Mr.Gatsby
2956
JLC and IWC Mark XI, a perfect duo
I have to say I am now complete with these two in the collection, perhaps amongst the most important - alongside my Lemania TG 195 - in my quest for collecting military pieces.
My fascination for them can only be attributed by the fact that they told a story of life and war before my time, and how these events eventually shaped the world I now live in. I’ve come to appreciate and love the utilitarian nature of these mil watches, born out of the necessities of warfare and the need to tell the time. No iPhone or Apple Watch would last more than 48 hours in any military intervention — without a battery pack, that is. Yet, the simple winding of a mechanical wristwatch ensures us that time is of the essence. 
HAGWE
Gatsby
JLC and IWC Mark XI, a perfect duo
I have to say I am now complete with these two in the collection, perhaps amongst the most important - alongside my Lemania TG 195 - in my quest for collecting military pieces. My fascination for them can only be attributed by the fact that they told a st...
Those are exceptional examples and your appreciation is commendable.
My father wore his watch in combat. He had a premonition the night before an engagement and entrusted his watch and pen to a friend in his unit. The next day an exploding artillery round nearly killed him. After the war my father told me his friend return...
Thank you for sharing this story with us
Does your father still remember what watch it was ?
I’ve always loved these simple military watches
... and you have two of the best. Not only are they legible, handsome, and understated, but they were essential tools for many of the people who used them. So they exemplify the idea of a watch, not as jewelry, but as useful, maybe even vital, to one’s li...
Thank you John
I love these simple time only mil watches, that do not cost an arm or a leg like the Milspecs the Blancpain FF, Rolex sub and Omega SM. These are still relatively affordable and fun to wear. I have a Smith W10, Cyma WWW and Hamilton H-67. They are all nic...
Dear Gatsby
I certainly understand your well put reflections regarding these 2 pieces. In a interview with Roger Smith he mentioned, that the famed watchmaker George Daniels had a JLC mark XI as one of his few personal wristwatches. I don't think he modified it with ...
Dear Jacob
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. You have a lovely pair yourself I’m unfamiliar with the IWC Mark XII, do you have photos ? How does this have the JLC movement in it ?
Hello Gatsby
The mark XII has a IWC cal. 884 which is basically a JLC cal. 889/2. The JLC cal. 889/2 is a very nice movement used in a number of high-end watches (AP a.o.). In my 15 year experience with this watch I have not had a singel issue, and it runs very well 8...