This mechanism's automatic winding system is a technical masterpiece, earning it high praise - Gisbert Brunner and Christian Pfeiffer-Belli in their work, Wristwatches Armbanduhren Montres-bracelets, proclaimed it "one of the best automatic movements ever built in Switzerland."
And the famous watchmaker Donald de Carle, in his book Complicated Watches and their Repair, stated that IWC's special automatic winding mechanism was "a simple and ingenious system, well constructed and beautifully finished."
IWC built the movement of this very fine wristwatch in 1962 at the same time they were building their famous Ingenieur line. These dress watches were more elegant than the pragmatic Ingenieur but shared the high-performance timekeeping qualities in normal wearing conditions. And compared to an Ingenieur, because they do not have a second inner back, the cases are thinner and lighter on the wrist.
It is fully IWC down to the hands and signed crown. It has just finished a true expertly done restoration and presents as perfect mint - a 9.7 out of 10.
The full size case presents as mint - our photos couldn't do it justice. The dial has been meticulously refinished - the wording on the dial could pass as IWC factory done to the naked eye.
As part of the restoration the movement has been freshly overhauled by a Master Watchmaker. It winds smoothly. Photos of the inside available upon request.
It is running very strong and true, keeping time nearly on par with a new IWC in our testing recording position.
For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a new calfskin leather strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance.
A more than six decade old IWC that amazingly looks like new on the wrist!
- Manufacturer: IWC
- City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
- Serial no.: 1,644,450
- Case no.: 1,664,930
- Year built: 1962
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Dimensions: 35mm wide (without crown), 42mm lugs tip-to-tip
- Case condition: Presents as mint. Some aging inside the engine bay as is common with these and is not visible unless the back is removed. On the wrist it presents as gorgeous mint.
- Case markings (inside): International Watch Co., Swiss, Staybrite, Steel, IWC logo and case number
- Dial: Matte black, signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, silver painted Roman indexes, outer minute track, expertly refinished
- Hands: Original, steel dauphines
- Jewels: 21 rubies
- Band: Calfskin leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock lizard and a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
- Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
- Movement: IWC caliber 853, self-winding, rhodium plated and decorated, 21 jewels, Breguet hairspring, shock resistant, precision regulator
- Serviced: Yes, freshly fully serviced by a Master Watchmaker. It winds smoothly. It is running very strong and true, keeping time nearly on par with a new IWC in our testing recording position.
- Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and has done authorized work for the Richemont service center and their brands, the owner of IWC.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
