IWC Mark 11, Hooked 7 Dial, RAF Issued Watch, Caseback ref. /|\ 6B/346 2217/52, 1952

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

A Superb and Very Collectable IWC Mark 11 with the Rare Hooked 7 Dial - A Special Treat For Military Collectors and Enthusiasts - a True Delight! Developed in the late 1940s, the IWC Mark 11 was commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence to equip Royal Air Force navigators with a chronometer-grade wristwatch that met the highest standards of precision, durability, and legibility. Issued from 1949 onward, these timepieces featured anti-magnetic protection, a hacking seconds function, and were powered by the now-legendary Calibre 89 movement. They played a critical role in aerial navigation, allowing RAF personnel to determine position using a bubble sextant, much like marine chronometers had done for sailors since the 18th century. Produced in limited quantities and originally issued to Commonwealth air forces including those of the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, the Mark 11 has become one of the most revered British military watches ever made—and rightly so. What’s on offer We are delighted to offer this truly exceptional and rarely seen example of the IWC Mark 11, dated 1952 and fully RAF-issue, as confirmed by the case back engraving: 6B/346 2217/52, along with the broad arrow (pheon) denoting it as Ministry of Defence property. The 36mm stainless steel case remains in superb vintage condition, showing only light wear consistent with its age and service history—an impressive testament to the enduring build quality of IWC’s mid-century tool watches. The rich black dial is beautifully preserved and blemish-free, boasting crisp white Arabic numerals, luminous hour plots, and perfectly aged Tritium lume in a warm pumpkin hue across both the dial and original hands. This dial is even more special due to the hooked 7 - the devil is in the detail with any watch and this is an important point of difference for collectors! The manual-winding Calibre 89 ticks away confidently inside, delivering chronometer-level accuracy and featuring the vital hacking seconds function for precise time synchronisation—a key feature for pilots and navigators of the day. The soft iron inner cage and dial ensure excellent anti-magnetic protection, a crucial spec for operational use in cockpit environments. With its original military markings, outstanding condition, and complete integrity, this is wonderful example of the Mark 11. These watches are incredibly sought after—and finding one this well-preserved is increasingly rare.