A Rare and Desirable Military Issued IWC Mark 11 (Mk. XI) Post-WWII Airforce Chronometer Pilot’s watch in Superb Condition c.1952

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 11 allowed for a wholly different navigation class as the aerial conflict intensified during the Second World War. The navigator used this watch in an RAF plane with a bubble sextant to calculate the exact latitude and longitude of the aircraft. This method was in principle the same as that used by sailors to calculate their position ever since the development of the marine chronometer by John Harrison in the mid-eighteenth century.

These particular watches were not produced in large numbers, and many were decommissioned from military service later in their lives, a few like this one we have for sale live on with a firm reputation behind them. Many forum browsers and watch collectors consider these pieces to be the most desirable and esteemed British military watch out there (we include ourselves in this). This IWC does have a twin; the Jaeger LeCoultre Mk.XI, both of which are prized and only slightly different.

It featured a soft iron core to fully encase the watch in an anti-magnetic housing, the dial also being made of iron to holistically encase the watch for accuracy’s sake. The movement is extremely accurate, using a hacking complication to allow for the second’s hand to be precisely synchronised, and is chronometer accurate! The Mark XI is the pinnacle of British military watches: a carefully specified, refined design with supreme accuracy and solid craftsmanship. The case back is engraved ‘6B/346’, and the Ministry of Defence issued codes for the Mark XI.

What’s on offer

An iconic, very rare and collectable military watch – having searched high and low and inspecting others we have found for sale, this watch is in the best condition by a long way – it has been unbelievably well preserved and boasts all of the military hallmarks we would expect to see.

Built to strict specifications required by pilots in their duties, this is a VERY RARE opportunity to own a piece of British aviation history whilst remaining a very wearable and might I add reliable watch.

The watch only shows minor signs of wear to the case, which one would not expect from a watch from 1952, and having seen active military service, this is a testament to the build quality!

The case back is engraved with the military arrow, known as the pheon which denotes the watch as the property of the MoD, you will also note reference and store numbers 6B/346 787/52. The stark black dial is blemish-free and boasts crisp white Arabic numerals.

This watch is in simply stunning condition, the jewel of its crown being the beautiful Tritium lume which remains intact on both the dial and on the hands, and which have aged evenly over theyearstoa beautifulvanillashade giving a real warmth to the dial.

At 36mm this watch is mid-size but it wears larger on the wrist whilst remaining comfortable. These watches are very much sought after and will pique the interest of any military collector. You will simply not find a better example than this.