Today's offering showcases this fine and very rare automatic IWC powered by the company's caliber 3252 movement which was only produced in 600 pieces.

It was IWC's first fast-beat, ultra-thin automatic movement and measures only 3.25mm thick.

During the quartz revolution, IWC experimented with using movement ebauches from other manufacturers and used a Jaeger-LeCoultre 900 movement for this caliber.

There were three variations in the 325x family. Its sibling movement, the caliber 920 with Gyromax balance, was probably the only movement used by all three of the "watchmaking trinity": Vacheron & Constantin, Audermars Piguet, and Patek Philippe. The 920 is one of the most refined and beautiful automatic movements ever to come out of Switzerland.

So effective was the architecture of the caliber 900, JLC used it until just a few years ago in certain pieces in its Master Control line.

The watch is in beautiful original condition. The case is mint with light signs of polishing. The original dial is mint.

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 attesting to its performance.

Photos of the inside available upon request.

• Manufacturer: IWC
• City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
• Year built: c. 1979
• Serial no.: Appears to be 2,279,865
• Case no.: 2,229,577
• Model: Ref. 3204
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Quick-Setting Date
• Designed for: Men 
• Dimensions: 33mm wide (without crown), 40mm lugs tip-to-tip
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case condition: Mint with light signs of polishing
• Dial: Silver, signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, faceted baton indexes outer minute track, original, mint condition
• Hands: Original, steel batons
• Jewels: 33 rubies
• Band: Leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps.
• Crystal: Sapphire glass, mint condition
• Movement: IWC caliber 3252, self-winding, rhodium plated and decorated, 33 jewels, shock resistant, Geneve stripes, approx. 38 hour power reserve, adjusted to five positions
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. 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