Launched in 1994 to mark a return to IWC’s classic pilot watch design and aesthetic, the Mark XII that we have here takes direct inspiration from IWC’s pilot watches of the past such as their variant of the Dirty Dozen that featured as one of the watches made by twelve brands that supplied watches to be worn by ally pilots. Boasting a 36mm stainless steel case that stands just 10.4mm tall, the IW3241 is a compact timepiece that prioritizes a heritage-inspired design. Powered by an automatic movement from JLC and sporting a black dial with Arabic numerals for each of its hour markers in combination with indices that form part of the minute scale, the IW3241’s display is that of absolute legibility, and its operation absolute flawless and reliable.

Watch is in overall excellent condition. The case has some scratches and light nicks on the tops of the lugs and the bezel, but the case definition is still very good. The case back has some scratches and very crisp engravings. The dial is pristine, with pleasing patina on the dial lume that is a good match with the clean hands. The watch is fitted with a black leather strap in excellent condition with a steel IWC pin buckle.

Inspired by the brand's rich heritage in the arena of pilots watches, the Mark XII forms the foundation of the brand's pilots watch aesthetic to this day, with its blueprint serving to inform hundreds of different types of watches designed to command the skies, just as other IWC watches did during aviation's early days.