The IWC Mark XI stands as an iconic timepiece, deeply intertwined with military history, particularly that of the Royal Air Force (RAF). First introduced in 1948, the Mark XI was designed to meet stringent specifications set by the British Ministry of Defence for a highly reliable and accurate wristwatch for its pilots. These specifications were codified under the reference 6B/346.
    
IWC (International Watch Company) was among a select few manufacturers chosen to produce these watches, alongside other notable companies such as Jaeger-LeCoultre. The Mark XI featured a robust stainless steel case, a highly legible dial with luminous markers for visibility under all conditions, and a durable in-house movement known as Calibre 89, celebrated for its precision and dependability.
    
The RAF issued the Mark XI to its pilots from 1949 after rigorous testing and continued to do so until the late 1980s. This extended period of service is a testament to the watch's enduring design and functionality. Its magnetic resistance was particularly valued in an era when cockpit instruments could interfere with a watch's accuracy.
    
Today, the IWC Mark XI is revered by collectors not only for its historical significance but also for its classic design and mechanical reliability. Its legacy continues to influence modern aviation timepieces, embodying IWC's commitment to excellence in watchmaking.

What's on Offer

This is one of the most collectable military pieces on the market today, the Mark 11 is collectable in any case, but with this rare 'hooked 7' dial, and in such fantastic condition, it is even more so. 

This IWC Mark XI was issued in 1952 and boasts the original military markings we would expect to see. The dial features the British military arrow and the circled ‘T’, which denotes tritium as the luminous material. The original dial of the Mark XIs were lumed with radium, but sometime in the early 1960’s, IWC began to replace them with tritium as it is much safer. Housed in a 36mm stainless steel case with fixed lugs, it has an antimagnetic cage protecting the manual winding Cal. 89 movement, beating at 18,000 A/h.

This watch is in superb condition and is a rare and collectable piece that will make an exceptional addition to any collection.