HELP IDENTIFYING GRANDPA'S IWC

Hello,

this is my first post on this forum. I have recently been passed down from my
dad, one of my grandpa's IWC watches. I am not sure when this watch was
purchased but I suppose it was before 1985. I can't seem to find anything on
the watch model. The only thing I can share to help is the picture of the
watchface (below) and the serial number found behind: 2273858.
Inputting the serial number here (myiwc.iwc.com/en/register/manual)
gives an error: We are sorry. We cannot find this product serial number.
Please try again.
Can anyone help?

Thanks

Try www.moeb.ch/dyIWC/

I can't tell what model that is?

Hi Time Exposure,

thanks for the link. Upon opening the back I found that alongside the case
number (2273858) there is a movement number (2323890) and a model number
(3801). Even though now I have a lot more information I can't find almost
anything on this watch online, I am a bit lost.

Some research.

The IWC archive ledger published, ends in 1974 with movement number 2265400.

After 1974 IWC has not published anymore the watches they made.

Your movement number indicates that the watch was made in 1975-'76.

The 4 digit number is most probably the reference number of the watch. The
reference number fits in that period.

I have a catalogue of 1978 in which the reference number is not present
anymore, suggesting that the watch has been made during a short period.

I have seen IWC quartz models which resemble your watch, case and bracelet,
but not exactly the same model.

The 1970ies were the years of the quartz crisis for Swiss horology, including
IWC. IWC survived, but 60 percent of watch factories and suppliers disappeared
forever.

regards,

Adrian

(alwaysiwc).

https://arbitro.shop/shop/sold-list/iwc-rectangle-white-roman-dial/

Thanks to everyone that helped. While I still haven't found an exact picture
of my watch I have seen that there are multiple watches out there of the
approximate same model.

Now my question is: being IWC renown for craftsmanship and precision, is it
possible that they would produce a watch with the text "SWISS MADE" printed on
top of the lower VI hour, and slightly tilted?

While I can't imagine my grandpa buying a fake watch, I don't know what to
think about it!

All the 3801 dials with printed IWC on the dial are clearly of a better
quality....the printed IWC also suggests the model may have still been
available in the early eighties.

Edit....never rule out any manafacturer slideing poor/rushed work into market
if conditions dictate...especially unknown markets

Do you think we're dealing with a fake Catherine? Is there anyway I could tell
for sure?

Study the watch not the dial

Although I cannot proof it, the chance that this watch is fake is extremely
low if not zero.

The watches which are faked are the typical collectors items which have a
substantial value.

The value of this watch is less than 500 $ and it definitely was never a
collectors item.

Besides, the shape and the bracelet are real IWC used parts.

In the worst case I could imagine that the dial for a part has been re-painted
but from your image but even that seems not probable.

For me :a real unspoiled IWC quarz watch from the 1970ies.

And keep in mind : not every IWC watch has been depicted in a catalogue or
depicted in the catalogue where they were sold (Japan, Australia etc.).

Regards,

Adrian,

(alwaysiwc).