IWC Mark XI (ref. 6B/346) British Military T Dial

IWC Mark XI: A Timeless Classic with Military Precision

The iconic IWC Mark XI, introduced in 1948, represents a historic collaboration between International Watch Company (IWC) and Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC). These timepieces were meticulously crafted to meet the exacting specifications of the British Ministry of Defense (MoD), prioritizing functionality above all else. The result? Watches that have stood the test of time as all-time classics.

Both IWC and JLC produced Mark XI watches that adhered closely to the MoD’s specifications. These watches were not only similar in size but also in style. However, while IWC continued to produce its Mark XI until the early 1980s, JLC ceased production around 1953.

One of the defining features of the Mark XI is the presence of the broad arrow symbol on the dial, movement, and case—a clear indicator of government property, in accordance with MoD standards. The caseback is engraved with “6B 346 450/50,” where “6B 346” signifies the specific model (Mark XI), and “450/50” denotes that it was the 450th model manufactured in 1950.

The Mark XI marked the debut of the legendary manually wound caliber 89, renowned for its exceptional reliability. Precision was paramount for these watches, as they were essential for British pilots on their missions.

This military timepiece embodies all the essential characteristics of a military watch, including fixed spring bars, luminous dial and hands, hacking seconds, and an additional soft iron cover beneath the screw-down case to protect against magnetism. The flat hour hand on this RAF-issued example is a distinguishing feature.

The Mark XI’s legacy extends to modern times, as it served as a foundational inspiration for the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition ‘HODINKEE’ introduced earlier this year.

Given their military service, Mark XI watches were routinely sent for maintenance to ensure accuracy and compliance with evolving regulations. Luminous standards evolved over the years, leading to reluming of most original Mark XI dials, in accordance with MoD requirements. Around 1962, concurrent with the industry’s shift from radium to tritium luminescent material, the RAF mandated a “T” within a circle on the dial to denote tritium luminescence—a feature shared with British military-issued Rolex Submariners (MilSubs) and certain British military-issued Omega Seamaster 300s.

The IWC Mark XI remains a timeless masterpiece, a testament to precision, reliability, and military heritage.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

• Photos are of the watch for sale.
• We provide a 6-month warranty on all watches!
• All watches are fully checked by our watchmaker.
• Watches can be picked up in a highly secured office.
• All our shipments are insured.

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