A gentleman's 18K solid gold manual watch from the International Watch Company (IWC), one of the most prestigious watchmakers in the world.This lovely example dates sixty years ago to 1962 and it is in great original un-restored condition.The case and dial present very well and the movement is running perfectly and keeping time. It was professionally serviced in May 2015. A new old stock genuine lizard calf strap has been fitted 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.
Case: made of 18 carat solid gold, in very good condition, measuring approximately 34 mm across, excluding the crown and 39 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 18K solid gold with a Swiss Assay on the inside of the rear cover and also underneath one of the lugs. The case shows the inevitable signs of responsible and probably infrequent 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: original factory finish, signed “International Watch Co. Schaffhausen Swiss”. The hours are marked by gold coloured batons and Arabic numerals. The hands are in good shape and the crystal is clean and clear. Presenting very well to the naked eye, there is very light patination, considerably less than one would expect from a watch of this age.
Movement: IWC cal. C401 17 jewels mechanism with damaskeened plates (Geneve stripes). Serviced last May (2015), the watch winds and sets perfectly, runs and keeps time. The movement is signed “International Watch Co. Swiss”. The serial number dates the watch to 1962.
Strap: fitted with a new old stock genuine lizard calf strap, which attached to the watch measures approximately 214 mm from buckle tip to last hole.
