The Mk XI was a watch born out of rigorous specifications and necessity. After the issuance of the famed “Dirty Dozen” timepieces, the British Ministry of Defense came to the conclusion that these watches just weren’t accurate or durable enough for their pilots. So in 1947, the British MOD created the 6B/346 navigation watch standard specifications which became known as Mk XI. Both IWC and JLC produced watches under the 6B/346 specification. The JLC Mk. XI was discontinued in 1953 and IWC then became the sole supplier, outfitting RAF Pilot’s until the watches were decommissioned in 1981.
The next "Mark" created by IWC for their proffesional pilot's watch line would be in 1993, 12 years after the Mk XI was discountinued, with the introduction of the Mark XII under the reference number 3241. A civilian model that drew most of its insperation from its predecessor though with some integral upgrades that brought the watch into the modern era. Though the dial format remains mostly the same between the two models, the ref. 3241 features the modern IWC logo along with a date window at the 3 o'clock through the help of the in-house cal. 884 automatic "quick-set" date movement. Further improvements on the overall design of the Mark XII include a farade movement cover to repel magnetism, a screw-down winding crown for improved water resistance, and a sapphire cystal to improve duribility.
SPECS
| Stock # | IWCMKXII | |
| Brand | IWC | |
| Style | Mark XII | |
| Model | 3241 | |
| Serial | 26XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Matte Black | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Bracelet | IWC Stainless Steel Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The impressive case remains in clean, unpolished condition with minimal signs of honest use present. The case retains its original IWX fish logo screw-down crown. The case back retains all of its factroy markings in crisp and deep condition with gentle wear present. The watch comes supplied on its original IWC stainless steel bracelet which remains in excellent condition and will fit nearly fit a 7 3/4-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The matte black dial is flawless, showing no age or damage. The tritium markers feature a subtle yet charming eggshell patina with no degradation present. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and exhibit no degradation under UV light inspection.
ACCESSORIES
This watch comes complete with its original inner and outer boxes, warranty cards, and instruction booklets. The watch is keeping time perfectly, backed by our 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.
