IWC

International Watch Co

WWII British Military Watch

MoD Specification

Swiss Made

Beautiful and very desirable British Defense Ministry Issue IWC Mark XI watch dated 1948-54 approx.

The watch is in great condition considering its age, the movement is keeping good time.

Both the case and the dial are in original, untouched condition as well as the hands.

The first large-scale attempt to standardize the design of military wristwatches came near the end of WWII when the British War Department published new requirements for an armed forces wristwatch. Twelve companies (Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, IWC, Jaeger LeCoultre, Lemania, Longines, Omega, Record, Timor, Vertex) responded with conforming designs for what are commonly called WWWs (watch(es), wristlet, waterproof) or Mark X (after the IWC version?). Among the requirements were matte black dials with luminous hands, numbers and indicies, subsidiary seconds, shatter-resistant plastic crystal, a case resistant to water, dust and shock, and a high-quality, isochronal and robust movement. The Mark X and later Mark XI (for aviators, featuring center seconds) wristwatches have since become the prototypes for an entire sub-industry of modern watches of 'military' or 'aviator' style. Besides being interesting in themselves, this 50+ year run of admiration, emulation and development indicates that this configuation has a permanent aesthetic and practical appeal, and thus the originals are highly sought and collectable. 

While the superficial distinctions amongst the twelve manufacturers' offerings are relatively minor (cases of stainless steel, nickel alloy, chromed and matted base (brass?), diameters from 33-38mm, and dial variations), each also supplied their own movements, then all of prorietary design. The most famous Mark Xs are of course those of the 2 companies with the longest military-supply traditon, IWC and Omega, featuring respectively their Caliber 83 and 30T2 movements.