A Rare Jaeger LeCoultre RAF Pilots Watch, Otherwise Known As The Mark 11, In Superb Condition, Issued 1948. 

An accurate and revolutionary piece of kit for the British Royal Air Force; not just for the UK but for many of the Commonwealth countries around the world. 

The Mark XI's can make a claim to being the first wristwatches in the world designed from scratch to be anti-magnetic.  Both JLC and IWC feature a very thick iron dial, which is cup-shaped and so covers the side of the movement; the movement "iron cover" is similarly shaped and rises to meet the dial sides. This means that the movement is completely encased in a non-magnetic "Faraday cage", thereby providing a high degree of anti-magnetic shielding. 

These particular watches were not produced in large numbers, and many were decommissioned from military service later in their lives, a few live on - thankfully! 

What’s On Offer 

A quintessential pilot’s watch, this rare and sought-after JLC Mark XI is in superb condition with an incredibly well-preserved dial. The Arabic numerals have remained crisp and still brilliant white - punching out from the rich black of the dial. Lumed hour plots at 12, 3, 6 and 9 match the lume on the cathedral hands, all of which have aged to a beautiful pale tint of green. A central seconds hand, JLC signature and the military pheon complete the dial which is encapsulated underneath plexi. The solid steel case is in super condition with only very minor signs of wear. The caseback is engraved with 6B/346 3836/48, as well as the military pheon. This watch arrived with an incorrect crown, we managed to source an original replacement crown from JLC - we were very lucky! So this is now completely correct! We also had the watch serviced very recently, by our revered military watchmaker, so it is in excellent shape! A fantastic watch with much historical relevance. We do not expect this one to be around for long. 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless steel

Dial: Black

Crystal: Plexi

Bracelet: Black pin buckle strap

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual

Movement Type: Mechanical

Caliber: 488/SBr

Jewels: 16j

Waterproof: n/a

Power reserve: 48hrs

Purchase details

Condition: Superb

Model Reference: 6B/346

Date of issue: 1948

Warranty: 12 Months by VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 35mm

Lug width: 17mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 47mm

Wrist size: Adjustable