Today's offering showcases this rare, striking, and beautiful mens IWC watch made during World War II.

In vintage times, the Schaffhausen-based company enlisted the help of one of the best American case manufacturers of the day, Cresarrow of New York, for certain watches intended for the U.S. market. Founded by Henry Blank in the late nineteenth century, Cresarrow contracted with Patek Philippe, Vacheron & Constantin, Tiffany, Cartier, and IWC among others to build some of the beautiful examples of their early wristwatch cases.

This special IWC is equipped with gorgeous platinum Cresarrow case with distinctive lugs. In an era when the square dress watches were generally very small, this pleasingly sized watch, while not a large watch, nicely contradicted that trend.

It was made for D. Gumbiner, a very high-end Madison Ave. retailer. In the 1940's, Gumbiner captured the idea of embracing the best life had to offer. One of their special offerings to their very discriminating clients was a line of jeweled watches emblazoned with the company's name on the dial. Gumbiner catered to a prestigious and loyal Manhattan clientele that were at the pinnacle of New York society, who were still spending money during World War II.

To that point, Gumbiner retailed one of Patek Philippe's famous top-tier offering ref. 2499 perpetual calendar watches. Only 349 2499's were ever made over a 35 year span, and today fine examples like this one auctioned a decade ago at Sothey's command multi-million dollar prices.

We were fortunate to acquire our IWC with all of its original parts. Its original platinum Cresarrow case is in excellent condition. Its diamond studded dial, signed both D. Gumbiner and International - for International Watch Co., how many vintage IWC's were signed is bright and clean. The diamonds are original to the watch, and the dial was very well refinished previously. Its high-grade IWC movement is running strong and true.

Our Master Watchmaker, our highest level watchmaker, has just fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, installing a new mineral glass crystal, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value). It is keeping time nearly on par with a new IWC in our testing position.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

If you are an IWC collector, you won't want to miss this fantastic watch!

Note: A mention of Gumbiner in the 1917 Jeweler's Weekly can be found here.

Like always included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

• Manufacturer: IWC, International Watch Co.
• City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
• Serial no.: 1,055,985
• Year built: 1942 according to IWC's production records
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Platinum
• Case markings (inside): Irid. Plat, Cresarrow signature, 80237
• Case condition: Excellent with only light wear and strong not-over-polished lines
• Dimensions: 28mm wide (excluding crown), 37mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Signed D. Gumbiner and International silver, original round and baguette diamond markers, outer railroad minute track, previously very well restored
• Hands: Original, "feuilles"
• Movement type: High-grade IWC, Caliber 62, manually wound, rhodium plated, fausses cotes decoration, adjusted for greater accuracy, cut bimetallic balance, self-compensating flat balance spring
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Width between lugs: 17mm
• Crystal: Mineral glass, brand new
• Serviced: Our Master Watchmaker, our highest level watchmaker, has just fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, installing a new mineral glass crystal, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value).
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is keeping time nearly on par with a new IWC in our testing position. 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 experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com 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

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide