213
IWC
Mark IX
A large, attractive and rare stainless steel aviator wristwatch
- Estimate
- CHF20,000 - 30,000€17,300 - 25,900$20,700 - 31,000
CHF25,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- IWC
- Year
- Circa 1936
- Movement No
- 941'505
- Case No
- 974'859 inner case back stamped with same number
- Model Name
- Mark IX
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 83, 16 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel pin buckle signed IWC
- Dimensions
- 38mm. Diameter
- Signed
- Dial, movement and buckle signed
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Certain model names have been engraved in the Hall of Fame of horological icons: Calatrava, Royal Oak, Reverso or Speedmaster to name a few. Amongst this elite group proudly stands the IWC Mark series.
The Mark IX is undisputedly one of IWC’s more mythical and elusive watches. A certain mystery surrounds its creation and it is rarely, if ever, seen on the international auction market.
Even though the Mark IX is the originator of the fabled Mark series of military watches, it was not a military watch per se. Made in 1936, its large steel case, black dial, large radium numerals spade style hands and inner rotating bezel used to measure elapsed time give it an obvious aviation style despite it being a commercial watch. It furthermore houses a beautifully hand decorated cal. 83.
In an ad from the late 1930s IWC refered to this watch as the "Spezialuhr für Fliege" - Pilot's Watch and further indicated that the watch could withstand tough conditions, was tested from minus 40°C to plus 40°C and was antimagnetic. A pioneer of what we call aviator watches today, the Mark IX interestingly only got its moniker once the Mark X was commissioned by the British MoD (Ministry of Defense).
The present lot in overall wonderful condition is one of those rare timepieces whose discovery increases the pulse so charged it is with history and legend.
The Mark IX is undisputedly one of IWC’s more mythical and elusive watches. A certain mystery surrounds its creation and it is rarely, if ever, seen on the international auction market.
Even though the Mark IX is the originator of the fabled Mark series of military watches, it was not a military watch per se. Made in 1936, its large steel case, black dial, large radium numerals spade style hands and inner rotating bezel used to measure elapsed time give it an obvious aviation style despite it being a commercial watch. It furthermore houses a beautifully hand decorated cal. 83.
In an ad from the late 1930s IWC refered to this watch as the "Spezialuhr für Fliege" - Pilot's Watch and further indicated that the watch could withstand tough conditions, was tested from minus 40°C to plus 40°C and was antimagnetic. A pioneer of what we call aviator watches today, the Mark IX interestingly only got its moniker once the Mark X was commissioned by the British MoD (Ministry of Defense).
The present lot in overall wonderful condition is one of those rare timepieces whose discovery increases the pulse so charged it is with history and legend.
IWC
Swiss | 1868With a clear focus on technology and development, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing timepieces of lasting value since 1868. The company has gained an international reputation based on a passion for innovative solutions and technical ingenuity. One of the world's leading brands in the luxury watch segment, IWC crafts masterpieces of haute horlogerie at their finest, combining high precision with masculine design. Vintage wristwatches such as the oversized Portugieser, Aquatimer, Ingenieur and the B-UHR pilots watch are especially desirable for collectors.
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