Thoughts on a Cal.853 please

Hello,

I am new to this forum and I have recently decided that my future target will
be a vintage IWC with a Pellaton mouvement. I have seen many example of the
watch that I'll introduce in white/silver/champagne dial but not so many with
a black dial.

So here is my question : are black dial versions of this watch genuine ? if so
is the example figuring on the photos genuine ?

I have noticed that the dots on the hours markers are bigger than the other
ones so it's a good sign. The "Automatic" writing seems ok as well.

Best regards

It is difficult to tell from a photo. If the minute index "dots" look more
like tiny "dimples," it is sometimes a sign that the dial has been refinished.
I have seen superb refinished dials on IWC. For some reason, the intricate
"signature" seems not to pose a challenge for dial refinishers. Perhaps sharp
dies still exist? Plus, your concern about black dials is valid. I see few
original black dials that haven't shown some obvious signs of age, even when
they are well cared for.

Thanks for your answer.

I've come accross another example. In my opinion everything seems original but
I am not yet expert about these pieces so any thoughts would be greatly
appreciated!

Yes, this appears original to me.

The condition, however, is discouraging. There is much corrosion on the case,
some in the movement, and some on the dial. To me, the watch isn't worth
adding to the collection.

Apologies in advance for failing to continue evaluating random IWC specimens
from eBay sellers and other marketplaces. It quickly evolves into a cumbersome
exercise as we read, "what about this one? or this one? or this one?"

Good luck with your hunt!

To me the watch looks entirely genuine.

They have been made with black dials as it was done for the cal. 853
Ingenieur.

The hands are the typical 'dauphin' style and the indices with an oblique
facet are applied on the.dial. That is done by hand.

Everything can be copied or faked but the question is whether this is done for
a watch of this value.

If this was the goal for this watch, the logo 'automatic' would have been
changed in 'ingenieur', making the watch 3-4 times more valuable.

Regards,

Adrian,

(alwaysiwc).

I concur with Adrian. The watch is 100% genuine - and yes, although not the
norm IWC did produce this reference with various dial options, including
Black.

It's a nice example of a watch housing what is possibly the best ever mass
produced automatic Calibre to have come out of Switzerland, through to end of
the 1970's!