A gentleman's 14K solid rose gold manual watch from the International Watch Company (IWC), one of the most prestigious watchmakers in the world.This lovely example dates sixty nine years ago to 1947 and it is in great condition. IWC watches from the 1940's are rarely seen although the same style and movement continued through the 1950's. The rose gold case and dial present very well indeed and the movement is running perfectly and keeping time. It is signed on the dial, case and movement.
This is a very expensive connoisseur’s watch made by a low volume elite company which has a reputation among aficionados for producing some of the finest quality watches in the world. The movements in these watches are pure works of art and of a quality which is second to none. To those who have only a passing interest in top quality watches, an IWC watch is not immediately obvious as a high end timepiece but at auctions, hammer prices of IWC models often surpass the levels reached by more well known high end makes. IWC watches are truly remarkable and HIGHLY sought after by collectors (who must have at least one) as well people wanting to wear a watch with elegance and understated class. I always keep at least one in my own collection to wear on important occasions.
Case: made of 14 carat solid rose gold, in very good condition, measuring approximately 35 mm across, excluding the crown and 43 mm from lug to lug. The inside of the rear cover is fully signed by IWC and includes the famous circular logo containing the words “IWC Probus Scafusia”. It is hallmarked as 14K solid gold with a Swiss Assay on the inside of the rear cover and also on the under-side of one of the lugs. The case shows the inevitable signs of careful use over the years but no signs of abuse, dents or scratches of any significance that I could see to draw to your attention.
Dial: in great condition, signed “International Watch Co. Schaffhausen”. The hours are marked by gold coloured batons and Arabic numerals. The hands are in good shape with some light ageing and the crystal is clean and clear.
Movement: IWC cal. 89 17 jewels mechanism winding and setting smoothly, running well and keeping time. The cal 89 is a robust reliable power unit, used in most IWC manual watches manufactured during the 1940's/50's. The movement is signed “International Watch Co. Swiss”. The serial number dates the watch to 1947.
Strap: fitted with a barely used "Darlena" brown leather crocodile grain strap, which attached to the watch measures approximately 216 mm from buckle tip to last hole.
