One line of questioning that regularly comes my way, especially by those looking at getting one of their first vintage watches is some version of this: "Do you have any nice original (and classic-looking) high grade vintage watches that are bigger than the ones I've been seeing. I see the bigger 70's ones, but I'm not really into the chunky and retro style. Do you have something older but that's closer to the size of a new watch?"

Well, today I do.

Many of you seasoned collectors already know that that request can be a tall order, but today's offering showcases this uncommon large and all-original IWC that measures about 37mm in diameter, even larger than a Rolex Datejust.

It's powered by the Albert Pellaton designed automatic Caliber 8531 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 the 8531 "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 it in 1963 at the same they were building their famous Ingenieur line. These dress watches were a little more elegant than the pragmatic Ingenieur but shared the high-performance timekeeping qualities in normal wearing conditions.

It's 100% original down its dial, hands, and winding crown. It case presents as just short of perfect mint.

Its silver dial is original and untouched and in good condition. Its honest aging and toning giving it a great true vintage look.

Like usual our watchmaker has just fully disassembled the movement down the last screw and serviced it. It winds extremely smoothly and is keeping very accurate time.

For the finishing touch we have installed a new Teju lizard band making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year international 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.

• Manufacturer: IWC
• City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
• Serial no.: 1,694,886
• Year built: 1963
• Model: Ref. R647A
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds, Date
• Designed for: Men 
• Dimensions: Approx. 37mm wide (without crown), 43mm lugs tip-to-tip
• Case condition: Beautiful condition - just short of perfect mint with light signs of polishing and the slightest remnants of wear
• Case markings (inside): International Watch Co., Swiss, Acier Inoxydable Staybrite, 1743636
• Dial: Silver, Signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, baton indexes, outer minute track, original, very good condition with moderate aging
• Hands: Original, steel dauphines with black inserts
• Jewels: 21 rubies
• Band: Teju lizard, 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 8531, self-winding, rhodium plated and decorated, 21 jewels, Breguet hairspring, shock resistant, precision regulator
• Serviced: Our watchmaker has just fully disassembled the movement down the last screw and serviced it. It winds extremely smoothly and is keeping very accurate time.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system and also on a Cyclotest machine that rotates it in all directions to simulate it being worn. 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