A fine and scarce IWC gents dress watch in steel, circa 1952. Every so often we come across a watch that makes a particularly impactful first impression. This IWC, with it’s beautifully textured silver dial and interesting applied hour indexes, is a perfect example. While most IWC’s of the era are characterized by elegant yet retrained aesthetics, the bold styling of this 70 year old timepiece comes across as ahead of it’s time. The steel monocoque case measures 35mm excluding the original crown with signature fish logo, and remains in very good condition with no major blemishes. The factory original dial, originally silver, has developed a light champagne patina over the years. There is also some light spotting to the surface as well as light fading to the printed text, a reminder that the watch has existed for nearly three quarters of a century. Silver dauphine-style hands and a center sweep seconds round out the look. Signed, “International Watch Co.”, “SHAFFHAUSEN”, “AUTOMATIC”, “SWISS”.
Powering the watch is a first year auto winding IWC caliber 852 with 21 jewels. Featuring a Pellaton winding system, 13,000 examples of this movement were produced between 1952 and 1958. The movement is in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition, is winding, running well and keeping time.
Case:
- Stainless steel
- 35mm (excluding original crown) x 18mm between lugs
- Monocoque
- Case number: 1258373
- Original fish embossed crown
Movement:
- IWC cal. 852
- 21 jewels
- Unadjusted
- Automatic
- Serial number: 1256475
Dial:
- Factory silver dial
- Radially textured
- Applied silver hour indexes
- Center sweep seconds
- Signed, “International Watch Co.”, “SHAFFHAUSEN”, “AUTOMATIC”, “SWISS”.
