My Dad's 1960s Automatic Gold Dress Watch. Runs great, but will not wind manually.

I recently inherited this  watch from my father. I think he probably purchased it in the 1960s (possibly in Celon/ Sri Lanka in 1962).

If I "charge" it, by wearing it for several hours, and then place it static on a table, it runs for about 50 hours. But I am unable to wind it up manually as the crown will not turn clockwise.

Note: If I pull the crown out it works perfectly to set the time.

I would greatly appreciate any information on the watch, inputs on why I am unable to manually wind it up, advice on how this might be resolved and whether this is likely to be an expensive repair please.

Many thanks!

Hello and welcome to the forum.  

I can't tell you what is keeping your watch from being manually wound, but likely it could use a complete service. Replacing the crystal may be something you might consider having done at the same time.  

I would recommend you send it in to IWC for service,  as they still retain original parts for vintage watches. You can request an insured mail-in service kit online, or drop it off at an authorized retailer. 

Yes, the repairs will likely be somewhat costly, but you will have that beauty returned to you looking and working like new, with a warranty good for 2 years! 

Hi Ben

Thanks so much for your reply and your advice. 

I have the watch at a reliable/experienced local watch repair place right now. Primarily to open it up and take some photos, so that I can hopefully identify the Cal and serial number. I asked them to take a quick look to see if they can determine the possible cause for the inability to wind it manually. But I've told them just to in investigate and take no repair actions.

I suspect you're right about the need to send to IWC for refurbishment but am concerned about how much this is likely to cost. I'm guessing maybe in excess of $1,500?. Especially since it seems to run okay (on automatic wind) when I wear it.

If I do send it to IWC, do you know if they do repair of the gold band? I ask as it has a little damage near the watch lugs.

Many thanks again for your input. It's very much appreciated.

Peter 

Hello Peter,

You may be able to have your watch serviced locally just fine. If you have someone you trust, that may work out OK. But sending it to IWC would be your best bet for a complete service after all this time. I am guessing that would put you in the 1,200-1,500 range, including a new crystal and refinishing (if desired).

The bracelet was likely not originally manufactured in Schaffhausen, so I am not sure if those repairs would be handled at an IWC service center. You may be best off with a good local jewellery repair person for the bracelet. 

Best, 

Ben 

Thanks Ben.

I'll post back here with anything I find from the local repair person.

I just got my watch back from the local repair shop. 

Cal. is 8531.

Mech s/n is 1653241. Case s/n is 1586689 which both point to manufacture in 1962. 

This fits with my Dad probably purchasing it in Sri Lanka (then Celon) on a stop over, when returning to the UK from Australia on a journey by ocean liner.

Based on very quick inspection the repair guy couldn't see anything wrong with the watch mechanism but recommended a full service for $600.

So my follow up questions are:

1. Any advice on local service vs IWC? Especially given my manual winding issue.

2. One reply to my post suggested that some IWC watches do not have manual wind, but (based on quick Google search) Idon't think this is the case with the 8531 Cal. Any inputs on this?

3. My original photos show the watch band. The band has IWC stamped on it but I'm whether the might have been done by the seller on Ceylon? Any inputs appreciated.

Thanks again for inputs on this.

Peter