This very fine automatic IWC showcased in today's offering is a prime restored example of an Albert Pellaton movement powered vintage IWC.

Its engine is IWC's caliber 8541, one of the integrations of the renowned Albert Pellaton designed 85x series. 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 85x series "one of the best automatic movements ever built in Switzerland."

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 fine wristwatch in 1963 at the same 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.

At 36mm in diameter without the crown, it is full size, slightly larger than most similar IWC's and the same size as Rolex Datejust.

It has all of its original parts and has just finished a true expertly done restoration. It presents in gorgeous condition - a 9.7 out of 10.

Its full size case presents as mint with fairly light signs of previous polishing. Its dial has been meticulously restored - the wording on the dial could pass as IWC factory done to the naked eye.

As part of the restoration, its movement has just been overhauled by a Master Watchmaker. It is running very strongly and keeping accurate time.

For the finishing touch, we have meticulously detailed it and equipped it with a brand new leather strap and aftermarket IWC style making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

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.

A more than six decade old IWC that looks like new on the wrist!

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 has done contract work for IWC and their Richemont Service Center and also used to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker for a Rolex authorized dealer.

Note: A similar watch with the same movement series in gold was worn by Charlie Chaplin.

Manufacturer: IWC
City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Serial no.: 1,712,639
Case no.: 1,807,489
Year built: 1963
Model: Ref. 648A
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds, Semi-Quick-Setting Date
Designed for: Men
Dimensions: 36mm wide (without crown), 45mm lugs tip-to-tip
Case material: Stainless steel
Case condition: Presents as mint with fairly light signs of previous polishing
Dial: Light silver, signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, faceted baton indexes outer minute track, expertly restored. Kindly note that the dial appears just a bit darker in the photos than it does in person.
Hands: Original, steel, "dauphines"
Movement type: IWC caliber 8531, self-winding, rhodium plated and decorated, 23 jewels, adjusted to five positions, Breguet hairspring, shock resistant, precision regulator
Jewels: 23 rubies
Band:  Leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with aftermarket IWC style 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, appears original, excellent condition
Serviced: Yes, overhauled by a Master Watchmaker.
Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running very strongly and keeping accurate time.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. 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 has done contract work for IWC and their Richemont Service Center and also used to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker for a Rolex authorized dealer.
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

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