Today's offering showcases this very rare and striking mens IWC "Top Hat" watch.

Popularized by Ginger Roger and Fred Astaire in their award-winning musical of the same name, the phrase came to stand for the glittering elegance associated with 1930's and 40's American high society. Patek Philippe and IWC embraced this idea by offering an exclusive Top Hat model as part their other gentlemen's wristwatch selections.

Patek Philippe chose to build their model entirely in-house, while IWC enlisted the help of the one of the best American case manufacturers of the day, Cresarrow of New York. Founded by Henry Blank in the late nineteenth century, Cresarrow contracted with Patek Philippe, Vacheron & Constantin, Tiffany, Cartier, IWC and also a few lesser known houses to build some of the beautiful examples of their early wristwatch cases.

While I have seen many Patek Top Hats, I can only recall ever seeing one other example of an IWC Top Hat - it is one that I actually owned over 10 years ago. When I found this one for sale I couldn't finish the deal fast enough. According to their serial numbers, the movements of both watches were made in 1942. The inscription on the back of this watch suggests it was sold/given in 1947.

Unlike the single gold color Pateks, the Top Hat case on this watch is two-tone, with both light rose and yellow gold. It is unusually thick and heavy for a watch of this size.

The dial has just been professionally restored by one of the leading dial experts in the country. When I acquired it, it had an older incorrectly done restoration. Our Master Watchmaker has just fully serviced its high-grade original caliber 87 movement (a $545 value).

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a 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.: 1,043,724
• Year built: 1942. Year sold: 1947
• Functions: Hours, Minutes
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 14K yellow and rose gold
• Case markings (inside): 14K, Cresarrow logo
• Case condition: Very good with remnants of wear on the "hat", no longer uses pin for the hinged back
• Dimensions: 21mm wide (excluding crown) at the middle of the case, 25.5mm wide at the brim of the hat, 38mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen, light silver/white, luminous Arabic indices, prominent railroad minute track, expertly restored
• Hands: Original, gold "epees"
• Movement type: High-grade IWC, Caliber 87, manually wound, tonneau, rhodium plated, fausses cotes decoration, adjustment for greater accuracy, cut bimetallic balance, self-compensating flat balance spring
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Width between lugs: 16mm
• Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: Yes, fully serviced by our Master Watchmaker (a $545 value)
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system, keeping very accurate time. 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 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