The Watch Appreciation Thread (Reviews and Photos of Men's Timepieces by Rolex, Patek Philippe, Brei

[flanker2000fr]

Originally Posted by Singular

Mark XV/XVI is a superb onewatch - does it all, is tough enough for using everyday but is still discrete enough to not look completely out-of-place to more elegant/formal clothes (especially on a strap). In addition to this it is somewhat under the radar, but still recognizable for those who appreciate it.

I tend to favour the XV (due to the less ooooomphy dial/hands design), and I'd think that old British aviators would certainly agree that something is fishy with the latest incarnation of a IWC Mark bearing a German dial design...

/M

I second that. The XV has a much clearer lineage with the famous Mark X / XI. Something got lost with the XVI.

I think that IWC had it just right when they had the Mark XV / 3706 Fliegerchronograph / 3713 Doppelchronograph in their catalogue.

Here's one of the same era:

Very nice SM300, by the way.

 

[NonServiam]

Originally Posted by flanker2000fr

I second that. The XV has a much clearer lineage with the famous Mark X / XI. Something got lost with the XVI.

I think that IWC had it just right when they had the Mark XV / 3706 Fliegerchronograph / 3713 Doppelchronograph in their catalogue.

Here's one of the same era:

I do enjoy my 3717, but I see that the character us even stronger in the generation before. Your PVDed 3706 (?) looks serious!

 

[impolyt_one]

dislike the pushers not being blacked to match

 

[mrmax]

Originally Posted by NonServiam

Your PVDed 3706 (?) looks serious!

That's a 3705 (ceramic)

 

[Singular]

Originally Posted by mrmax

That's a 3705 (ceramic)

...one badass IWC, hands down. It being un-matched is cool.

/M

 

[dnsnlsn]

Need help deciding what watch to get - advice would be great!

(sorry for ******** up this page with all the Panerai's, Omega's and Rolex's)

Sinn 556

or...

Oris Classic Date

 

[Trompe le Monde]

ive had both (a variant of the classic master date) , and 2 sinns, with a 3rd on order

so u can imagine my response

sinn also looks handsome on strap

 

[Keith T]

Again, not really trying to change any minds here, but I totally love my Mark XVI. This debate has been battled out ad nauseam on the watch fora probably since the day the XVI was released.

And I agree that it could be a superb "onewatch", although I could personally never get by with just one watch!

My own reasoning, in brief, for going with the XVI:

• I think the extra millimeter of the XVI sits a little nicer on my own wrist (approx 7") vs. the XV version (39mm as opposed to 38mm)....and yes, I realize that only watch nuts would split hairs like this. It's only a millimeter, but still....I guess that's why we are watch nuts.
  
  
• I never really loved how the XV and other iterations, had the pointed tip on the minute hand, but the hour hand was blocked-off. That's just me. I like the new shapely version and its aggressive, not-quite-sword-shaped taper.
  
  
• the numerical font is preferable TO ME on the XVI...yes, it is larger and I suppose more "modern" looking, rather than the traditional dial. But I think it looks super crisp in person, and just really catches my eye in a good way.
  
  
• the missing 3, 6, and 9 are often what drive the haters crazy about this watch...but I'm just taken with how it opens up the dial on this particular piece. Strictly a preference in this case

So, vive la difference and all that.

I would not kick a Mark XV out of my bed if I had one. That is not what I'm saying at all. They are highly desirable in their own right, and I truly understand the XVI doesn't quite fit into that same exact IWC strain of pilot's watch DNA for everyone.

Honestly, if I could have checked out a 40mm Stowa in person (sterile dial, ETA-powered, blued hands), then I might have opted to save the $$ and go that route. But I was able to get my Mark XVI from an authorized dealer at a reasonable discount and see it on the wrist prior to buying.

Might as well use the mini-rant as an excuse to post the below pic (not mine, and not sure who to credit), but I thought this was a pretty good image:

 

[spertia]

Need help deciding what watch to get - advice would be great!
Sinn 556

or...

Oris Classic Date

Totally different aesthetics between the two watches, but I much prefer the Sinn over the Oris.

 

[impolyt_one]

+1 on the 556, and the Mark XVI doesn't look as bad as people make it out to be.

 

[iroh]

.

 

[Metlin]

...

 

[geoffmartin17]

Originally Posted by Singular

This looks great - I've been trying to decide between this or an ezm3 :\\

This picture doens't help, as i WAS leaning towards the ezm3

 

[Bill Smith]

Originally Posted by dnsnlsn

Need help deciding what watch to get - advice would be great!

(sorry for ******** up this page with all the Panerai's, Omega's and Rolex's)

Sinn 556

or...

Oris Classic Date

I personally like the Oris better, much more versatile.

 

[emalkin23]

I have been loving catching up on this thread, such great watches all around. I have a very modest Hamilton X-Wind Khaki that needs a new band (22 mm). I am going to be picking up a speedy soon so the hamilton will be worn much less. I don't think I need a cordovan band so can anyone recommend a good site for non-branded (want a more interesting color/pattern perhaps) leather bands? Thanks!