Another Grandfather watch :)

Hello everybody,

Recently I found a beautiful IWC watch that was my Grandfather watch. I knew
about its existence but it was hidden :)

The watch is in very poor shape, unfortunately.

I would like to show you my watch and its warranty document with all serials
and ask you, if you know some details about it: year, model, caliber etc. I
would like to restore the dial and hands, to change the glass, if is possible.
I don't know the prices for this kind of services, maybe some sugestions from
you. I would like to revive this beautiful timepiece. I live in Italy and I
don't know if this kind of service can be done by an official IWC dealer in
Italy or if I need to sent it in Swizerland.

Thank you in advance for all sugestions,

Codrin Serghei

Hello Codrin and welcome to The Forum. According to the "date your IWC"
applet, your watch has a calibre 431 from 1955 and the watch case was produced
around 1954. For a very nice restoration you could have it sent it to
Schaffhausen by a local IWC aurthorized dealer or boutique. It would be
costly, however, but if you would like to bring this beuatiful watch back to
its former glory, it may be the best way to go. Good luck.

Thank you Ben for your kind response,

I would like to ask about this calibre 431, all that I found on internet is
"Lady watch movement with 17 jewels", it's a little bit strange because this
is a men's watch with a 21 jewels movement :) Am I wrong or i miss something?
Have you any idea about the price of restoration and if it's worth it?

Thank you again,

Best wishes,

Codrin

That is interesting. It's always possible that the "date your IWC" applet
info could be incorrect. As could the certificate you have also - that
document may in fact apply to a different watch. You could have a local
watchmaker open the case back and verify the serial numbers on the case and
movement. Opening it up would be the only way to tell for sure.

Thank you again Ben,

I will open the case soon because you make me curious too :)). I used "Date my
IWC" applet too, right now but i changed the serials ...aaaand...surprise:

"The movement is a calibre 852, dating from the year 1953.
The case was most probably produced resp. delivered around
1955."...information that maches data on the certificate. My question for me
is: Is it possible to change/miss the infos in the certificate when the dealer
sale a watch??? it is strange..for this I will check physically the matching
serials :)))

thank you,

Codrin

Good job - let us know what you find out!

Nice find.

send it for an overhaul to SCHAFFHAUSEN (!)

and do not forget to post before and after pics on our forum.

good luck

cheers

Thank you for advise,

Cheers,

Codrin

Hello again,

Finally I opened the case and revealed the serials that are written inside the
watch...and surprise. I can confirm that was a "small" mistake when a dealer
write the serials on the papers. I confirm : tha watch is a cal. 852 with
Pellaton
winding system :)

Thank you all,

Best wishes,

Codrin