I'm thinking of adding a very unusual 8541 to my modest collection..

Hi Everyone,
This watch has a bit of a different look to it. It is 18K w/8541 movement. I know the seller pretty well. An extremely honest and reliable gentleman. He's told me that it's much much better in person (his watches always are) and I may return it for any reason if not satisfied. I'll also have the chance to see it in person prior to purchase. It's been on the bay for quite a long while now and I can't get it out of my mind..

His asking is a bit high but if the thing is truly mint than perhaps worth it..

What do you guys think? Any comments/criticism always appreciated

thanks,
Todd

Hi Todd, we cannot discuss values or prices here.

Having said that, if the watch speaks to you and would compliment your current collection, then go for it, especially if you are not hung up on the smaller size..

I have a cal. 89 circa 1954, but it rarely gets any wrist time because of its size.

I am not more used to sporting 47, 46, and 44mm watches, so a 36mm watch now seems awkward.

Good luck and keep us posted.

For the right price, I'd do it.

Gold dials, as used on gold watches of that era, are a bit out of favor today, but I think that's a mistake. Things will change, and it's a beautiful watch.

Thanks Nad,
I'm sorry if I sounded like I was going to discuss price. I certainly appreciate that this is not an appropriate place for that.
And the reasons you may not like this piece are EXACTLY the reasons I do...
it's size--perfect for my small round wrist! The biggest I can do without looking ridiculous is about 38mm. It's one of the reasons I so love the old Inge's--for me they are wearable classics. I truly love the look of the big IWC's that you mention. I just wish they were under 40mm as they look sort of silly on my wrist.

Cheers, and thanks for your reply.
Todd

Thanks Michael. I really value your opinion. And if it looks minty under the loupe, I just may go for it.
best
Todd

It's interesting how differently people feel about watch sizes. A good friend and I have the same size wrists -- small. He refuses to consider a watch bigger than 40mm whereas for me, 40 is too small. I think around 42 is my sweet spot but will go up to 44. The only important consideration is personal comfort.

Good luck with your purchase. It's certainly an attractive watch.

Todd, my wrist is 6.5 and flat. I simply decided that I wasn't going to let small wrists keep me from wearing the watches I like, up to a limit. I don't know if I could be comfortable with a BP but a 44 with short lugs is fine by me. I'm sure that some think my watches are too big for me but I have enough trouble satisfying myself, I can't worry much about what others think (other than my wife, of course - just in case she reads this).

I think that the era of large watches has changed the rules on fit - it had to really, there are only so many guys out there with 7.75" wrists. Everyone should wear what they're comfortable with, in my opinion.

Amen!

Lovely watch and like that signed dial (I mean both the IWC script and Turler!).

Bob

Great piece - With one of the best vintage Calibre around, in it. Great dial too!

Thanks Bob! I went out to meet the seller and his wife yesterday (8/18), they turned out to be a completely charming older couple.

I've posted the watch pics in a new thread..

Thanks Mark. I'll be posting pics in a new thread today..