Jaeger-LeCoultre RAF Navigator Mark 11 (XI) 6B/346

Notes

Our vintage and very rare Jaeger-LeCoultre Mark 11 (XI) was commissioned by the British ministry of defence, for use by RAF Navigators. Featuring a 35mm case with screw down case back, and built to MOD specification, reference 6B/346 was powered by a manually wound calibre 488, considered to be one of the best movements to ever be used in a military watch. Notably this example is presented in good condition, given its age and purpose. The cathedral hands and dial have coeval patination making for a very attractive watch. It is considered that only 2950 Jaeger-LeCoultre Mark 11 (XI) were produced, and delivered between 1948 and 1952, the future orders going to IWC whose similar Mark XI has evolved into the contemporary IWC Pilot range. This case back and movement feature the Broad Arrow (pheon) and the case back features the issue 3459/48. We estimate this example to have entered service between 1948-9. This would make a very worthy addition to a military or aviation focussed collection.