One of my absolute favorite watches, a top contender as a go-anywhere-do-anything champion, and a strong case for one watch. The Mark XII is rugged, refined, sporty, sleek, and perfectly vintage and modern. A watch that is perpetually on my hunt list, especially when on the amazing breads of rice bracelet that was a $1,000 up charge when new and absolutely worth it 30 years on. Functionally, the dial is pure tool / field / pilot’s watch, extremely legible, perfectly balanced, and classically beautiful when complemented by warm tritium patina. The Jager LeCoultre automatic winding, hacking, and quickset date base movement is protected from magnetic fields with a soft iron shield cover. The thin polished bezel almost blends into the dial and adds subtle refinement and dimension to the fittingly utilitarian brushed steel case, and the beads of rice bracelet is sublime on wrist, complete with a more elevated butterfly clasp.

Finding a Mark 12 with great tritium patina is a rewarding hunt, finding one with great patina and bracelet is a challenge, and finding both of those complete with box and papers is a feat in neo-vintage collecting.

Reference: IW3241-02 or 3241-002 Mark XII “Die Fliegeruhr”

Case: The 36 x 44.5 x 10 mm stainless steel case is in very nice condition throughout exhibiting minor surface scratches and bezel wear, most notably at 7 o’clock. Condition on wrist is very strong, honest, and attractive, complete with the original and highly desirable screw-down fish crown.

Dial: The matte black dial is free of any defects and exhibits perfect tritium patina at the quarter hours and in the hands. Not all Mk 12’s develop attractive patina, but this one is up there with the best. The quarter hour plots and triangle at 12 are also raised, a subtle detail that is best appreciated in person.

Movement: The caliber IWC 884/2 is a JLC 889/2 base featuring quick set date and hacking seconds running well at approximately -5 s/d, averaged across 6 positions.

Bracelet: The beads of rice bracelet is the star of the show on these, rugged, refined, extremely comfortable, and highly sought after. The watch will fit an approximate 6.7” wrist with 5 removable links.

Includes: Original inner and outer box, document envelope, service booklet, guarantee booklet, manual, and International Guarantee card dated February 3, 1996.