A rare 1970's Beta21 for your entertainment....

Hi

Well this a 1970 Cal 2001 IWC Quartz Electronic....using the 1st generation Beta21 movement.

Only 600 pieces in total were produced by IWC using the Cal 2001 and these were split into two distinct models , the International model (my one), and also the Da Vinci. An example of the Da Vinci resides in IWC's museum.

These were available in 18k white gold, 18k yellow gold, Platinum and SS....300 in total of these were made , so probably (as mine is SS) one of 150 or less.

Cheers Neil

1970 Cal 2001 IWC Quartz Electronic

and a movement shot:

and also a picture of the 18k big brother Da Vinci

One of my favorites...

Hi Neil,

I like the watch for what it represents historically.

I'm not entirely sure about the numbers --I do recall one online report consistent to what you wrote, but I also recall that there was a second run, a year later with several thousand more.

I had thought mine was a second generation Beta 22, but I opened the case today and saw that the movement is a B21 as shown here.

There's more about these watches in the archived posts.

Regards,
Michael

One of my favorites...

Hi Michael

Beta21's are interesting due to the formation of the CEH - I have another example - a 1970 Bucherer....I will post a picture later , but here is a taster - a huge Watch even by modern standards :^))

BTW - how many IWC Beta21 Da Vinci's & Internationals have you seen ?

Thanks Neil

One of my favorites...

I've seen a lot of Beta 21's, actually

I've owned two and probably have seen a few dozen --but keep in mind that my "job" for about 9 years has been moderating this forum, and others before that.

On Beta 21s by other brands, please keep in mind that this isn't a general watch forum, but rather is about IWC and sponsored by IWC.

Thanks,
Michael

One of my favorites...

and one of my good friends has this....

Thanks Neil

1970 Solid 18k Da Vinci

Cal 2001

is very nice and especially the bracelet looks very proportional to the case size. I can see the resemblance to the current Da Vinci chrono model too.

Argiris

One of my favorites... I could not believe reading

...this!

How many off you out there have IWC "quartz" watches in your collections?

And yes Michael, I fully agree they have their place in the history.

Great watch! Thanks for sharing.

Cheers from Isobars.

I love high-end quartz >>>

Think the negative attitude about quartz is grossly incorrect, both from perspective of the watchmakers craft and the capabilities these watches offer.

I find it sad IWC is not currently interested in this area of watch making.
--
Cheers from Isobars.

Cal. 160-13

x-33 (my blasphemy piece)

Reiseuhr Ref. 3822

Mecaquartz 631

Here's a couple I have.....

along with the New VC Da Vinci

I will have to re-think this lot

I am certainly impressed. It's not that I don't have quartz in my collection (one of my favorites all times which still occasional gets wrist time is the is the Omega Equinox (1980/1 high quality quartz, with flip case, digital chrono one side and classic Dial / Hands on the flip side). However, since IWC got 100% out of the quartz game - I believed incorrectly, that there would be little interest from yourselves in this regard. And Yes - I do like those collections you posted. Thanks, Mark