JLC and IWC Mark 11 British MoD Watches History

reintitan · 2019-02-08T20:51:04Z

Discover the history of JLC and IWC Mark 11 watches for the British MoD, including rare RAAF variants and technical specifications.

reintitan

WPS member · Jaeger-LeCoultre forum

47 replies5660 views5 photos

Reintitan's comprehensive post illuminates the historical significance of the Mark 11 specification watches, specifically focusing on the Jaeger-LeCoultre and IWC models supplied to the British MoD. This article provides a detailed look into the unique characteristics and military history of these iconic timepieces, offering valuable insights for vintage watch enthusiasts.

JLC and IWC

The Mark 11 specification is shown below. It details the timing requirements and the dial design and waterproofness among other aspects of the watch the MoD wanted built.

Mark 11 watches are given the MoD designation of 6B/346 wherein 6B is the code for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and 346 is the code specific to the watch for this specification (and is not a serial number).

While the Mark 11 watches from JLC and IWC each fulfilled the specification to win the contract, each watch had its own history.

The JLC Mark 11 was only in production for a relatively short time--from 1948 to 1953 with around only 2,950 total watches built in several batches. Further, the JLC watch was supplied to the RAF and then later to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1953. These RAAF examples are more rare than the RAF watches. Unlike the IWC, no civilian version of the JLC Mark 11 was ever made. The JLCs were all destined for the armed forces.

The Australian watches had some differences from the British.

The RAAF dials lacked the Broadarrow (the mark of MoD property) and they featured a "flat 3" compared to the "rounded 3" of the RAF dial. The RAAF watches also had G.6B/346 or G6B/346 engraved on the case back. The hands were a little longer than their British counterparts and were always of the "Square Hour" type. The serial number on the movements were engraved on the base plate of the cal. 488/SBr rather than on the top bridge. Finally, the RAAF watch had spring bars rather than fixed bars.

Key Points from the Discussion

The JLC Mark 11 was produced for a short period (1948-1953) with only about 2,950 units, exclusively for military use, unlike the IWC version which also had a civilian release.
RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) JLC Mark 11 watches have distinct features, including the absence of the Broadarrow, a 'flat 3' dial, G.6B/346 engraving, longer 'Square Hour' hands, movement serials on the base plate, and spring bars instead of fixed bars.
The Mark 11 specification (6B/346) details precise timing requirements, dial design, and waterproofness, reflecting the rigorous standards set by the MoD for military watches.
Collectors appreciate the 'bubble crystal' on some Mark 11 watches, noting it gives the timepiece a more 'organic' and authentic character, closer to the original design.
Domed factory replacement crystals and other OEM parts for Mark 11 watches are still available, indicating ongoing support for these vintage military timepieces.

The Discussion

DSF

Feb 8, 2019

saying hi to his brother. Best, David

winther502

Feb 9, 2019

Just wunderfull watches I really, really like Yours Jacob / Copenhagen

reintitan

Feb 9, 2019

The original brush finish on the case is intact.

blomman Mr Blue

Feb 9, 2019

My pair says hello! Best Blomman

DSF

Feb 9, 2019

Yours is really handsome looking. Especially with the bubble crystal, which gives the mark 11 an entirely different charter. More true to the original and the curvature makes it more “organic” Best, David

reintitan

Feb 13, 2019

The original and most rare version of the dials! Superb!

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JLC and IWC Mark 11 British MoD Watches History

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