IWC Mark XII Fliegeruhr Acquisition

nilomis · 2016-08-03T06:30:42Z

nilomis shares his IWC Mark XII acquisition, discussing its JLC movement, 36mm size, and the challenges of finding vintage IWC pieces.

nilomis

WPS member · IWC forum

12 replies3732 views4 photos

nilomis shares his long-awaited acquisition of the IWC Mark XII, a watch that defied his usual preferences for military-inspired pieces due to its unique characteristics and historical significance. His post delves into the personal journey of obtaining this specific reference, offering insights into its design, movement, and the collector's experience with its perceived size.

Team,

Being a pacifist in hearth, I don't chase military watches as a rule but this one has some special characteristics and reasons.

Eons ago, when I read another seminal post by Walt Odets "Tweaking The Mark XII / Adjusting The Mark XII/887 " I was trilled.

Everyone knows the feeling that makes your brays say "I must have this watch".

Fat chance. At that time IWC has zero presence here and the few ones that I could locate were modern ones.

Later, I had access to another post by Michael Friedberg, moderator of IWC’s ‘in-house’ forum, that wrote in 2000, “The Mark XII is more than a watch; it is an homage to the tradition of fine Swiss watchmaking.

It salutes military watches; it salutes flight watches and it salutes the heritage of International Watch Company…

In some ways, the Mark XII is the ordinary watch par excellence “.

To confirm the saying that states that every watch will show up ... one day, a Mark XII in February, 2014 and I grabbed it without delay.

I had a Mark XII.

Another saying stated that dreams are do be dreamed.

The 36mm case size is way too small and, believe it or not, I never did anything with it, except to send it for a mandatory full maintenance and to replace the rotten strap by another OEM IWC.

But it decorates my IWC set, along with another that I go to post another day that also breaks one of my fundamental rules (it has an integrated metal bracelet).

Enough saying, let's see the pictures:

1) On pictures, it does not see too small, but it feels small.

2) A movement shot, showing the JCL movement inside. Cool.

3) The inside of the case back.

4) Finally, a B&W picture to close the session.

Thanks for seeing my "rusty" IWC.

It's a keeper, if not by it's rarity (here where I live).

Cheers,

Nilo
This message has been edited by nilomis on 2016-08-03 11:24:06

Key Points from the Discussion

The 36mm case size of the Mark XII was considered too small by some, even when it was part of IWC's regular lineup, and the JLC movement had a reputation for being delicate for a sports watch.
The Mark XII is praised for its original tritium dial and hands, which have developed a desirable patina, though concerns are raised about over-polishing of the case, which can diminish sharp edges.
The form-follows-function aesthetic, combined with an interesting movement and suitable size, makes the Mark XII a winner for daily wear, with the date complication being a practical addition.
The Mark XII was launched in 1993 as an evolution of the Mark XI, incorporating a date function to meet general public demand.
Despite its flaws, the Mark XII is considered a lovely piece with significant charm, and its size is appreciated by some collectors.

The Discussion

amanico

Aug 3, 2016

It is a major flaw. For the rest, it is a lovely piece, with a lot of charm. Size is good for me. Best, Nicolas

nilomis

Aug 3, 2016

It was launched in 1993 as an evolution of the Mark XI, hence the date (it seems that the general public demands dates!!!). Cheers, Nilo

RabidManatee

Aug 3, 2016

I like the form=function aesthetic. Add an interesting movement and a good size (for me anyway) and you have a winner. And the date can be a nice addition in a daily-wearer.

edwardwchang

Aug 3, 2016

but its great your XII has the original tritium dial and hands which have patina'ed nicely. the case is way over polished though, the lugs have lost their sharp edges and look way too rounded. I wish people would stop polishing their watches before selling pre-owned

nilomis

Aug 3, 2016

Of course I notice that. I'm planning to send it to a true polishing "god" here and see if he can bring back the sharp edges. Not a priority, but I go to do soon. Cheers, Nilo

jml_watches

Aug 3, 2016

Sometime you just have to have one & as you say you need to be patient Cheers JML

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the IWC forum with 12 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum