IWC Mark XI for the Royal New Zealand Air Force, Ref. 2612

Technical characteristics

Dial

Black

Type

Military wristwatch

Caliber

89

Movement

Manual

Engraving

R.N.Z.A.F., 108.

Case Diameter

36mm

Case Material

Stainless steel

Place recorded

Switzerland

Maker / attribution

IWC

Design

Visible features

• Matte black dial with white Arabic hour numerals, outer minute divisions, and luminescent markers at the quarters • Printed broad arrow marking beneath 'INTERNATIONAL WATCH CO' and 'SWISS' below 6 o'clock • Brushed stainless steel case with fluted crown at 3 o'clock • Fitted with a black leather strap featuring circular metallic studs

Identity and Classification

This wristwatch is catalogued by Christie's under the title 'IWC, Mark XI for the Royal New Zealand Air Force, Ref. 2612' with a circa date of the 1940s. The lot essay notes that Mark XI watches were produced for several air forces—including the Royal British, Australian, and New Zealand—as well as the British Overseas Airline Corporation, and that a civilian version was produced under reference 2612. Military association is noted via a reported case back engraving reading 'R.N.Z.A.F., 108.' Documented accompaniments include an IWC Excerpt from the Archives and an IWC repair warranty card from 2003.

Mechanism and Reported Condition

The movement is listed as a manual-wind caliber 89, reported by the auction house to be in working order at the time of cataloging though not tested for accuracy. Movement components and the case back engraving are not visible in the provided image, precluding direct visual verification of serial markings or internal state. The condition report notes several modifications and wear items: the case appears to have been polished and possesses a small divot on the back; the crown appears to be a service replacement; the hands appear to be later replacements; and both the hands and dial appear to be re-lumed.

Case Construction and Observed Dial

Direct visual inspection shows a matte black dial featuring white Arabic numeral hour markers, an outer minute track, and luminescent markers at the quarters. A broad arrow insignia is printed below the 'INTERNATIONAL WATCH CO' signature, with 'SWISS' visible below 6 o'clock. The case is stainless steel with a brushed finish, measuring a catalogued 36 mm in diameter, and has a fluted crown at 3 o'clock. The watch is fitted with a black leather strap adorned with circular metallic studs.

Identification

Reference

2612

Source note

Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.