666AD

Just arrived yesterday. Removed original GF band. Added bullfrog strap.

I am a vintage Vacheron Constantin guy, buy have always wanted a vintage
Ingenieur.

This one probably dates to
1958/59.

Excellent acquisition, piepan dial Ref 666A, most likely a cal 852. Have you
or your watchmaker opened the watch yet?

I am curious, why did you replace the original GF bracelet? And will you
please post an image of the GF bracelet?

I have not opened the case as yet, but have seen the movement and it is 853.

I am not a huge fan of metal bracelets and this one was also not quite large
enough for my wrist.

I plan to use this piece on a regular basis and have heard that the vintage
metal bracelets can be fragile.

I will take pixs of bracelet later.

Are you planing to have the watch serviced before wearing it regularly? If you
do, please have the watchmaker check if here is a soft iron plate between the
dial and the movement.

This plate is essential on Ref 666A with cal 852 to complete the Faraday cage,
because the dials are not made of soft iron. I am unsure if the same is true
for the Ref 666A with cal 853, and it woud be interesting to know.

Here is the band...I think it may be NOS and not from original watch.

I could use a couple of spare links if any one has them available.

Otherwise the band is just a bit small for my wrist.

Thanks for posting. It appears to be a Ref 11. The ends are missing. I hope
you have them. You must ensure they are not lost, because they are close to
impossible to find.

I am not sure if there are extra links for that bracelet. A search on the Net
may prove me wrong.

I believe most ref 666 Ings were sold with leather straps and the GF bracelets
were sold separately, and added at the time of purchase.

Thanks...I do have the ends for the bracelet.

Well done. Not easy to find, these. Join the club! And if you ever consider
parting with the GF bracelet, I am a fellow aficionado, who would be keen to
have one.

Greetings

Aaro

My vintage Inge has cal 8531 but the inner case lid certainly hasn't got holes
in it.

Aaro

Aaro

The image of the soft iron plate with the two holes is NOT of the soft iron
cover that you find on the back of the watch when you open the caseback.

The image of the plate with two holes is of a soft iron plate that goes
between the movement and the dial on the Ref 666A Ingenieur (no date) to
complete the Faraday cage, because the dials of the ref 666A (no date) are not
made of soft iron.

The two holes are there for the feet of the dial to pass through to be secured
to the movement. The feet of the dial of the Ref 666A (no date) are longer
than the feet of the dials of the Ref 666AD (with date) to pass through the
plate and reach the movement.

The plate is not necessary on the Ref 666AD because the dial is made of soft
iron and completes the Faraday cage.

I know this is a fact for the Ref 666A with cal 852 (no date) but I do not
know if this is true for the Ref 666A with cal 853. I was hoping NZ666AD would
be able to shed some light into this.

Got it! Makes sense. Just wondering what the date window does to the faraday
cage? Or will the number disc do the job? I have a 853 666AD myself but cannot
shed any light on your question, unfortunately.

Greez

Aaro

The date window is obviously a point of weakness on the amagnetic properties
of the watch, but it is in a position that does not affect the escapment if
the watch is exposed to a magnetic field.

I plan to have my watchmaker open the 666AD when I visit him in the next
couple of weeks.

I will then have images of what is happening on the inside.

The watch is keeping excellent time since in my possession and was most likely
serviced prior to my purchase.

Anyone have suggestions for where to have it re-lumed?

If the movement has been serviced recently, all that is needed to verify if
there is a plate between the movement and the dial is to remove the movement
from the case. The plate should be visible. There is no need to remove the
dial and hands.

As to relume, your best bet is sending the watch to IWC for service. It's not
cheap but in many case worthy.

Forget about checking for a soft iron plate on your Ref 666AD with cal 8531.
I somehow did not notice there was a date window!. The dial is made of soft
iron and completes the Faraday cage.