IWC Mark XI 6B/346 'WWW', Matte Black 'Circle T' Dial with Documentation

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

The International Watch Company. Founded in 1868 in Switzerland by an American, IWC Schaffhausen enjoys a rich history in watchmaking, spanning complicated pocket watches, to pioneering wrist watches made of out experimental materials. Be there no doubt, the most popular and well-known family of watches from the brand is its 'Pilot' line, which began in the first half of the twentieth century and now offers a simply massive variety of models with different materials, sizes, movements, etc. You name it, they have it. The Mark XI was a watch born out of necessity and uncompromising standards. Following the issuance of the famed 'Dirty Dozen' watches during the Second World War, the British Ministry of Defence determined that its pilots required something even more accurate, durable, and resistant to the unique demands of aviation. In 1947, the Ministry introduced the 6B/346 navigation watch specification, setting a new benchmark for military wristwatches. Only two manufacturers were entrusted with the contract: IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre. After 1953, JLC ended production, leaving IWC as the sole supplier, equipping Royal Air Force pilots with the Mark XI until its retirement from service in 1981. IWC built their Mark XI around their now legendary Calibre 89 — widely regarded as one of the finest manually wound movements ever produced. To meet the Ministry's stringent anti-magnetic requirements, the movement was housed within a soft iron inner case, while each watch endured an exhaustive 44-day testing period before entering service. The earliest examples were fitted with radium dials, though nearly all were updated during routine military servicing as specifications evolved. As a result, most surviving examples feature the matte black 'Circle-T' Tritium dials that have become synonymous with British military watches, making the Mark XI not only one of the most capable military timepieces ever issued, but also one of the most enduring icons of military watchmaking. Additionally, the cases utilize 'fixed' bar lugs and were designed to be worn on a NATO strap. The example that we have here dates to circa 1951 and is offered in fantastic overall condition. The case has seemingly been spared of any polishing and presents very nicely with normal signs of wear from use given the life it has endured. The correct crown and inner dust cover also emain in fantastic condition, with screw-down caseback also r, with all the appropriate engravings clear and present. Inside, the dial is well-preserved, with clear white text, a stamped 'Circle-T' and patinated luminous plots at the 3, 6, 9, & 12 o'clock positions with a matching patinated handset. Additionally, this piece is accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original owner, service papers, and an extract from IWC themselves. To many collectors of vintage, regardless of whether the focus is of military watches or not, this piece has everything going for it. Military issued, properly vintage, strong condition, and its from one of the great brands. This is a real piece of history — a phrase often repeated in the world of watches, though rarely as deservedly as in this case.