A 1960s, Hamilton's British Military RAF Issued Wristwatch  also known as the Hamilton Mark XI or 6B-9101000-H, 

Enthusiasts refer to it as the “Hamilton Mark 11” because it was manufactured for the British government at the same time as its famous brothers, from IWC & JLC to the same RAF specification, and has the same features, apart from these not having the hacking feature. It is believed that only around 3200 examples of this watch were issued according to discussions on the Military Watch Forum (MWR) which makes them highly desirable compared to the circa 9000 IWC equivalent pieces. Currently owned by the enormous Swatch Group, Hamilton can track their history back to 1892 in Lancaster Pennsylvania, and was an American manufacturer until 1969 with headquarters now based in Bienne, Switzerland. 

What’s On Offer

This “Mark 11” benefits from a few classic attributes that you would expect to see on a vintage military watch. These watches utilise Arabic indices, which have remained remarkably intact and crisp in this example, an outer seconds 'railtrack', broad arrow, and sword hands. Naturally, as you would also expect and signified by the circle and 'T", the dial and hands are lumed with Tritium so they can be clearly visible in blackout situations. The lume hour plots on this particular dial have tropicalised beautifully and the lume remains in the original sword hands, the dial is completed with a brilliant white needle seconds hand. 

The stainless steel case still has sharp, crisp edges, and whilst it displays a few minor battle scars, this is to be expected as it will more than likely have seen action on the wrist of a member of the British Royal Air Force. The case back is engraved with the military arrow and 6B - 9101000  H-1813-M. 

A handsome watch that clearly has the survival spirit and would make a fantastic addition to any military enthusiasts' collection. 

Additional information

Made from 

Case:  Stainless Steel

Dial: Black military

Crystal: Plexi

Bracelet: NATO style

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual

Movement Type: Mechanical

Caliber: 75

Jewels: 17j

Waterproof: When new

Power reserve: approx. 47 hrs

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference: RAF 6B (Mark XI)

Date of issue: c.1960s

Guarantee: 12 months by VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 36mm

Lug width: 17mm 

Lug height (lug to lug) 46mm

Strap size: Adjustable NATO