IWC. A stainless steel waterproof military wristwatch with sweep centre seconds
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IWC. A stainless steel waterproof military wristwatch with sweep centre seconds

SIGNED INTERNATIONAL WATCH CO., MARK XI MODEL, MOVEMENT NO. 1266853, MANUFACTURED IN 1952

Details
IWC. A stainless steel waterproof military wristwatch with sweep centre seconds
Signed International Watch Co., Mark XI model, movement no. 1266853, manufactured in 1952
Cal. 89 nickel-finished jewelled lever movement with engraved broad arrow, anti-magnetic cover, the black dial with white Arabic numerals with luminous details, luminous hands, sweep centre seconds with hacking feature, in circular water-resistant-type case with screw back with engraved broad arrow and military markings 6B/346 and 2197/52, downturned lugs, case, dial and movement signed
36 mm. diam.

Lot Essay

Production of the Mark XI, one of the most legendary navigator's watches, was launched in 1948. The model was always fitted with an IWC caliber 89, with or without the hacking feature and cased in stainless steel, some early versions in chrome-plated brass.

It was issued to the British Ministry of Defense and used by the RAF as well as Commonwealth forces, including South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. The engraved numbers on the back differ depending on service. Dials and military markings also vary but those for military use show a broad arrow, some also the Ministry of Defense specification for tritium, the encircled T.

The present watch is engraved with Mark XI reference number 6B/346, the "6B" signifying "Flying", the combination of "6B/346" was the watch specification. Number 2197 is the serial number and 52 the year of production.

The model is illustrated in Ore d'Oro 2 by Jader Barracca, Giampiero Negretti, Franco Nencini, p. 207.

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