Black ceramic watches tend to go one of three ways: 1. They can be somewhat formal (see Girard-Perregaux’s black ceramic Laureato in 38mm), 2. They can be sporty and aggressive (like much of Hublot’s ceramic watches or Omega’s Dark Side of The Moon watches), or 3. They can just be too “ceramic centric” entirely (see Chanel’s black ceramic J12 line). IWC’s ceramic Mark XVIII creates an entirely new category though: the appropriate, casual black ceramic watch.
I was able to try this watch out a while back and all I can say is that when I put it on, it felt “right”. It’s very light and both the case and the calfskin strap were extremely comfortable on. This watch feels like you’ve worn it for years the first time you put it on. While Girard-Perregaux’s Laureato still remains my favorite black ceramic watch, this IWC feels like its perfect companion watch. While the Girard-Perregaux can cover everything from dressy casual to more adventurous forms of black tie, this Mark XVIII spans from the sporty casual up to dressy casual. The version of the watch features a beautiful midnight-blue sunburst dial. 
Coming in at 41mm, this Mark XVIII was made available in a limited run of 1,500 numbered pieces. Additionally, a portion of each sale goes towards the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. This is a great alternative to something more commonly seen like a Rolex Explorer, a Rolex Air-King, or an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra, and the ceramic case sets this watch apart from many watches that instead opt for steel.
The IWC Mark XVIII Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” is priced at 5,650 USD.
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