Hello!
So i just bought this watch on a impulse buy at auction. can anyone tell me
what kind of IWC this is and what kind of movement?
the Add stated it was a 1960-1969 but when i use dateyourIWC it sais case is
from 1955.
the Add also said it is 35mm without crown, but i have not messured it,
Any help would be appreciated
The style could be anywhere from the 1950s through the early 1970s. I see the
movement serial number in your picture, but I cannot read it correctly. When I
type in what it looks like it says (1282181?), it comes back as an automatic
watch, clearly not correct. Can you confirm the number that is on the right
side of the balance cock? It is not on the top surface, but on the bottom
surface. You can run that number through the database as the movement number.
Nice looking watch!
I think it say 1787181
**witch is a c.89 from 1965
Itsnt this a big gap from when the case was made?
or is it possible the mechanisme is changed later?**
Oh wait, i think it is 1287181, witch dates it to 1952. and that fits very
vell
So you were able to pinpoint the date of manufacture and it matches the
caliber. As for the model number, I cannot answer. Perhaps an expert will be
along shortly to provide an answer.
Well since i dont have received the watch yet and it was not clearyfied in the
add i dont know if it supposed to be a cal.89 movement
But it does make sence as they vere the most produced
I feel like i got it for a steal anyways, so im super happy
Forgot to say thanks for the help! i hadnt noticed those numbers
Ref 500...some mid '60's variants had the applied IWC insignia to the dial
I cant seem to find any other on the internett. is the dial e repaint? or is
it rare?
Always difficult to be certain from a photo, but it appears to be an original
dial, not refinished. As for rarity, I cannot say. Certainly this many years
after production the watch is seldom seen today, but that doesn't translate to
scarce. Most collectible IWC's from this era would be the Mark series or
Ingenieur models.
Variants that encroached the '60's great automatic age are somewhat rare,
doubt there would be more than a few hundred with a couple of different dial
styles offered to keep pace with fashions...your model can also be found with
a thicker reeded beyler style of baton or a closely grouped cursive signature
(though not necessarily always with slim baton hand kits)
Hello guys! so i have got the watch now and done some research after opening
the watch.
It is a cal. 401 inside, But there is a big gap between serial number on case
and movement.
movement is 17xxxxx dating to 1965 according to dateyouriwc
and the case is 13xxxxx and dates to 1955
is it a franken? any help or information would be appreciated
With this discrepancy, I would like to know from IWC what their interpretation
is. Perhaps at this point you should look into IWC's authentication service.
Still, whatever the explanation (presuming there is one), it is a lovely
watch. Lucky for you the price was agreeable as you noted earlier.
the problem is its about 6 hours to drive from me to the closest IWC store,
but i really think i have to now, the movement looked to fit perfectly inside
the case. and it having the fish crown, i dont think is usual for so thin
dress watches
I suggest a phone call before driving six hours. Make certain they have the
capability to have it authenticated, and find out the cost and time. You may
be satisfied with the watch as-is before spending the time and money for
authentication!
Congratulations
You have scored a very nice watch. I don't think you have anything to worry
about. Although it is more usual to have the watchcase date later than the
movement!
Everything lines up production wise. Cal 401 was produced from 1952 to 1965.
It is a small movement at 22.5mm
I'm sure Cal 89 at 26.5mm was more popular and production was focused on their
manufacture, leading to much later mating of your Cal 401 and it's earlier
made case.
Everything on your watch looks correct to me. Just enjoy it :o)
Lets make sure to post a picture so we can see it on your wrist once received!
Congrats on the find.