The superior automatic IWC featured in today's offering is powered by the Albert Pellaton designed 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 853 "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."

While most similar automatics from IWC were 34-35mm in diameter, this uncommon oversized one measures 36.5mm, large for the era and a little larger than even a Rolex Datejust.

Adding to its appeal are its unique markers - while we have owned many dozens of similar IWC's, this one has a dial variation that we have never seen before. The markers have thin tuxedo striping down the middle with angle high polished areas on each size, which give them a great reflective quality.

The color of the dial is royal blue, and it has a glossy slightly electric quality to it - the tone changes a bit as the light hits it at different angles.

IWC built the movement of this watch 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.

It has fully IWC parts and has just finished a true expertly done restoration. It presents as gorgeous condition - a 9.7 or 9.8 out of 10. Our photos couldn't do it justice.

Its classic and timeless case presents as mint.

Its attractive dial has been meticulously restored - the printing of the words could pass as IWC factory done to the naked eye.

Its movement has been freshly fully overhauled by a Master Watchmaker. It is running extremely strong and true, keeping time essentially on a par with a brand new IWC in our testing recording position.

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.

For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new calfskin leather 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.

You won't be disappointed - a six decade old IWC that looks like new on the wrist!

Manufacturer: IWC
City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Serial no.: 1,680,472
Model: Ref. R647A
Year built: 1963
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
Designed for: Men 
Dimensions: 36.5mm wide (without crown), 43.5mm lugs tip-to-tip
Case condition: Presents as mint with very slight aging hidden in the engine bay as is common with these. On the wrist it presents as gorgeous mint.
Case markings (inside): International Watch Co., Swiss, Acier Inoxydable Staybrite Steel, 1,743,832
Dial: Royal blue, signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, interesting decorated baton indexes, outer minute track, expertly restored. The royal blue finish has a glossy slightly electric quality to it - the tone changes a bit as the light hits it at different angles
Hands: Original, steel faceted dauphines
Jewels: 21 rubies
Band: Calfskin eather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn, brand new and unworn. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
Movement: IWC caliber 853, self-winding, rhodium plated and decorated, 21 jewels, Breguet hairspring, shock resistant, precision regulator
Serviced: Yes, fully freshly overhauled by a Master Watchmaker. It winds smoothly.
Timed: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running extremely strong and true, keeping time essentially on a par with a brand new IWC in our testing recording position. 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.
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

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