IWC Cal.853 Automatic 9K 33mm 1962 – Sorry Now Sold 16Sept’17

Description

It is said that owning a vintage IWC is something everyone with a serious interest in vintage watches should aspire to. A strong statement perhaps, but a little time spent researching IWC and their ’50s & ’60s watches, will very likely lead one to the same conclusion. In essence, this is because during the 1950s and 1960s, IWC determined they would manufacture some of the very best watches ever made and quite simply, this is what they achieved! The craftsmanship, technical excellence and sheer beauty of their exquisite movements and cases, manufactured during the ‘golden age’ of watch-making, has never been beaten – perhaps equalled occasionally, but never beaten!

An IWC is often referred to as a ‘watchmaker’s watch’. This is simply because watchmakers love them, both to work on and to own. This is due to the design, technical excellence and in particular, the sheer beauty of their watch movements.

Description

This is a beautiful example of a mid-size IWC gent’s 9ct dress watch, from 1962, in superb condition. It contains the legendary Cal. 853 automatic movement which was hugely successful for IWC, selling in record numbers between 1959-64. This was part of the broader IWC Cal.85 movement family introduced in 1950 and remaining in production until 1996. Cal. 853 is considered to be one of the best automatic movements of all time!**  All designed and built from start to finish in-house by IWC, these are totally reliable and highly accurate time-pieces

The Dial

A classic early ’60s dial in cream with gold ‘3 6 9’ and baton hour markers and with Dauphine gold hands and centre seconds hand. The dial is signed International Watch Co Schaffhausen, Automatic and Swiss. This is the original dial which has been superbly restored to the very highest standards. The lens is clear with no scratches.

The Case

The mid-sized 33mm 9ct solid gold case is in superb condition with no scratches, dings or marks visible to the naked eye. It has been professionally cleaned and polished and looks superb. Inside the case back are found IWC and Schaffhausen signatures, along with Swiss 9ct hallmarks and the case number 1,674,219. The crown is the original, carrying the IWC ‘fish’.

The Movement

As discussed above, this is the Cal. 853 automatic movement which was hugely successful for IWC. It is one of the best automatic movements ever made and is one of the key movements on which the name and reputation of International Watch Company was built. This is the original movement which is signed International Watch Company and Swiss twice, once on the movement and once on the rotor. The movement is also marked Cal. 853 and carries the serial number 1,626,679 and 21 Jewels.

Our watchmaker has just given the movement a full inspection and service and reports that it is in superb condition. With further regular servicing, every 3 to 4 years we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for very many years to come! We are very happy to offer a 12 months warranty on this watch movement and we will be very pleased to assist you with servicing in the years to come.

The Cal. 853, 21 Jewel automatic movement fitted to this watch is considered the best ever automatic produced by IWC and therefore one of horology’s best of all time**!  It originated as the Cal. 85 in 1950 and evolved through Cal. 852-3-4. Given that it was in production for over 40 years and enhanced in each iteration, this movement has proven itself as durable, accurate and incidentally easy to service. Above all else, its winding system, developed by IWC’s famous technical director Albert Pellaton, has achieved great acclaim.

*Please note our 12 months warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.

**Brunner and Pfeiffer-Belli, in their book “Wristwatches Armbanduhren Montres-bracelets” call the Cal. 853 “one of the best automatic movements ever built in Switzerland”.

The Strap & Buckle

A new very high quality, matching brown ‘croc’ leather, padded strap is fitted along with plain gold plated buckle.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating the watch to 1962. A detailed written receipt, with 12 months written warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale. The watch is also supplied a high-quality hardwood presentation box as shown in the photograph.

In Conclusion

This beautiful 1962 vintage IWC is in superb condition, ready for use and is completely practical and wearable today. It represents excellent value for money especially is such superb condition. It is a highly desirable vintage gold watch from one of horology’s most respected names which will provide an excellent investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!

*Note 12 months warranty is only applicable if the listing price is paid.

Please note that this watch is not waterproof and we recommend that all vintage watches are kept clean and dry at all times.

We are happy to accept Paypal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you wish to pay by UK cheque or by bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this.

Please note we welcome part exchanges, along with outright purchases of similar watches for us to restore, service and list. We can also offer Watch Service, Watch Repair & Watch Restoration, please see here.

Delivery is free within the UK and we charge only £45 for world-wide delivery via DHL or Fedex.

For more information please call 020 7727 7095 or 07515 949 250 or +44 7515949250 if calling from overseas.

Please take a look at our other Vintage Gold Watches!