116000 OP Blue Dial vs. IWC Mark XVIII Black

[helicopterpilot91]

Hello everyone, this is my first post on here. I am trying to decide between the 36mm blue dial OP and the new Mark 18. I am partial to the IWC because I am a fan of pilot watches and non common watches (don't like drawing unwanted attention), but for literally the same price I can have the Rolex that I like as well (not a fan of the cyclops). And of course it has an in house movement, while the IWC does not. IWC on bracelet is $4,950 and the OP is $5,400. I have tried both on and again like both with the edge to the Mark. The IWC has an "easy link", the Rolex does not. I am a sucker for blue dials, just not on the IWC as the black is classic and again, a pilot's watch. I can't help but feel IWC will eventually come out with more in house movements and I have a hard time shelling out for the IWC when I can have in house and better resale value for the same price. Also, prefer the all brushed case of the IWC as scratches won't be as noticeable (I am assuming) I am looking for any advice/insight anyone has between these models. Thanks in advance!!



IWC Mark XVIII

Pros
- Cheaper
- Easy Link Bracelet
- All Brushed

Cons
- ETA Based Movement



Rolex 116000 Blue

Pros
- It's a Rolex
- In-House Movement
- Blue Dial

Cons
- Might draw unwanted attention
- Polished dome case (Scratches)

[Bfd70]

Well, it's a rolex forum so you are likely to find more votes for Rolex. Why not go to a neutral corner.

[joe100]

Rolex for the win. The 18 would make a nice second watch but a 116000 OP is the whole package

[turboawd]

For me, I would choose the 116000. It think it's not even close, but then again I'm not much of a fan of iwc. Here are some of my thoughts on the 116000, after owning one for almost a year now:

-I wear this watch almost daily and have never had anyone notice it or mention anything. Being on the small side at 36mm helps with this.
-the bracelet is amazing quality. I enjoy and appreciate the oyster bracelet almost as much as the watch itself. The tolerances are so tight, the lines so sharp, and it just has the classic look.
-I don't find myself missing the easylink all that much. Then again I've never had a watch with this feature; I'm used to sizing a watch and sticking with it
-it's very versatile, looks good with casual wear all the way to formal
-the blue dial is very amazing, and in my opinion a huge advantage over the iwc.
-you mentioned that fact that it's a Rolex as a pro, and I agree...



Here's a picture of my 116000 to help persuade you further!


I think you won't regret choosing the OP if you do choose it. It's a watch that will stay with you for life...

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[Duey]

Blue

[helicopterpilot91]

I knew posting to a Rolex forum I would have a general bias, but I also knew I would probably have the most traffic on this forum and also have more of you with info and knowledge on the watch brand I know least about... Rolex. So that's why I came here.

That is a nice looking watch! It's good to know that it doesn't draw attention. I want a watch because it looks nice and is quality, not for the fanfare.

[myc ritz]

I own a Mark XVI and consider it a great under the radar watch, but a Rolex on Oyster bracelet kills it in almost every regard. Also, if resale is a concern, buy the 116000 LNIB, you could easily find it for $4,000.00 - $4,400.00 on the forums.

[joe100]

No one will notice the watch you wear. I've worn a rolex for a decade now and I can only remember a few people ever noticing.

What about the new 39mm OP, the 114300?

[Muzz]

The blue dial is wonderful!! Not a huge fan of that particular IWC reference so I would be all over the Rolex pictured.

[helicopterpilot91]

Thanks for the comparison on the IWC, Ritz.

I tried on 39mm at my local AD and actually like the 36mm size better. Plus it has numerals which appeals to me. The local AD also had a 34mm Air King blue which was nice. Starting to get small for me. and I'm guessing it's been sitting there a while.

I'll keep my eye out for LNIB, haven't seen any lately. But my local guy I think will help me out on price as I've done decent business with him before.

[Jack T]

I've always liked the 116000, it's discreet and reliable. This particular blue dial looks great with numerals 3, 6 and 9, similar to the Explorer. As others have said, can not beat the oyster bracelet. Here's a picture of my favorite, but yours is an understated beauty. I like the IWC lineup, but in this case I wouldn't think twice about the OP.

[helicopterpilot91]

Thanks for the info on the IWC, Ritz. I'll look on the forums but haven't seen anything as of yet.

I tried the 114300 on and like the numerals and the 36mm size better. I also tried on the 34mm Air King blue face but think it's starting to get small for me. Plus I'm guessing it's been sitting in the case a while which gives me caution.

The OP is getting some points! Can anyone comment on how prone it is to scratches? Or is it not that big of a deal? I'm okay with uniform scratches but don't want a bezel that is a magnet for the big gouges.

[HogwldFLTR]

My first 116000 drew a fair amount of attention (perhaps more than any other Rolex I've owned) which was strange considering how low key a Rolex it was. My newer one hadn't drawn as much. Maybe it was the roll of the dice. I love the OPs and would definitely take it over the IWC unless I had too many Rolexes and wanted to diversify.

[GB-man]

The Rolex is the one to get. It fits you well and I worry the mark 18 might look cumbersome in comparison being 40mm.

[helicopterpilot91]

Thanks for the info on the IWC, Ritz. I'll look on the forums but haven't seen anything lately.

I tried the 114300 on with the grey dial and light blue markers but prefer the 36mm size and the numerals. I also tried on the 34mm Air King blue dial but think its starting to get small for me. Plus I am guessing it has sat in the case a while which gives me caution.

The OP is getting some points! Can anyone comment on how prone it is to scratches? Or is it not that big of a deal? I'm okay with uniform scratches but don't want a bezel that is a magnet for the big gouges.

This would be my first Rolex.

I've tried the Mark 18 on and it didn't look overly big but I also have a 43mm watch that I love and it doesn't look too big. It's too nice in my opinion to wear daily with what I do, so am looking for something a little smaller.

I have tried to post this twice already and both times it said the post needed reviewed before posting but has not been posted. So apologies if it appears more than once.

[Luxurywatchvn]

Blue dial look vẻry nice

[yoast]

Buy the rolex, save up for the IWC which you will be able to pick up heavily discounted soon from a grey market dealer.

[WristEnvy]

I'm going to go against the grain here and say go for the iwc. I actually like the look of the mark xviii and mark xvi. Though, I have an exp1 already and a few other Rolex and tudor sport models.

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[turboawd]

Originally Posted by helicopterpilot91

Thanks for the info on the IWC, Ritz. I'll look on the forums but haven't seen anything lately.

I tried the 114300 on with the grey dial and light blue markers but prefer the 36mm size and the numerals. I also tried on the 34mm Air King blue dial but think its starting to get small for me. Plus I am guessing it has sat in the case a while which gives me caution.

The OP is getting some points! Can anyone comment on how prone it is to scratches? Or is it not that big of a deal? I'm okay with uniform scratches but don't want a bezel that is a magnet for the big gouges.

This would be my first Rolex.

I've tried the Mark 18 on and it didn't look overly big but I also have a 43mm watch that I love and it doesn't look too big. It's too nice in my opinion to wear daily with what I do, so am looking for something a little smaller.

I have tried to post this twice already and both times it said the post needed reviewed before posting but has not been posted. So apologies if it appears more than once.

In terms of bezel scratches, the small swirl marks are inevitable, but not too noticeable in normal conditions. I'm careful when wearing it, but I wouldn't say that I baby the watch. I wear it to work in an office environment, and on weekends when out with the kids etc. Just normal stuff, nothing too rough. I take it on vacation too.

The biggest bezel scratch I've gotten so far is at 12 o clock, it's a bit deeper than the normal swirls, it may be considered a light gouge. I think the watch is low profile enough to avoid a lot of major dings. Here's a pic:



It bothered me for a few hours, and since then I've accepted it. Worst case scenario, the bezel can always be replaced at service time if really needed. So again, really no big deal.

Hope this helps...

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[joe100]

Every watch will scratch. None are more or less prone.

[yannis]

Rolex between the two!

[Blingtone]

I'm also a tad biased, my OP Blue gets much more wear time than my Explorers (14270 & 114270) - I bought mine (a coin toss between this and the Tudor Ranger a couple of years ago) because I was always dissapointed with the lume (or lack of!) on the Explorers' 3 - 6 - 9
Surprisingly, maybe due to the domed bezel - this watch seems to wear 'bigger' than my same sized Explorers, coupled with the better clasp, a great daily wearer.....

.

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by Blingtone

I'm also a tad biased, my OP Blue gets much more wear time than my Explorers (14270 & 114270) - I bought mine (a coin toss between this and the Tudor Ranger a couple of years ago) because I was always dissapointed with the lume (or lack of!) on the Explorers' 3 - 6 - 9
Surprisingly, maybe due to the domed bezel - this watch seems to wear 'bigger' than my same sized Explorers, coupled with the better clasp, a great daily wearer.....

Attachment 734324.

Nice hands (on the watch that is)!

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[ppalasthira]

The OP, by a mile.

[Lord]

Rolex 31XX based movement or ETA 289X based? No contest - the crown takes it everytime!

And in looks too... Although the Mk.XVIII 'le petit prince' (dark/sunburst dial) is a bit of a looker...

[dysondiver]

i like the iwc , its a real step back to the mkxv spitfire version , great combination , hands and dial just balance so well , as did the xii and the bracelet is a work of art ,,, but , after all is said and done ,, its just a nicer case on an eta ,,, and for that reason , and the fact that the resale isnt going to be the same , and its not a rolex ,,,,
Rolex would be my choice.

[Verdi]

OP for sure.

On that note, I've had the 36mm OP. It is a true beauty and loved it. Comfortable and versatile.
Only one thing bothered me: the lack of easy link.

[Etschell]

id go with the OP as well or a 36 MM explorer.

[Malak]

36 mm OP is timeless classic.

[helicopterpilot91]

Originally Posted by Lord

Rolex 31XX based movement or ETA 289X based? No contest - the crown takes it everytime!

And in looks too... Although the Mk.XVIII 'le petit prince' (dark/sunburst dial) is a bit of a looker...

I have seen pictures of le petit prince and not sold simply because the black design looks so close to the instruments in aircraft and what draws it to me in the first place. Not sure the blue would do the same. However, the local boutique is supposed to let me know when it arrives so I can see in person.


Also, does anyone know how long the 34mm Air King Blue Dial has been out? I believe it actually retails for more than the OP and I can't seem to figure out why.