Jaeger-LeCoultre Mark XI RAAF Military Issue 1953 G6B/346

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AUD $15,000

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Description

For your consideration is this Jaeger-LeCoultre Navigator’s Mark 11 timepiece that was originally issued to Royal Australian Air Force personnel. As far as military timepieces go, the Mark 11 is a true ‘holy grail' and possibly the finest military timepiece ever produced. It was also one of the most expensive watches ever issued by any government in the world, and is an icon that all serious vintage military collectors seek to acquire.

The Mark 11 was born in 1948 and first issued by the British Ministry of Defence to Royal Air Force navigators with the reference 6B/346. The RAAF then made three separate purchases of the Mark 11 in 1950, 1953 and 1956. The “/53” extension on the case-back indicates this particular example comes from the second batch. 

The RAAF examples are referenced G6B/346 and feature a number of differences to their British counterparts, which are detailed on the <a href="http://markeleven.com/" target="_blank">Mark Eleven website</a>.  Some of the upgrades included a new acrylic crystal with a square step around the circumference to help with anti reflection and distortion, and an upgraded crown with o-ring seals in the tube and JLC logo engraving on it.

The most ground-breaking aspect of these watches was the JLC calibre 488/SBr movement inside. The movement is made from brass and is rhodium-plated and finished with Geneva stripes. It features a hacking-seconds function, Breguet over-coil hairspring and bi-metallic balance wheel with adjustable inertia screws. The movement is also branded with the Broad Arrow, indicating it was produced specifically for military use. In its day, this was the pinnacle of fine watchmaking.

Indeed, the Mark 11’s were renowned for their superb timekeeping, which was guaranteed by the fact that they were chronometer-certified (extremely rare at the time) by the Royal Greenwich Observatory in Herstmonceux. The movements were regulated in five positions and tested in temperatures ranging from -5 to 46 degrees over a 44-day period.

One of the most critical requirements for the watch was for it to be highly resistant to magnetic fields owing to its use around all sorts of magnetic-field producing equipment both in the sky and on land. To achieve this, Jaeger-LeCoultre used a thick dial made from iron and a cup-shaped iron cover that covers the movement from the back and sides, creating a magnetic shielding around the movement that results from iron’s natural anti-magnetic properties.

Accessories

Watch travel pouch included.

Condition

The watch is preserved in very good condition commensurate with its age, showing wear as should be expected for a military issue watch of its age, but an overall strong case profile with well defined bevels and contours. The dial and hands display a beautiful consistent patina

Shipping

We offer free, fully-insured shipping in Australia and worldwide. We ship domestically via overnight courier and internationally via DHL/FedEx express. Exemptions may apply.