As I mentioned in another thread my collection of IWC pieces is the following:
I am now looking to acquire a Mark X-- which I believe is missing.
Any suggestions about which ref I should be looking for and why?
I would appreciate your suggestions here.
The so-called Mark X is not a pilot's watch. The IWC W.W.W. is one of 12
brands selected by the MoD to supply the British Army in 1945. These 12
watches are referred by collectors as the The Dirty Dozen after a 1967 film
starring Lee Marvin. The IWC W.W.W. shows up in the secondary market
occasionally with several dials: the original dial, the MoD dial, the NATO
dial, and the IWC replacement dial.
If it's a milpilot's watch you are looking for, then the Mark 11 is your goal.
The RAF, the RAAF, the RNZAF, the SAAF and the BOAC, all acquired the Mark 11
for their pilots, and navigators for celestial navigation. There are dial and
case back engravings variations in all these Mark 11. There is also the
civilian Mak 11, Ref 2612
CAVEAT EMPTOR, there are many Frankenstein IWC W.W.W. and Mark 11 out there.
Research is essential.
If you are looking for one the Marks IWC has issued since the Mark XII, then
you have plenty of choices.
IWC Tribute to Mark II might be an option.
Ref IW3270.07 limited to 1948 pieces
I saw one at Frankfurt Airport Duty Free last weekend.
Thanks a lot for your replies. I also found this article which is very
explanatory:
Following the advice of Mark Fleminger I started looking for the "Tribute to
Mark 11" and I got really lucky.
I found one at a well-known shop in Athens complete with original papers and
box and I reserved it. I hope that early next week I will have it in hand and
I will post details!
Congratulations :o)
Mine says HELLO
Very nice. Is it the light that makes it seem goldish?
Let me ask you something, these watches are supposed to be limited to 1948
pieces. The one I found shows "one of 1948" but does not bear the particular
production number of it. Is that normal?
I guess it's the light.
One of 1948 is correct. The watches are not individually numbered.
In that pic, I fitted a custom distressed leather strap, in place of the
fabric strap.
LOL : they would have liked that: gold watches for aviators at war ...
Wow, I am so excited! I got today my MARK XIII Tribute to Mark 11. It is
really beautiful. Previous owner had also bought a blue, pilot-style strap.
I think now my Flieger collection is more complete.
Congratulations
My work is done :o)
