New life to my Mark 11

Congratulations on the new forum ! Looks good.

So does my Mark 11 after a trip to Schaffhausen. Great to have it back in this condition.

JK

Always good to see Mk 11's. The update to the web site means the articles section is no longer available and neither is the Mk 11 pdf file "Man is Not Lost".

I've uploaded the English:

www.gregsteer.net/IWC/Mark_11/mark11a-en.pdf

and the German

www.gregsteer.net/IWC/Mark_11/mark11a-de.pdf

editions so collectors still have access.

Cheers from the cellar

Fantastic indeed, love the tritium colour!!!!

Very beautiful. May I ask how long does it take? I am thinking to send my mark xi to IWC for service. I am also thinking about change of dial and handsets if it does not cost me the fortune. I emailed IWC, but have not heard from them about the availability of mark xi dial and handsets. Anyone has any idea? Thank you

It may take up to 24 weeks, but when you get it back is like receiving a new watch. :)
I sent my RAF Mark 11 to Schaffhausen for the Certificate of Genuineness, and for a movement overhaul, but with instructions not to polish the case, nor to restore nor to replace the dial or hands. IWC installed new hands but, at my request, returned the original set, which I put back in the watch.
I do not know of the availability of new dials. The dial can be restored, but I would only suggest it if the dial of your Mark 11 is in very bad shape. If not, imho leave it as is. A dial with an ageing patina in a vintage watch is incommensurable more desirable than a like new dial, again imho.

Many thanks clepsydra!
Surely 6 months are long enough to make you feel that you get a new watch :D
If not against the forum rule and you are happy to answer, may I ask how much does it cost for total overhaul and new handsets? I imagine that it would have costed me as much as I bought my mark 11 30 years ago!

I am not sure if discussing the cost of IWC services is allowed but, if you bought your Mark 11 thirty years ago, you must be prepared to pay, just for a movement overhaul, more than you originally paid for the watch.
I suggest you take her to an AD and describe exactly what you wish done, and specify as well what you do not want done. The AD will send her to Schaffhausen and they will send you a budget for your approval.
Good luck.

That really does look great. They did a nice job. How about a wrist shot?

Thank you. It took 4 month to restore the watch. I went to Schaffhausen myself with three watches: An Ingenieur 666, a WWW (Mark X) and the Mark 11 to have extracts from the archives done and discuss restoration of the Mark 11.

I am very pleased with the result. The price was about a quarter of the present value of the watch, I guess :-)

I just bought an original Bonklip bracelet for the watch. I will do a wrist shot when that is fitted.
Jens-Kristian

Could you please let me know what IWC did with your watch (dial repainted, change handsets)? Your pictures really makes me send mine to IWC now :D

I am looking forward to your wrist shot too. Many thanks.

Now, that is a jewel of a watch!

"Mr. Bond" - what to do with a 30 year old ? Well while 007 would have know the answer and would be surrounded by 30 year old, I believe Jens-Kristian that only you can answer that question for yourself. As it was and has been your watch all along - it's probably not "feeling" like a vintage time piece to you, but rather a true reliable friend. And why not spoil a good friend - send them for a face lift, and enjoy the refreshed and revitalized company with yourself, for the next 30 years?

Either way, as we see in the posting here by Sooegard - his watch came back absolutely magnificent restored and looking like new! Beautiful, and in my opinion, as long as all restoration work is done by the original manufacturer - it's OK to restore vintage time pieces - that way your great grand children can enjoy too the family heirlooms.
Best regards
Mark

Just love these Mark XI's! Great watch, and so very "IWC".

My watch had a complete overhaul of the movement, new glass, replacement dial, new hands, new casing ring, new glass fitting ring and a case polish.

The dial, hands and glass had to be changed because they were not original IWC.

This picture shows how the watch looked when I found it.

Jens-Kristian

YUK! What a horrible redial.

Whilst I am not a fan of the new IWC redial and hands, at least they are a vast improvement on what they replaced.

This is a textbook example of the absolute need to install a new dial and hands. This Mark 11 was probably one of those sold by the MoD without a dial, and later redialed by a dealer in the WWW fashion. IWC just brought back the truth into a watch that had been bastardized, if I can use the word.
Otherwise, IMHO, a complete Mark 11 that has seen actual service, must show her age; must remain as is - unpolished, and with a dial and hands showing the patina of time.
But that is just me, others like their vintage watches looking like new. To each his own. No one is right, no one is wrong.

Always the naked truth. The clepsydra I like.

Soegaard, Congratulations, as the cellar stated, it's always good to see a Mk XI.

Regards,

roberto

I agree with you completely! With the Mark 11 there was no other choice, but I love the patina on my WWW.
JK

Magnificent - both 11 & WWW. Hard core IWC!
Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,
Evan