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 it "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 the movement of this very fine wristwatch in 1952 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.
It is fully IWC down to the hands and signed crown. It has just finished a true expertly done restoration and presents as gorgeous mint - a 9.8 out of 10.
The full size case presents as mint - our photos couldn't do it justice. The original dial has been meticulously custom refinished in Tiffany & Co. "robin's egg blue" - the printing could pass as IWC factory done to the naked eye.
As part of the restoration the movement has been freshly overhauled by a Master Watchmaker. It winds very smoothly and is keeping accurate time.
For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a 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 attesting to its performance.
A nearly seven decade old IWC that amazingly looks like new on the wrist!
- Manufacturer: IWC
- City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
- Serial no.: 1,263,878
- Case no.: 1,285,938
- Year built: 1952
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Dimensions: 35mm wide (without crown), 42mm lugs tip-to-tip
- Case condition: Mint. Very slight aging inside the engine bay as is common with these. On the wrist it presents as gorgeous mint.
- Case markings (inside): International Watch Co., Swiss, Staybrite, Steel, IWC logo and case number
- Dial: Tiffany blue / turquoise, signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, faceted baton indexes, outer minute track, expertly refinished
- Hands: Original, steel dauphines
- Jewels: 21 rubies
- Band: Calfskin leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock lizard and a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
- Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
- Movement: IWC caliber 852, self-winding, rhodium plated and decorated, 21 jewels, Breguet hairspring, shock resistant, precision regulator
- Serviced: Yes, freshly fully serviced by a Master Watchmaker. It winds very smoothly
- 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 international warranty. Please email [email protected] 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
