible investment. If it’s style you are after, we recommend a nice black suit to boast the golden rays of Haute Horologie.

You can buy an IWC Portofino Perpetual Calendar at retail for £29,800 at the time of writing.

Da Vinci Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph

The Da Vinci collection is a tantalising prospect for even the most undiscerning fan.

Source: IWC

Originally released in 1969, the Da Vinci lineup was the first to utilise the influential Beta 21 movement. This movement wasn’t just theirs, in fact, it was adopted by Longines in their Quartz Chron and Patek Philippe in their Cercle d’Or’. Now who said we don’t know our horological beans.

It’s argued that IWC were the first to release a Swiss quartz piece which was ideal for the very thin case and integrated bracelet popularised during the 1970s.

No it wasn’t just about Ziggy Stardust and Space Invaders. This brand was mixing up some of their own magic dust with the adoption of a perpetual calendar into the collection.

Revolutionary and groundbreaking, this had simply never been done before in an automatic chronograph. It allowed for a stonking 500 years accuracy and represented a turning point for the mechanical industry since its downturn after the Quartz Crisis. What can we say, they are industry savers!

But The Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph takes things one step further. Crafted out of 18K 5N gold, this 44mm model is quite bulky, but what else can we expect from this best IWC watch that's as technically gifted as this one?

Dial

The dial is one tough cookie to crack and comprehend.

Featuring a matte white face, there is a variety of activity occurring stemming from the simplicity of the indices and timekeeping to the complexity of the tourbillon and retrograde functions. The Arabic numerals and hands are gold and do clearly stand out against the crisp white backdrop.

It has the difficult task of housing three complications. The skeletonised tourbillon looks incredibly avant-garde and is based at 6 o’clock. The chronograph subdials on this best IWC sit pleasantly at 12 o’clock…an unconventional placement but a necessity for the whole piece to fit.

The retrograde date display is located along the left hand side of the face and is capable of returning its hand back to the first of the month, once it reaches the 31st of the previous month.

At first glance, this can appear to be immensely complicated due to the skeletonised feature of the tourbillon and gentle arc of the retrograde function that goes from 7.30 to 10.30.

The hand on the retrograde and standard seconds hand are blue, allowing for a brisk colour change away from the vibrancy of the white and gold.

Bracelet

Another best IWC worthy of mention, the bracelet is given a tasteful brown alligator leather strap which suits the timepiece perfectly. It’s textured, allowing for the watch to have a few more dimensions than just block colours.

Now what did Boy George say…oh yes loving would be easy if your colours were like my dreams. Red gold and green. If you want a vibrant take on the timekeeping spectrum, check out our 8 colourful watches, the Top 8 Colourful Men’s Watches To Liven Up Your Spring Wardrobe.

Created by Santoni, the strap originates from Italy and is the same leather used in the shoes that they make. And you cannot argue with the Italians for fashion, style and that added a bit of glam.

Movement

Where do we begin on the calibre 89900?

Manufactured in-house, the calibre allows for the utmost precision by using the hacking tourbillon. The movement itself is made with excellence in mind, thus why the small parts like the pallet and escape wheel are crafted out of diamond-coated silicon.

The reasoning is that it’s not only a very rigid surface which prevents slipping but that it also means there will be less friction and therefore less wear and damage over time. By having the movement so fluid, the tourbillon can take more power without becoming a deterrent to this best IWC watch.

The sapphire caseback exposes the calibre in its gorgeous Côtes de Genève finish. Running at 68 hours power reserve and offering a hardy frequency of 28,800VpH, the movement is not to be taken lightly.

Why Should I Invest?

You should consider this as an investment for a multitude of reasons.

Crafted out of precious metal, it is durable, fashionable and entirely polished, boasting the smart aesthetic of the piece. It features three complications which are highly regarded by the horological industry, including a tourbillon and retrograde functions.

As such, we think you are onto a potential winner if you are looking for a possible investment piece. Pair this with a crisp white suit shirt or a brown jacket if you're feeling a little slicked back. After all, this is something only the fashion conscious among you can properly pull off!

You can buy a Da Vinci Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph at retail for £95,800 at the time of writing.

IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles Darwin”

Considered by many ardent horophiles as some of the best IWC watches to buy, The Aquatimer collection stems into the realms of the Quartz Crisis. Released during the 1970s, the collection prides itself on its bespoke dive heritage.

Source - IWC

This bold novelty is typically associated with an internal rotating bezel that’s navigated via a second crown at 4 o’clock. By having a second crown, the chronograph function can be simply navigated without needing to alternate through one crown to reset the chronographs or restart the functions.

So, The Aquatimer simplifies the complex which is all us horologists can ask for. Like Chrono Hunter, this edition does things a little differently…

Crafted out of bronze, like the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 this best IWC model is already diving deep into the realms of innovative watchmaking. Bronze naturally patinas over time, resulting in an entirely different shade than what it would have originally been. In watch circles, this is like manna from up above.

Of course, this is all dependent on the lifestyle you lead so if you’re out in the rain all day or sitting in your big leather chair in the office, it changes according to your activity.

It’s a piece just for you. Aptly named “Charles Darwin”, the material has been used in ships from this era, in particular, his boat the HMS Beagle. You know it’s going to be substantial protection against the waves.

At 44mm, it is similar to Panerai’s offerings like the Luminor Marina or The Panerai California.

Nonetheless, it is destined for life on the Seven Seas as it’s far too bulky to keep trapped beneath shirt cuffs. It’s begging to be seen with your finest gold bracelets to keep the precious metal allure. If not, get on a black leather jacket if you’re feeling like a rebel.

Dial

The bronze theme on this best IWC watch runs throughout and onto the dial.

The luminescence on the hands, indices and on some elements of the diving scale on the flange is bronze coloured, meaning it’s not obnoxiously coated over the entire watch. The dial itself is matte black which keeps with the darkened bronze colouring.

The actual information on the dial is white which sets it apart from the mean and moody colour scheme, enhancing their legibility. It’s simple yet effective, negating the need for pretension or having to refract thousands of colours like the Zenith Defy Extreme Felipe Pantone.

Bracelet

Unlike Christmas, IWC again decided to opt for simplicity over excess.

The strap is made from black rubber which is extremely durable, as well as being perfect for the mood of the watch. The rubber theme is continued onto the pushers on the side of the case. Oh yes, there are no “two-crown”...instead, they have progressed to two pushers to modify the chronograph functions.

Movement

It may appear deceptively simple, but don’t discount the complexity of the movement.

The 89365 calibre is a Schaffhausen, in-house manufactured movement which offers 68 hours of power reserve and a 28,800VpH frequency. Unfortunately, we cannot see the movement itself due to the solid caseback.

But there’s still plenty to highlight including a stunning portrait of Charles Darwin engraved into the caseback.

Featuring a SafeDive system which provides 300 metres of water resistance, it is a perfect companion for the choppy waters, jet skiing or conducting a Zoom call on that private boat.

Why Should I Invest?

It continues on with the great legacy of the dive collection, The Aquatimer. Through utilising the highly reliable bronze material which subsequently garners a great patina over time, you can own one of the best IWC watches of all time which can end up being moulded to suit your life in terms of its colour.

The caseback is fantastic as its solid Charles Darwin portrait cements the purpose of the timepiece as an ode to the man who altered our thinking forever. We don’t have to theorise anything here.

The non corrosive bronze material, SafeDive system and dial layout mean this is a dive piece that could be an excellent investment.

We recommend you keep this for the beach or for your yacht. Get on some fancy swimming trunks or a white linen shirt for those days partying like Hugh Hefner while cruising around the Pacific. You can buy an IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Expedition Charles Darwin” at retail for £9,500 at the time of writing.

IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41mm TOP GUN

Where were you when Maverick and Goose launched onto the silver screen? If you feel the need for speed, don’t hop in a Ferrari. Look no further than our next best IWC…The TOP GUN collection which graced our desks in 2007 on a Pilots Double Chronograph.

Receiving its name from the instructor of US Navy Pilot’s training course, the collection has gained deserved notoriety since its inception.

Source - IWC

Following classic Pilot designs, the collection tends to be based on a couple of design codes such as a black ceramic case with matte black dial and a black textile strap.

Following on from the entirely new colour scheme of the white IWC TOP GUN Lake Tahoe, they have taken things back to basics with their latest black edition.

Returning to the use of IWC’s own black zirconium oxide ceramic material, IWC are following on from the original designs in 2007.

Black zirconium oxide ceramic is a material this brand concocted in 1986, making them the first to use a case of such a material.

And we do like firsts. Modifying ceramic is immensely difficult, but within this best IWC, they have blended titanium and ceramic into a culmination of resistance and durability, an absolute staple of the TOP GUN collection.

Furthermore, this material resulted in a patent colour of “Jet Black”, which is an extremely dark black, if that’s such a thing! At 41mm, it is ergonomic due to cermaic’s light weight and comfort.

Dial

The dial continues on the dark themes of the Jet Black case. We don’t need to call Batman just yet but the accents bear resemblance to the classic Fighter jets of Black Hawk Down.

Similarly pitch black, the matte face keeps things legible and minimalist. The white Arabic numerals and hands are instantly legible due to their contrast with the black. The big date function at 3 o’clock is a handy feature and due to its oversized nature, it’s extremely readable.

The three sub dials at 12, 6 and 9 o’clock on this best IWC watch follow the same black and white colour scheme, ensuring seamlessness throughout. The only jolt of colour comes in the 6 o’clock sub dial with a red hand.

The pushers and crown are titanium and grey but still very much fit the dark vibe.

Bracelet

Given a black rubber strap, the timepiece is secured in with the EasX-CHANGE system, allowing for the strap to be taken on and off without needing any tools. We think the straps are rather attractive as it suits the dynamic purpose of the timepiece.

Movement

The 69380 calibre has a few interesting features which make it a solid partner for the aviation world of watchmaking.

Given a column wheel design, the chronograph functions are expected to be reliable and have great longevity. The soft-iron inner case is a great feature to repel magnetism and offers a water resistance of 100 metres.

Offering 46 hours of power reserve with a fast beat frequency of 28,800VpH, we hold nothing but the highest regard for the movement within this particular best IWC watch.

Why Should I Invest?

You should consider this best IWC timepiece as an investment if you are looking to buy a watch that’s steeped in horological heritage.

There are not many aviation timepieces out there from this brand that are as instantly recognisable as the TOP GUN collection. Measuring 41.9mm it’s more accessible than previous Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN watches that came in at a whopping 48mm on the wrist.

Named after an actual aviation based training course, the watches' highly legible dial and construction from their zirconium oxide ceramic material means this is a timepiece that not only looks great and wears like a charm, but also has the opportunity to do rather well at resale.

As such, we reckon that this is potentially an excellent investment.

We recommend you get dressed up with a sharp navy suit to accentuate the black case. If you simply want to relax with friends over drinks, we recommend you flex this best IWC with a white tee and jeans to let the black model do the talking.

You can buy an IWC Pilot's Chronograph 41mm TOP GUN at retail for £8,200 at the time of writing.

IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX Ref. IW328208

Fresh off the horological press and one to look out for in 2024 is the stunning IWC Pilot’s Mark XX.

Source - IWC

Celebrating 75 years of the Mark series, the Mark XX is the latest ode to the triumphant pilot watch. As a direct descendant of the Mark XI series, the latest edition has a lot to live up to.

The Mark XI was created in the late 1940s and was discontinued in the early 1980s. Due to its associations with the British Air Force and civilian airline pilots, these watches are exceptionally rare and could be deemed as grail watches due to their inherent scarcity.

They were associated with stainless steel casing, soft iron case for magnetism and a black dial with Arabic numerals in white. It would be a shame if they kept pumping out the same design. But, lucky for us, we are back in business with the latest Mark XX, released in 2023.

The Mark XX makes the conscious decision to do away with any compilations or anything that may impact the simplistic legibility of the dial face. At 40mm, it is crafted out of stainless steel which is a staple for aviation watches due to its durability.

The case on this best IWC watch remains circular, allowing the dial to be the principal focus. The tops of the lugs, sides of the case and outer links on the bracelet are brushed, allowing the centre links of the bracelet and the bezel to boast a beautiful polished aesthetic.

Dial

The dial is a real point of interest for any budding aviator.

Its intentions of being high contrast are essential to those in flight as a quick glance is all that can be afforded when shifting hundreds of tons of steel through the sky! IWC makes the dial a bright gris argent colour, allowing the black indices to very clearly stand out.

Dosed in luminescence, the darkness has no impact on the legibility of the dial. You are on easy street when it comes to clarity. The numerals are Arabic which pertains to the previous Mark XI model while delivering the most legible indices possible.

Keep your eyes open for the triangular index at 12 o’clock which is similarly dosed in Super-Luminova.

The minute track surrounding the dial is a useful tool and similarly in black in keeping with the indices and black edged hands. While this best IWC watch is not integral to the out and out aviator or thrillseeker, the date aperture at 3 o’clock is a handy feature for the everyday wearer.

The sapphire crystal is securely fitted just in case the pressure drops when you're thousands of feet in the air.

Bracelet

The bracelet is absolutely sublime in its stainless steel construction. It prioritises a 5 link structure which enhances it’s wearability and adds a sporty dimension to the watch.

The EasX-CHANGE system ensures the bracelet can be quickly switched over at the drop of a horological hat to a new calfskin leather strap…without the requirement of any tools.

The combination of brushing and polishing is sublime as it means it doesn't come across as overly rugged, nor does it lose its initial purpose as a utilitarian timepiece.

Movement

The in-house built calibre 32111 is automatic winding and has a few very impressive stats behind it.

Not only is it capable of running with the big boys at 28,800VpH and offers a very impressive 120 hour power reserve, enough to last you 5 days. We can’t see why however as we think you would want this arm candy on you at all times.

Why Should I Invest?

If you are looking for the quintessential pilot’s watch, you may have found your paradise.

Featuring a highly legible white face and subsequent high contrast black indices, it may be a contender for the most legible piece of this year. Similar to the timeless colour scheme of a Panda dial like the Vacheron Overseas Chronograph, black and white is on the agenda and it’s going nowhere soon.

At 40mm, it’s a perfect modern size and its stainless steel construction, while not very innovative for the brand that dabbles in ceramic and titanium, is a solid choice.

Reaching 100 metres of water resistance and dolled up with enough heritage to choke The Natural History Museum's cabinets, we reckon this is a top piece for investment potential.

You should wear a white suit to boast an even whiter face! If you don’t have the confidence just yet, pull it off with a black tee when jetting sky high to San Francisco or St. Lucia You can buy an IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XX at retail for £5,700 at the time of writing.

Best Vintage IWC Watches To Buy Right Now

IWC has a number of vintage watches that may just inspire you to look to the past.

Firstly, may we point you in the direction of the Portugieser collection which has more than its fair share of vintage dabblings. The Portugieser 325 follows on from the legacy of Portugal asking IWC for a watch with the accuracy and sizing of a pocket watch.

They compiled and released what would be the Portugieser model with the well known Gay Freres bracelet. Manufactured in 1942, this watch sold at a Christie's auction for around £104,000 at the time of writing.

Of course, you may want to go a little out there and choose one of our best IWC vintage watches that are as scarce as encountering The Yeti. How about The IWC 347 which is crafted out of yellow gold and given an enamel “Caravelle” dial.

Oh yes, it too has the ever so stylish Gay Freres bracelet. Originating from the 1950s at the height of cloisonné enamel dial watches, this beauty has a Dragon Boat motif which is stylish and an ode to the epitome of historical watchmaking. In 2020 it sold at a Philipps auction for around £50,500.

Best Alternatives To IWC Watches

So for whatever reason, you’ve decided that IWC simply won’t cut the timekeeping mustard, we also have you covered. Luckily, there are a whole host of other options available which could certainly take on the role as your favourite timepiece or potential investment!

Here is a handy guide to showcase some solid brands and their best collections:

BRAND	BEST COLLECTIONS
Rolex	Rolex Daytona Rolex Submariner Rolex Day-Date Rolex “Root Beer”
A. Lange & Söhne	1815 Zeitwerk Lange 1
Blancpain	Villeret Fifty Fathoms 1735 Grande Complication
Hublot	Big Bang Classic Fusion MP
Omega	Seamaster Speedmaster Constellation

Conclusion

Well, well Timelords. Time is up today. What an astounding variety of IWC watches we have covered. From the complexity of the Da Vinci Tourbillon Retrograde, to the classic pilot icons of the Mark XX, we are spoilt for choice in terms of the best IWC watches to buy and consider for investment in 2024.

You may find that none of these take your fancy. No offence taken. As we are all about horology, here are a couple more examples which may tickle your horological senses:

MODEL	REFERENCE	RETAIL PRICE (As of February 2024)
IWC Portofino Automatic	IW356527	£4,450
IWC Pilot’s Automatic Spitfire	IW326806	£5,100
IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42mm	IW344207	£22,500
IWC Portofino Complete Calendar	IW359001	£9,200
IWC Portugieser Automatic 40mm	IW358313	£6,500

So, here's a little summation of a few more watches fresh out of IWC’s catalogue that we think are top contenders for the best IWC watches to buy and consider an investment in 2023. Without any further ado, we wish you well and hope to see you in the next article.

Now, if you want to purchase an IWC, we have a feeling we know the perfect place for you to go…

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