JAEGER-LECOULTRE
mark xi raf-issued british military watch - Ref. 6b/346
This rare, vintage military Jaeger LeCoultre Mark 11 in stainless steel is in fantastic condition and has perfect mechanical functionality. It is estimated that only 2,950 were issued to the military, with none ever sold to the public. This incredible watch has been fully serviced and is guaranteed for authenticity.
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The Jaeger-LeCoultre Mark 11, alongside its relatively more common sibling, the IWC Mark 11, is perhaps the finest military mechanical timepiece ever produced. It can certainly lay claim to being the original Pilot’s watch, and one of the most expensive commissions by a military, anywhere. Issued by the British Ministry of Defence (MoD), these watches were made to the very strict 6B/346 specifications, and as such, are of incredibly high quality. They were issued to navigators in the Royal Air Force (RAF). |
The 35mm stainless steel case features long lugs, fixed bars, screw-down caseback and a domed plexiglass, all following the specifications of the MoD. There were variances in the hands Jaeger-LeCoultre used, with this example coming with stunning cathedral hands. The caseback features all of the correct engravings as designated when issued. |
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Mark XIs were made for BOAC (British Specific to this example, it is from 1948 as shown by the caseback designation ‘/48’. The dial is in exceptional unrestored condition, with its luminous material aged to a nice orange patina. The text remains crisp and white. There are some minor scratches to the caseback and plexiglass that is expected, given the age of the watch.
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One of the important characteristics of the Mark 11 was its need to be highly antimagnetic, achieved through the iron dial and iron dust cap, which creates a Faraday cage, protecting the movement from magnetic fields.
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Inside the watch, is perhaps its most impressive aspect, the JLC Calibre 488/SBr - a chronometer grade movement with a hack device and centre seconds. It is rhodium brass finished with Geneva stripes. It was the precursor to the famously accurate Geophysic movement, released in 1958. The movement itself is marked with the British Broadarrow, and is distinctive in its look with its stop lever.
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The Jaeger LeCoultre Mark 11s were renowned for their timekeeping accuracy, as this was a fundamental specification required by the British Armed Forces. As a result, these watches were regulated in five positions and tested in temperatures ranging from -5 degrees to 46 degrees over a 44-day testing period. This was conducted in the chronometer workshop of the Royal Greenwich Observatory in Herstmonceux.
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With pilot watches very much in demand today, due to their casual and utilitarian feel, this particular piece certainly fits the bill, especially with its wearable 35mm case and with both dial and case in exceptional unrestored condition.
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Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
CONDITION Our preowned watches have all undergone thorough mechanical inspections, including being ultrasonically cleaned, polished, resealed if appropriate and tested for at least four days, to ensure they meet our highest timekeeping standards. WARRANTY
All watches are either covered by a full, or a limited twelve month warranty. For example, due to their age, some vintage watches should not be subjected to the same conditions as when they were new. Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information. UK DELIVERY If ordering from the UK before 1 PM, your watch will be sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery by Next Day. All of our parcels are fully insured. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY If ordering from outside the UK, your watch will be dispatch the same day with DHL Global Express. Delivery is expected by the end of the next working day. However, delivery time may depend on customs clearance. VIEWINGS Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment. RETURNS You can cancel your order without giving any reason, within 14 days from the day the watch has been delivered to you. CONTACT US Please contact us for more information. 
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