IWC Mk XVIII: The modern minimalist watch.
Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2016 12:23 am
Hodinkee got this one wrong out of the gate with this being the Selitta which stirred-up a little controversy on the evolution of the "pure breed" Mark line... this 40mm offering is the 2892-A2 (IWC cal. 30110) and the 36mm pilot is the Selitta. Not to say the Selitta is inferior as it packs +4 jewels, but it's nice to have the proven workhorse movement under the hood for a number of reasons, especially considering it goes back to the MK XV which is the most modern version in overall aesthetics to the original WWWs. I realize it's subjective, but I was reluctant in giving Sellita a chance as an old-school ETA fan over the years.. A personal mental block in taking on that evolution just yet. 
Now, not sure what that all says about the date window placement being slightly to the left, which brought the Selitta usage into question from the start, but when you wear the watch it doesn't matter a bit, and dare I say it, works great! If you're that guy that cannot get past the date window being a millimeter or so to the left, then this isn't your watch. But if you look at it as a study in new date window placement, then it's a welcome adjustment that just works after an a minute of staring. Plus, as we ALL know, when looking at macro shots of new watches, we're often put off by them and overly critical (Pelagos V.2.0 anyone?), until we see it in the flesh (at 40mm in this case).
Might I add, too, that I've owned two other 2892-A2s over the years and must say that while they both wound buttery smooth, there must be angels massaging the movement on every wind here. Impressive.
This is my first IWC so talking about the bracelet and clasp may be old news to many, but having dabbled in everything from the SD4000 (glidelock), Easy link (216570, 116710), wanting so much more in GS bracelets, and desperately wanting that old SJ 16710 feel back, I have to concede to IWC being the bracelet king at this price point. The quick release link adjustment is ingenious and their push-button clasp adjustment sits somewhere comfortably between the easy link and glidelock.
I will also say that the endlink-to-case tolerances may be the tightest I've ever experienced. It's like wearing the equivalent of feeling that precise power-steering in a fine modern sports car around the track which you swore was made from a solid CNC'd billet of german steel. It's that solid.
So much legibility, low-profile comfort, impeccable finishing, heritage, and the perfect timeless size. Total winner if you're tired of the big watch craze! I am smitten...
My 6.75"-7" wrists:
Now, not sure what that all says about the date window placement being slightly to the left, which brought the Selitta usage into question from the start, but when you wear the watch it doesn't matter a bit, and dare I say it, works great! If you're that guy that cannot get past the date window being a millimeter or so to the left, then this isn't your watch. But if you look at it as a study in new date window placement, then it's a welcome adjustment that just works after an a minute of staring. Plus, as we ALL know, when looking at macro shots of new watches, we're often put off by them and overly critical (Pelagos V.2.0 anyone?), until we see it in the flesh (at 40mm in this case).
Might I add, too, that I've owned two other 2892-A2s over the years and must say that while they both wound buttery smooth, there must be angels massaging the movement on every wind here. Impressive.
This is my first IWC so talking about the bracelet and clasp may be old news to many, but having dabbled in everything from the SD4000 (glidelock), Easy link (216570, 116710), wanting so much more in GS bracelets, and desperately wanting that old SJ 16710 feel back, I have to concede to IWC being the bracelet king at this price point. The quick release link adjustment is ingenious and their push-button clasp adjustment sits somewhere comfortably between the easy link and glidelock.
I will also say that the endlink-to-case tolerances may be the tightest I've ever experienced. It's like wearing the equivalent of feeling that precise power-steering in a fine modern sports car around the track which you swore was made from a solid CNC'd billet of german steel. It's that solid.
So much legibility, low-profile comfort, impeccable finishing, heritage, and the perfect timeless size. Total winner if you're tired of the big watch craze! I am smitten...
My 6.75"-7" wrists:
