The very fine and meticulously restored automatic IWC with black dial showcased in today's offering is powered by the Albert Pellaton designed Caliber 852 movement.
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 1955 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 signed crown. It has just finished a true expertly done restoration and presents as gorgeous mint - a 9.7 out of 10.
Its full size case presents as mint - our photos couldn't do it justice. Its original IWC dial has been meticulously restored - the printing could pass as IWC factory done to the naked eye.
As part of the restoration, the movement has been freshly cleaned and oiled by a Master Watchmaker. It winds smoothly. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping accurate time.
For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new calfskin leather strap and aftermarket IWC style buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function and a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.
A more than six and a half decade old IWC that amazingly looks like new on the wrist!
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. He also has done authorized watchmaking work for the Richemont Group's Service Center, IWC Schaffhausen, and many others.
Manufacturer: IWC
City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Serial no.: 1,349,539
Case no.: 1,408,319
Year built: 1955
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
Designed for: Men
Dimensions: 35mm wide (without crown), 42mm lugs tip-to-tip
Case condition: Presents as mint - our photos couldn't do it justice.
Case markings (inside): International Watch Co., Swiss, Staybrite, Steel, IWC logo and case number
Dial: Matte black, signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, faceted baton indexes, outer minute track, expertly restored
Hands: Original, steel, faceted "dauphines"
Jewels: 21 rubies
Band: Calfskin leather (aftermarket), fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with aftermarket IWC style steel buckle. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Crystal: Acrylic, original or vintage, excellent condition
Movement: IWC caliber 852, self-winding, rhodium plated and decorated, 21 jewels, Breguet hairspring, shock resistant, precision regulator
Serviced: As part of the restoration, the movement has been freshly cleaned and oiled by a Master Watchmaker
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping accurate time.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. 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. He also has done authorized watchmaking work for the Richemont Group's Service Center, IWC Schaffhausen, and many others.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
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