£3,600
...Simple…Elegance……
100% Genuine & All Original
Fully Inspected, Serviced and Guaranteed
A Beautifully Well Cared for and Lightly Used Example
Very Rare, Very Large Sized 18ct Watch case at 37mm Diameter
Wonderful 50′s ‘Leaf’ Hands, over a Honey Coloured Dial – Original, in Original Condition!
A High Grade Cal.852 21 Jewels, Automatic Movement, Serviced and in Immaculate Condition!
A Very High Grade, Highly Accurate And Highly Reliable, Early Automatic Movement
18ct Yellow Gold Dress Watch Case In Immaculate Condition
Supplied with a New High Quality Hirsch Leather Strap
The Watch is offered with 12 months Written Warranty*
A Presentation Box is Included
Free UK Mainland Delivery
£45 Overseas Fedex
vgw ref. IWC191
ADD TO FAVOURITES
Description
Owning a vintage IWC is something everyone with an interest in vintage watches should aspire to. This is because, during the 1950’s and 1960s, IWC determined they would manufacture some of the very best watches ever made and quite simply, this is what they achieved! The craftmanship, technical excellence and sheer beauty of the exquisite movements and cases made during the ‘golden age’ of watch-making, has never been beaten. Equalled, perhaps, maybe … but not beaten!
An IWC is often referred to as the ‘watchmaker’s watch’. This is due to the technical excellence and beauty movements and consequently their popularity amongst, – watchmakers…
This is a beautiful example of an Oversize IWC gent’s 18ct dress watch from 1956, in superb condition. It contains the legendary Cal.852 automatic movement which was a huge success for IWC, selling in record numbers during the early 1950s. This was part of the broader IWC Cal.85 movement family introduced in 1950 and remaining in production until 1996! All designed and built from start to finish in-house, by IWC, these are incredibly reliable and accurate time-pieces.
This IWC is notable for a number reasons… This 1956 IWC Calibre 852 is one of the earlier IWC automatics making it sought after and collectable and at 36mm it is very rare to find such a large oversize IWC automatic, because the vast majority were circa 33 or 34mm. And very exceptionally, the watch has the most beautiful and evenly faded, honey coloured, original, unrestored dial. It is nicely faded across the whole of the dial giving the watch great character without the usual unsightly ageing marks such as crazing staining or pitting. This is rare as dials of this age are often illegible due to damage of this kind. And finally the outstanding condition of this example, which along with the dial, leads one to consider this watch has seen very little use during its past (almost) 60 years!
The Dial
Normally we will restore the dials of the watches we buy because a dial of a typical 60 years old watch which has been exposed to light usually becomes damaged to some degree. However the dial here is in exceptionally good condition and the slight ageing we can see is attractive and charming and so we prefer to leave alone in this instance. Although it appears a little patchy in the photographs the uneveness is mostly due to the lens causing refraction and some shadows.
The Movement
This is the original Cal.852 automatic movement which was hugely successful for IWC and one of the best automatic movements ever made. It is absolutely immaculate and signed ‘International Watch Company’ and ‘Swiss’ twice, once on the movement and once on the rotor. The movement is also marked Cal. 852 and 21 Jewels with serial number. The 44 hour power reserve movement has been given a full overhaul and service and it is keeping time to within +5 seconds per day, confirmed both electronically and ‘on the wrist’. This is outstanding for an automatic of this age! 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 future.
The Case
The 18ct yellow gold, 36mm oversize watch case is exceptionally large for an IWC automatic of this period and therefore rare and highly sought after. The watch case is in immaculate condition with no marks at all visible to the naked eye. No marks even to show the case has been opened! Inside the case-back are found IWC and Scaffhausen signatures along with Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the case number.
The Strap & Buckle
The watch is fitted with a new high quality Hirsch strap and gold plated buckle. This can be changed to a crocodile strap or any other style or colour to suit your preference at no extra charge.
Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating the watch to 1956. 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.
In Conclusion
This beautiful 1956 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.
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.
We are able to accept part exchanges.
Please take a look at our other Vintage Gold Watches!
Thank you.
