The superior automatic IWC showcased in today's offering is a rare example encased in platinum and powered by the Albert Pellaton designed Caliber 852 movement. It was made for the Japanese market by Isomura, and unlike some examples it is triple-signed IWC.
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 "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 1958 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.
While the vast majority of these were made in stainless steel with some also being made in 18K gold and a few gold plated cases, only very few were ever made in platinum.
We have owned a number of these rare platinum cased IWC's over the last several years, and the case on this one is unlike any other that we have seen. Its lug design is fascinating. They seem slightly curved in two directions, almost like the case design of a Frank Muller Cintree.
It measures approximately 35mm in diameter, in between the sizes of a Rolex Date and a Rolex Datejust.
It is fully IWC down to the dial and all hands. It has just finished a true expertly done restoration and presents in gorgeous condition. Our pictures couldn't begin to do it justice!
Its rare platinum case presents as mint. Its gloss black dial has been meticulously restored - its printing could pass as IWC factory done to the naked eye.
Note that the back was not fully snapped on and not straight when the photos were taken. It has since been aligned and secured.
As part of the restoration, a Master Watchmaker has freshly overhauled the movement which winds smoothly. It is running strong and true, keeping time essentially on par with a brand new IWC.
Photos of the inside available upon request.
For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new calfskin strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
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Manufacturer: IWC
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City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
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Serial no.: 1,444,632
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Year built: 1958
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Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
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Designed for: Men
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Dimensions: 35mm wide (without crown), 44mm lugs tip-to-tip
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Case condition: Presents as mint
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Case markings (inside): Platinum, 1957 2, International Watch Co., IWC Probus Scafusia
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Dial: Gloss black, signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, faceted baton indexes, outer minute track, expertly refinished
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Hands: Original, "dauphines"
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Jewels: 21 rubies
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Band: Calfskin, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
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Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
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Movement: IWC caliber 852, self-winding, rhodium plated and decorated, 21 jewels, Breguet hairspring, shock resistant, precision regulator
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Serviced: A Master Watchmaker has freshly overhauled it. It winds smoothly.
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Timed: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running strong and true, keeping time essentially on par with a brand new IWC.
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Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please message us 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 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 did contract watchmaking work for the Richemont Group, owner IWC Schaffhausen and many other brands.
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Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
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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.