patronaget
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This is maybe the watch...
that brought me into watches in the first place.
It was in the book "All tomorrows parties" by William Gibson, that the watch dealer Fontaine stumbled upon a street-boy who mysteriously owned a watch just like this one. I'm not sure about the exact ref number though, but the point is that the way this watch is flooded with stories, is what brought me to loving watches. I really recommend reading the book, and though I am not all that in love with this watch as such I am stil thankful for it, and everyday I give thanks to JLC Mk XI and William Gibson for introducing me to the brand JLC and to watches in general.
Also thanks to Nicolas for this post, brilliant as always.
/// Christian
JLC Mark 11, the Review
We don't often speak about this nice Vintage Watch, and we are wrong! Not only this watch is very nice and has a lot of charm, but it was also, and most important, a true tool watch, very well conceived, with a nice movement. I /Some historical datas: The...
Hey, Foullis
Did you never consider getting one for your collection, you, the King of the Vintage JLC? Thanks for your nice words, my friend. Best, Nicolas
A nice true tool watch...
with a great Histoy behind. Nice review, like always, my friend. this one must be see in the flesh . Thanks for your great work. best emilio PS: not only with diver watches lives da man
Agree, Emilio, Pilot watches are also very tempting
But I try my best to not think too much about them... Seriously, when you see some of the Vintage Pilot Watches, you can't resist. JLC released some very nice pieces, IWC, Longines, Omega too. Like the Diving watches, Pilot watches are really fascinating,...
Love the Mark VII but...
Is it just me or IWC big pilot watch was inspired by the mark 11, with the rivet and all?
Well, AT
At the same period, you had several Pilot watches like the B. UHR Lange, IWC, LACO, and some other which were Military watches used during the WW II. In the very first years of the 40ies, JLC released the Mark VII Weems, while Longines did the same. In fa...
Great Post..RAAF
Nice to see those Navigator's watches, especially with the cases not polished. I've handled a couple of RAAF JLCs, as you said, these had Cathedral hands and the more domed (rather than "chimney" crystal. My guess for these particular watches, is that the...
Would love to add a " WWW " JLC, BDLJ
It would be terrific to add one in my collection. The Cathedral hands and he small second of the WWW are so tempting. Even if much less rare than the Mark XI, this is another interesting watch, loaded in History, too. You handled them and you let them go?...
The WWW JLCs
...have a chromed case, the pilot/navigator watches are much nicer. And yes, I had to let them go, not only did he own those watches...he owns several guns! ;-)
Very interesting
thanks bijo for posting that. JLC's past is always full of surprises! Cheers, Asi
The (re) discover is a charming surprise, Bijo.
What a presnece on the wrist! Best, my friend. Nicolas...
This is an interesting post, Nicolas
Does the JLC Weems watch have any connection to Lt. Commander Philip Van Horn Weems, who collaborated with Longines on their Weems watch? The Longines Weems from the 30s (I think) seems to have a somewhat similar look. I particularly like how you pointed ...
in the 40's Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron&Constantin
and Wittnauer Watch Co (later known as Longines-Wittnauer Watch Co, ) were tied together. Jaeger 'subcontracted' its wristwatches sales to Vacheron which was owned by Longines-Wittnauer Watch Co. This could be a start explaining us why some Longines, Jaeg...
Thanks, PoyFR!
You've provided some important historical context for me! The connection between the companies during this time period could certainly explain the similarities between the watches! Thanks for the enlightenment! Daos
Correct about Philip Van Horn Weems, Daos.
The Longines Weems is even a bit smaller ( 32 mm ), but soon you'll be able to read all about the Mark VII Weems, as I'm finishing the review about this other very interesting watch. As POY pointed out, there were some connections between Lecoultre, Longi...
This is a very interesting Topic, many thanks for this introduction
Most of the major horology brands have some relation with Military services, often leading to improve and secure wearability for specifics usages. Most of the times with find those improvements to benefit the civilians market for technical values or for t...
From you, POY, this is a very nice compliment
Much appreciated, Panerai Guru! We can generalize what you said on all the Vintage watches, my friend. The more you lear, the less you know, hence the more you want to discover. Hopefully, I will be albe to post soon another post about another very intere...
Strange bird, full of airforce history
the dials of watches speaks more than 100 words Thank you for sharing Best Damian
A strong and nice example of Tool Watches, indeed, Damian
A watch you have to feel in your hands to get all its strength and Beauty... Best, my friend; Nicolas
Thank you very much Nicolas
Hi Nicolas, I've been waiting for this review for a while knowing that you were preparing it! Fantastic watcehs so nicely brought up there! As the Geophysic is quite unprobable as an encounter, this mkXI is my next target! This is indeed a dream watch! Th...
You're more than right, Jerome, to compare the Geophysic to the Mark XI
The concept is very close ( tool watch, but civilian in the case of the Geophysic ), and as I said, the movement of the Mark XI is enhanced in the Geophysic. The Geophysic is slightly bigger ( 36 mm ), but the overall look is very close, except the color ...
Thank you for this nice review!
Nicolas, you have managed to take beautiful photos of these 2 pilot watches (which is not easy, I have experienced it without success). Congratulations! With this pair of Mark11, you covered most of the sprectrum of the different configurations this model...
Thanks a lot to you, Marv
And you know why! The funny thing is that I saw in some Dealers Window shops this Mark XI. I also see it at the Heritage Gallery. But I tried it very recently, and I was on to pass on it. Till you left me play with yours for some days, and that it was cle...
Thank you Nicolas...
...is it alright to call tool watches, especially military tool, watches beautiful? These photos certainly bring out that beauty. N
Good question, Neil
A Tool watch is very often compatible with Beauty, my friend. This one is a perfect example, the FF is another one, like the Panerais Vintage, and some Rolex. This one is a bit a paradox: Small but strong at the same time. A delicious paradox! Best, Nicol...
This is maybe the watch...
that brought me into watches in the first place. It was in the book "All tomorrows parties" by William Gibson, that the watch dealer Fontaine stumbled upon a street-boy who mysteriously owned a watch just like this one. I'm not sure about the exact ref nu...
Wow, Christian, another nice story to add to the Mark XI Credit!
Thanks for the info about the book, my friend; Will see how I can grab it. This one is certainly a good introduction to JLC watches: Nice, reliable, and very pleasant to wear. Thanks for the nice words! Best, Nicolas
This is the first JLC watch that I'm giving serious thought . . .
. . . to acquiring, Nicolas . . . it has a vivid presence that comes across thru the photos you've presented us today. Do you think there's any chance JLC will produce a modern version that replicates the original design faithfully? Cordially, Art
Aaah, Art, this is one of my hottest wishes
The only problem for a re edition is that this watch is a bit too small, compared to our modern standarts, with its 35 mm. BUT, I would see an hommage to this watch, more than a re edition, with a very faithful dial, but a it bigger, let's say 40 mm. My h...
I would hope that there's room for a faithful re-issue in 35 mm as well . . .
. . . as an hommage in 40 mm, Nicolas, but I suspect you're right . . . perhaps a special Purists edition is in order ;-) . . . cordially, Art
A Purist Mark 11... That's a brilliant idea, Art!
Would love that!!! To be followed. Best, Nicolas
A continued journey in education us all Nicolas!
I truly appreciate it. This is a great time keeper. I know that it is against our rules to speak of prices, etc. But what would be a price range for a nicely kept vintage like the JLC Mark 11?! B well my friend, Matrix.
Mark Re-issue?
Thanks for the always informative post Nicolas. Now, what are the chances JLC will revive its pilot history? Given that the Polaris came back, how about the Marks? Best, Ryan
Chances are quite close to 0, Ryan
As a Re Edition means a 100% replica of the watch. How many people will be interested by a watch which diameter is only 35mm? Except the True Mark 11 Lovers? But an Hommage, why not? Who knows? Thanks for your nice words, Ryan. Best, Nicolas
You forgot the Mark 9... only joking ;-)
Only joking, Nicolas. My JLC is considered to be a Mark 9 pilot's watch, but of course it is not a true JLC. It started its life as a mark 7 and was unfortunately recased, redialed and the beautiful blue steel hands painted in tritium by the MOD in 1956. ...
Wow, Bretta... Impressive.
What an impressive work! Thanks for your nice words, my friend. Best, Nicolas
Great post!
After having serviced a number of WWII era military watches, I am drawn to them more and more. Thanks for this great post looking at a wonderful JLC! Cheers, Al
A strong appeal, indeed, Al
These watches are lovely beaters, indeed. A lot of charm, strenght, personality, too. That's why we love the Vintage, don't you think so? Thanks for your input and nice words, Al. Best, Nicolas
Just love those military watches
Definitely want a pilot watch one day. Options are GHO or IWC, but sadly not JLC anymore. You are right, this is a missing link. JLC provided their movements to the IWC pilots didn't they? Later on they changed to ETA movements. Always a pleasure to see t...
Not sure at all that JLC shares their caliber with the Mark 11 IWC, Starman
I will check but I don't think so. As for the missing link between present and past, I really wish that one day, it will re appear... I'd like to make a Trilogy " Air / Earth / Sea "! Best, my friend. Nicolas
You are right; it was the Mark XII
Well Nicolas, I looked it up; JLC provided the automatic Calibre 884 (diameter 26mm, 3,25 mm high with a frequency of 28800 and 45 hours power reserve) for the Mark XII after that it was ETA for the XV. According to my information this calibre was more ro...
Do you really expect me to read this post ?
Nicolas ... my poor brain has just come out of a little holiday ... so i just looked at the pics ... i love that RAAF .... if your house gets to small you can always leave some watches at my place ... Thanks for the very nice post (which i will read one o...
Nothing better than a long review when you come back home, Filip
Thanks for your nice words, my friend. You become lazy, obviously. Aaah, you already were lazy? )) Best, my friend. Nicolas This message has been edited by amanico on 2009-04-12 12:24:18
I have always been ...
... VERY lazy ..... LOLOLOL .... okay, i will gather all my UNlazyness and read the post .... you win Nicolas ... but only this time ... !!! El Bimba
Wow great review !
you have made me discover this very nice piece with a great history and a terrific look ! Thanks for the very informative and nicely illustrated post, once again. Cheers Jeff
Thanks, Jeff
A small, but terrific piece of History and Horology, at the same time! Happy to know that you had pleasure to read it. See you soon! Nicolas
A two year delay.. But what what a pleasure to read about the Mark 11 now !
Well, I have to say, that when I endulge in new topics - such as the JLC Military watches, I always first follow the other links, if there are some nested ones. So, after 2 yrs after your great review about the Mark 11 ( RAF and RAAF), luckiliy you kindly...