Description
IWC – International Watch Co of Schaffhausen,
IWC’s motto is Probus Scafusia, meaning “good, solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen” and was established in 1903 as the “Official Motto”.
This is a beautiful, large early IWC gent’s 18ct dress watch, freshly restored to look just as it did on the day it left the IWC factory in back 1931, yet looks totally contemporary today!
This is a rare watch and is a ‘significant’ or ‘important’ watch on a number of counts. This was the first wristwatch to carry a centre seconds hand. It also carries the first antimagnetic wristwatch movement and as such is the forerunner of a long line of watches designed for magnetically challenging environments, leading to the Ingenieur model still produced to this day. It was also one of the largest gents wrist watches of its day and very rare when found in 18ct gold such as this superb example is here.
This watch is in outstanding condition both inside and out, having been very well cared for over the years and showing few signs of wear.
The Dial
While this is obviously a dress watch i.e. 18ct, the dial has the style of a pilot’s watch or ‘scientific’ watch. The silver white dial with outer seconds track is subdivided into fifths of a second which matches the movement of the seconds hand as it moves around the dial. The dial would originally have used radium to illuminate the hands and numbers which may have been green or orange. This would have degraded over time to a faded honey colour. This colour has been recreated here as part of the dial restoration. This is the original dial and original hands which have been superbly restored to the very highest standards.
The Case
The large sized 35mm 18ct solid rose gold case is in superb condition with no scratches, dings or marks visible to the naked eye. It has been carefully restored through expert cleaning and polishing to bring it back to very close to ‘as new’ condition. Inside the case back can be found 18ct and IWC markings and case reference number 941XXX.
The Movement
Today all modern watch movements are antimagnetic but magnetism was a significant cause of inaccuracy and unreliability in early watch movements, particularly when used in close to electricity or machinery. Stray magnetism can cause a watch to run fast or slow and movements which become magnetised can stop altogether. The IWC Cal.61 movement found here was the first ‘antimagnetic’ wristwatch and uses a soft iron ring around the movement along with an “iron less” balance. The movement also uses temperature compensation to further improve accuracy.
IWC movements are very highly regarded for their reliability and accuracy and this particular one is in superb condition! Our watchmaker has just given it a full service and with further regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for very many years to come! We are very happy to offer a 12 months warranty on this watch movement. And we will be pleased to assist you with servicing in years to come.
The Strap & Buckle
A new very high quality, matching brown ‘croc’ leather, padded strap is fitted along with a gold plated Rolex buckle.
Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating the watch to 1931. This is supported by an IWC Certificate of Authenticity proving this watch was originally sold new in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1931
A detailed written receipt, with 12 months written warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale. The watch is also supplied a high quality hardwood presentation box as shown in the photograph.
In Conclusion
This watch oozes quality and character.
This stunning vintage 18ct gold IWC is in superb restored condition and ready for use. With care it is completely practical and wearable today. It also represents an excellent investment, particularly in such wonderful condition. This then is also a rare and popular vintage gold watch from horology’s most famous name which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!
*Note 12 months warranty is only applicable if the listing price is paid.
Please note that this watch is not waterproof and we recommend that all vintage watches are kept clean and dry at all times.
We are happy to accept Paypal as this is the quickest method of payment. However if you wish to pay by UK cheque or by bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this.
Delivery is free within the UK and we charge only £45 for world-wide delivery via DHL or Fedex.
For more information please call 020 7727 7095 or 07515 949 250 or +44 7515949250 if calling from overseas.
We are able to accept part exchanges.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
