A stunning gentleman's 18K solid gold automatic calendar watch from the International Watch Company (IWC), one of the most prestigious watchmakers in the world. This fabulous example dates 1962, making it 56 years old. It is in truly amazing overall condition. The case and dial are in great condition and the movement is running perfectly and keeping time with the date function operating correctly. The movement is the revered cal.8351 automatic mechanism,, considered by aficionados to be the best automatic movement ever manufactured by IWC. A new French made generic crocodile grain strap has been fitted to the watch and the crystal was replaced recently so this watch is ready to wear. 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 and this one has been with me for a while as it is so beautiful. You will be hard pressed to find a vintage IWC watch in such pristine condition so if this watchmaker is of interest to you do not let this watch pass you by.
Case: 18 carat solid gold, in amazing condition, measuring approximately 34 mm across, excluding the crown and 43 mm from lug to lug. The inside of the rear cover is signed by IWC and includes the famous circular logo containing the words “IWC Probus Scafusia”. It is hallmarked as 18K solid gold on the inside of the rear cover. The case shows absolutely no signs of abuse, dents or scratches that I could see to draw to your attention.
Dial: superb, finished in champagne satin and signed “International Watch Co. Schaffhausen Swiss”. The hours are marked by gold coloured batons. The hands are in great shape and the crystal is clean and clear.
Movement: IWC cal. C8531 17 jewels automatic mechanism. This movement is viewed by aficionados as the best automatic movement made by IWC. It is robust and reliable. Freshly oiled and adjusted, the watch winds and sets perfectly, runs with a good action and keeps time. The calendar function operates correctly. The movement is signed “International Watch Co. Swiss”. The serial number dates the watch to 1959.
Strap: fitted with a new generic crocodile grain strap, which attached to the watch measures approximately 216 mm from buckle tip to last hole.
IWC vintage watches do not come up for sale very often due to their rarity. An IWC timepiece has to be a risk averse investment which will increase steadily in value as well as a stylish reliable watch to wear. Do not miss the opportunity to buy this great watch.
