IWC Cal.85 Automatic, 18ct, 37mm 1950. – Sorry Now Sold 25/08/14
£3,300
100% Genuine & All Original
Fully Serviced, Restored and Guaranteed
A Simply Beautiful Cream-White Dial Superbly Restored
Superb Oversize 37mm Diameter Case not including the Crown
Rare and collectable First IWC Automatic Cal.85 Movement in Sparkling Condition!
Complete with New High Quality ‘Croc’ Leather Strap and Quality Hardwood Presentation Box
This Watch is offered with full 12 months Written Warranty* and Free UK Delivery
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Description
This is an ‘Important’ gentelman’s oversize automatic 18ct IWC wristwatch. ‘Important’ because it carries IWC’s first automatic movement, the Cal.85 which was only produced in very limited numbers – a total of 8400 made during 1950 and 1951. The Cal.85 introduced a new patent (Pellaton) winding system and it was the base for the entire series of later automatics culminating in the fabulously successful Cal.8541 and a family variants all the way until 1996 and even then, the Cal.5000 today. This movement was all designed and built from start to finish in-house, by IWC. These are very reliable and highly accurate time-pieces. It is also exceedingly rare to find an IWC automatic anywhere near this size! It is also in wonderful condition following a recent full restoration.
The Dial
This is a classically simple IWC art deco dial in cream-white with applied guilt hour markers and with dauphin gold hands and centre seconds hand. The dial is signed International Watch Co Scaffhausen, 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. This dial looks absolutely stunning in all lighting, indoors and outdoors.
The Case
The Oversized 37mm 18ct solid yellow gold case is in superb condition with no scratches, 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 Scaffhausen signatures along with Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the case number 1,240,854. IWC automatic watches tend to be limited to 33mm diameter with the occasional slightly larger examples measuring 35mm. However this original case is 37mm!
The Movement
As discussed above this is the Cal.85 automatic movement was a first for IWC making it an ‘Important’ watch amongst IWC collectors and admirers. It is perhaps the most sophisticated early automatic movement made by any manufacturer at the time and a key calibre on which the later 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.85 and carries the serial number 1,225,805 and is marked 21 Jewels.
Our watchmaker has just given the movement a full inspection and service and reports that it is in superb condition. Following calibration this watch is now running strongly and accurately within +7 seconds per day!
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 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 1950. 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 1950 classic vintage IWC is in superb condition, ready for use and is completely practical and wearable today. It represents excellent value for money especially in such superb condition. It is a highly desirable vintage gold watch from one of horology’s most highly 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,