Strap Decisions: Exploring New IWC Colored Rubber Straps and Pilot’s Watch Mark XX with Its EasX-CHANGE Strap System

It was in July 2022 that the Schaffhausen-based brand revealed the first two Mark XX dial variants – matte black and sunburst blue – which were followed up in October by the release of a striking edition with a sunburst green dial.
 

Compared to the face of its forerunner, the Mark XVIII, the Mark XX’s dial features a few subtle improvements. The numerals and 12 o’clock triangular index are closer to the dial center. Moreover, the date window is now more neatly in alignment with the numerals and indices, which produces a more harmonious dial layout. All dial variants also now feature a white date disc.
 

Likewise, the lumed-filled stick indices at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock extend further inwards, enhancing their crosshair effect. The hour and minute hands, also lume-treated, are more prominently facetted.

As for the Mark XX’s stainless steel case, while it retains the 40mm diameter of the Mark XVIII, it has been thinned down by 0.2mm to a height of 10.8mm. Its shorter lugs hug the wrist better, while the crown is larger and grippier. On top of that, we now have a water resistance rating worthy of a proper tool watch – 100 meters – 40 meters more than that offered by the Mark XX’s predecessor.

This svelter, more wearable case has been made possible thanks to a better, thinner movement on the inside. Rather than the Sellita-based 35111 calibre that powered the Mark XVIII, the Mark XX packs the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre.
 

The three Mark XX dial variants come on either a five-link steel bracelet (total price $6,150) or a calfskin strap (total price $5,250) that is black for the black-dialed edition, blue for the blue-dialed edition, and brown for the green-dialed version.

As you can see from our pictures, we enjoyed trying out a mix of the default calfskin straps as well as colorful, all-weather ergonomic rubber straps that are available as optional extras.
 

Priced at $280 each, these rubber straps are available in three sizes – XS, Standard, and XL – and eight eye-catching colors. Each hue lends a different feel to the overall ensemble, so you can easily switch between something stealthy and understated, autumnal and military, or summery and vibrant, depending on your mood.

And it should be noted that IWC has selected a really nice rubber material here: it is supple, smooth, and non-stick, and there is a textural consistency between each strap irrespective of its color.
 

(Photography by Pierre Vogel)