IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation”

Just like every year, IWC celebrates a good cause with the launch of a special Laureus edition. The 12th of its kind – see more models here – and the first to be based on the “Small Pilot” Mark XVIII, this watch is part of IWC’s commitment to support Laureus Sport for Good, which uses the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage. Featuring a striking combination of black and blue, here is the 2018 IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition Laureus Sport.

Before we move to the watch in question, a few words about “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation”. Sport eliminates differences, imparts self-confidence and promotes team spirit: this is the motto of Laureus Sport for Good, an organization that believes in the integrative force of sport, harnessing its potential to advance social change and provide more promising future prospects for disadvantaged children and adolescents. The foundation and its ambassadors from the world of professional sport are dedicated to improving society. Currently, Laureus supports over 100 programmes which are using sport to make social change in around 35 countries. More details on laureus.com. For now 12 years, IWC is supporting this foundation by creating special editions, all based on blue dials (the colour of Laureus), with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each watch donated to the foundation. After several Portugeiser versions, a Portofino, a Da Vinci or an Ingenieur, it’s now time for the smaller Pilot’s Watch, a.k.a the Mark XVIII, to receive the signature blue dial. Nothing dramatic here, as we’re mainly talking about a change of colours and material.

Une publication partagée par IWC Schaffhausen (@iwcwatches) le 27 Févr. 2018 à 8 :31 PST

The base used is equal to the previous IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII launched in 2016. In short, a no-nonsense, toolish and utilitarian pilot’s watch with all the necessary features of such watches. For this Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation”, the 41mm case is now made out of polished black ceramic and secured to the wrist by an embossed black calfskin strap. The back reveals a special engraving, based on 11-year-old Brazilian Ana Claudia’s submission to a drawing competition organized by IWC. The individual number of each watch is also engraved on the steel back. Time is indicated by the usual automatic Caliber 35111 (based on Sellita SW300-1). Another difference with this IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” is its blue dial, paired here with black pilot’s hands (filled with a large amount of luminous paint). This new IWC x Laureus edition will be produced in 1,500 pieces and a portion of the proceeds from these watches will go to Laureus Sport For Good Foundation. It will be priced at EUR 5,900 or USD 5,650 – which is the same price as the Mark XVIII Top Gun Miramar, also a black ceramic version of this watch. More details on iwc.com.