IWC Mark XII: Probably the most beautiful pilot watch from IWC (and any other brand!?)
…on its way to becoming an icon?

The story:

1948: the year the Mark XI was born

The artisans at IWC pride themselves on their engineering expertise, and their watches reflect this approach. Unlike the traditional Métiers d’Art, which emphasize ornate dials and movement embellishments, IWC prioritizes a minimalist design philosophy. This ethos was also evident in the production of the Mark XI pilot watch for the British Royal Air Force, which IWC manufactured from 1948 to 1981. The Mark XI featured a black dial with white numerals and indices, highlighted with luminescent paint for visibility in low-light conditions. To aid pilots in quickly orienting themselves, a white pilot’s triangle with two dots on either side was added at the 12 o’clock position, also glowing in the dark. Additionally, the Mark XI was equipped with a soft iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields. Initially, the Mark XI came with a Bonklip steel bracelet, which differed visually from the sleeker bracelets found on the more modern Mark models. However, in 1954, nylon straps were introduced, allowing the watch to be worn over a pilot’s suit or on the wrist.

1994: IWC Mark XII

During the mid-1980s, the Royal Air Force phased out the Mark XI, causing it to disappear for a few years. However, in 1994, the Mark XII Ref. 3241 marked a new era for the iconic pilot’s watch. Remarkably, the watch did not lose any of its charm from the past; on the contrary, it returned with an even cooler vibe. The Mark XII represented the start of a simplistic yet refined mechanical watch, with a timeless design that has endured over the years. This updated model replaced the plexiglass with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and the simpler Caliber 89 was upgraded with a stunning 36-jewels Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 889/2 automatic movement that featured a date function.

We are pleased to offer a full set of this exceptional watch that is in excellent condition. The case is unpolished, with only minimal signs of wear. We acquired the watch directly from its original owner. The original leather strap is also in great condition and is accompanied by the original IWC pin buckle.

The matte black dial is in flawless condition and the creamy tritium lume is just perfectly aged to the same cream colour as the second hand.

As with all of our watches, this stunning Mark XII has been carefully inspected and cleaned to ensure its flawless operation.

You can enjoy complete peace of mind with our 24-month warranty.

Includes:
– Original IWC Box ( Outer & Inner )
– IWC international guarantee & certificate of origin – stamped: July 1997
– IWC service booklet
– IWC operating instructions MK XII