auctionata.com/en/o/236056/iwc-military-wristwatch-switzerland-c-1955?memid=233700
This IWC is being auctioned, but take a look at this:
Watch case no. 6B/346; 181/52; movement no. 1214948
I think the 181 is not correct. A 1952 MK XI should be higher than 1800 anyway.
What could be wrong here?
regards,
Reinold
If it doesn't add up, it's best avoided. There is always a degree of risk associated with buying a Mark XI. Having said that, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that movements and cases were mixed up when serviced by the MOD.
It might be that I do not understand what precisely is meant here but I guess some explanation about the numbers of Mk 11 watches might be useful.
First of all, the cases of a military Mk 11 ( there are also civlian ones) has no case serial number but only a military inscription on the outside of the case back. The number 181/52 means that this is watch nr. 181 issued in 1952 by RAF. The movement number is from 1950 and was allocated to a cal 89 INCA S.C. This exactly the movement of a Mk 11. The fact that the movement was made in 1950 and the watch issued in 1952 is not alarming but normal. I have not seen the watch but its numbering looks ok to me for being a genuine Mk 11 from 1952. And I thought that was the question asked.
Kind regards,
Adrian
(alwaysiwc).
STAY AWAY from Auctionata.
I would have to agree with XEER regarding Auctionata. I had a nightmarish experience with them last year and I'm not alone..
Hi Adrian, I thought that the RAF numbers were always consecutive. starting at 1 and going op throughout the years. The first watch in 1950 could not have 181. It would be over 1800 I believe. I have number 816/48. Therefore 181/52 would not be possible.