The IWC Pilot's Watch can trace its history back to the oversized timepieces produced for military aviators in 1940. These enormous pieces were originally designed for maximum legibility in a cockpit setting, and — believe it ornot — were meant to be worn on the pilot's thigh!

Today, the Pilot's line is perhaps IWC's most identifiable collection, featuring a variety of case and dial configurations suited for any taste — provided your wrist canhandle the larger-than-average dimensions. If not, that’s where the Mark series comes in. These watches are contemporary takes on the original Mark X and Mark XI watches from the 1940s.

This particular watch, a Pilot'sWatch MARK XVI, features a 39mm brushed stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, a signed crown, and a polished, stepped bezel. It houses a luminous matte black dial with printed ‘Arabic’ indices, a matching ‘sword’ handset, and IWC's Calibre 30110 with 21 jewels and a 41-hour power reserve within.

Paired to a beautiful multi-link bracelet, this piece is the essence of a Pilot's watch.

With excellent legibility, handsome looks, and utilitarian, military influence, it’s no surprise that theMark series has become a cornerstone of the IWC collection.