2021 Timefactors Smiths Navigator PRS-48 36mm

Here we have a 2021 Timefactors Smiths Navigator PRS-48, a modern revival of the MK11, featuring modern materials and stronger anti-magnetic resistance of 20,000 A/m. The history of the MK 11 is as follows: In 1941, an investigation examined bombing raids conducted over a period of 52 days. The results revealed that only about 25% of bombers correctly hit their targets, and 95% of those that missed did so by more than 5 miles. At that time, pilots used "dead reckoning" to navigate, calculating their position based on their starting point, direction, speed, and the time they had travelled. However, unreliable clocks were affected by the strong magnetic fields generated by radar systems on planes. Recognising the need for more accurate timing devices, the Royal Air Force (RAF) sought to create a more precise watch. They enlisted Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Ltd to help design a precise, magnetic-resistant, and easy-to-read timepiece. Ultimately, the International Watch Company (IWC) and Jaeger LeCoultre (JLC) supplied these watches, known as Mk 11, which the RAF began using in 1949. The 36mm brushed stainless steel case gently curves over your wrist with finely tapered drilled lugs. The curved brushed flanks lead to a comfortable lug-to-lug length of 46mm and a case thickness of 11mm. On the right side, a coin-edged crown. The slim, polished, and smooth bezel features a domed sapphire crystal, AR-coated on the inside, above a matte white dial. An outer minute track features batons coated in SuperLuminova X1-C3 at the cardinal points, surrounding black Arabic numerals and a lumed Triangle at 12 o’clock, marking the hours. Blue hands filled with SuperLuminova X1-C3 are complemented by a blue tear-drop counterweighted, tapered, and sweeping second hand. At noon we have the Smiths motif and the Broad Arrow {pheon} which has been used to mark the government's or Crown's property since the 17th century, at 6 o’clock, a nod to the original military watches, ‘L’ in a circle would signify the use of LumiNova, many of the watches would of had a ‘T’ in the circle signifying Tritium. On the reverse, a screw-down solid case back is engraved with the details of the watch and its NATO Stock Number. Inside a manually wound Sellita SW210, 19 jewels, beating at 28,800 beats per hour. It comes paired with its 18mm leather strap secured by a push-button deployant clasp.