Okay, so I’ve been eyeing this IWC Pilot Mark XVIII for a while now. I mean, who doesn’t love a good pilot watch, right? It’s just got that classic, timeless look that I really dig. Finally, I decided to pull the trigger and get one for myself.

First off, I spent a good chunk of time just looking at pictures online. You know, comparing different versions, checking out the details, the usual stuff. I’m really into the details, so I wanted to make sure I was getting exactly what I wanted. There are a few variations of the Mark XVIII, but I was pretty set on the classic black dial with the white numerals. Just something about that clean, simple look that really speaks to me.
Then came the big day – actually going to see it in person! I went to a local store that carries IWC watches. Seeing it in the metal was a whole different experience. The way the light played off the case, the clarity of the dial… it was even better than I imagined. I tried it on, and man, it just felt right on my wrist. The size was perfect, not too big, not too small. It felt solid, well-made, you could just tell it was a quality piece. It has that little date window at 3 o’clock, which is handy, and the hands and numerals are all super legible, even in low light.
- Tried it on, felt great.
- Checked out the movement through the case back – looked amazing.
- Talked to the salesperson, asked a bunch of questions. He was super helpful.
After trying it on and going over all the details again, I decided to go for it. It was a bit of a splurge, but honestly, I felt like I deserved it! Plus, it’s the kind of watch that will last for years and years. I can even pass it down to my kid someday, you know?
The Unboxing
So, I get home, and it’s time for the unboxing. IWC does a really nice job with their packaging. It’s all very classy and understated. Inside the main box, you’ve got a smaller, more compact travel case, which is a nice touch. And then, of course, there’s the watch itself, nestled all snug and secure.
The first thing I did was wind it up and set the time. The crown is a good size, easy to grip, and it winds really smoothly. Setting the date and time was a breeze. Once it was all set, I put it back on my wrist, and I swear, I haven’t taken it off since! I went on a trip just last week and it was amazing.

I’ve been wearing it every day for a few weeks now, and I’m still loving it. It’s comfortable, it looks great, and it keeps perfect time. It’s just a really well-made, beautiful watch. If you’re thinking about getting an IWC Pilot, especially the Mark XVIII, I say go for it. You won’t regret it!