Why is it special to you?

Every Friday I'll nominate a theme - contemporary, vintage, calibre, reference, complication, case, markers, lugs and even memorabilia and please tell us why it is special to you.

You don't even have to own the watch, just desire it or be something special to you. I'm starting the series in the Gallery section so please post images if possible (check the archive or search online).

This weeks theme - Cal 854/8541

Special because it is my most accurate watch, classic 1970's styling and because I like Yacht Clubs.

Now let's see some images and "Why is it special to you?"

Cheers from the cellar

It's in your picture Greg! Pellaton! lucky me I was the first to reply LOL

I would also say those nice Gay Frères bracelets often accompanying the wacth.

First came to my mind but there are many of course.

I'm with Roberto- Pellaton makes this watch very special. And it's hard to tell, but your watch, Greg, seems like it has that wonderful blue dial.
The whole package is just the pinnacle of watchmaking and design from the 70's!

Nelson

Sorry no pics but the Cal 854 is special to me because that's my very first 'serious' watch.
I've had mine for 11 years to the month!
Cheers..
Jim

Hi Greg,
O make mine Roberto's and Nelson's words. All but one of the IWC below are powered by cal 85xx.

My 5001, because of the pellaton winding system, the in-house movement and the seven day power reserve and one of the best looking watches in the current collection. Oh to have had the option of a plat version!
Still think that the PPC is an option for the future, but because of the goal of such a watch to use and pass down, an option of a steel version should be considered (and no the DV equivalent is not my taste).
A couple of things about the PPC that do it for me is the style and the 7 day reserve which means that resetting or using a winder or manual winding is unnecessary. So the rest of the collection can be worn whilst the PPC is still wound.

a pic from me, would this also be a cal 854 ? please correct if I am wrong.

not mine - this is one of the earliest IWC timepieces I have held in my hands. it is unique to me because like Cellar's the design in the wider curved lugs seem to show the future direction of IWC designs, especially the Ingenieur, despite the then Ingenieur designs. a newbie first impression perhaps. the mesh bracelet makes an impact too - but I am not certain if this was after-market.

Great topic. Not such a difficult decision for me.

For me, the most special is "The Man" - which is what I have nicknamed the DaVinci Perpetual Calendar Edition Kurt Klaus. So much thought went into the design of this watch. It's not just a movement - the complete watch is fascinating - the case, it's curves, the hands, the markers, the guilloche dial, the crown, the proportions - I could go on.

But - the real reason is this watch pays direct homage to Mr. Klaus - and with his friendly, handsome portrait engraved on the back - and signature on the dial - it is the only IWC I can think of with such a very close, personal link. I often do look at the back of this watch - and give him a smile. Having the privilege to meet him on several occasions and listen to his stories, his vision, and passion for this craft - I just feel there's no other watch that directly exemplifies IWC's "DNA".

Below is a short video homage that a few Enlgish Forum Collectors (including me) and our Moderator, Michael Friedberg were interviewed for back in 2007 - thanking Mr. Kurt Klaus for everything he's done for IWC and the Collector's Forum:

Thank you Kurt Klaus

Of haircuts, fellowship, a perfect gentleman and genius... Thank you for this sharing Ardoise.

Pellatons genius driving Golf Clubs, Polo Clubs and Yacht Clubs as well as the Ingenieur 866 (only 8541 I think and not 854) and the Aquatimers. Nearly the majority of the iwc families ! Impressive. Add your ones too.