1 Discussions and CommentsMember since Feb. 17, 2011
Goodmorning. I want to buy a 14K gold watch that was originally bought in 1907. It has the number 4448298 at the back, a swiss cross, also the number 31457 and the word "brobus". I include foto of a similar watch that I found on the internet. I would like to know what is a fair price for that watch and if it is worthy to buy it.
1,912 Discussions and CommentsMember since Aug. 4, 2001
Hi. Welcome to the forum. You came to the right place to get accurate info about IWC watches. Please recheck the case number of the watch. There appears to be one digit too many. Also check the movement number. The number 31457 is a patent number, not the movement number. The value depends on many factors. Images of the actual watch showing the dial, the case and the case back engravings (if any) and movement will help the PW experts in this forum give you an idea.
Does your targeted watch have an irregularly shaped case like that shown in the image? If so, it might be very collectible.
The dial and watch look very much like a typical early 1900s pocket watch; aside from the case comment, the dial and movement used are relatively common. Much depends on condition. A very good one might sell for 1000 USD or so, especially because the gold content today becomes valuable (unfortunately as scrap).
The Cailbre 97 is a lepine movement, ie it has a crown at 12 0'clock and a small seconds dial at 6 o'clock. IWC has never used this movement in a wrist watch.
When you say "found", I assume the watch is on an internet auction site. The movement will be genuine IWC pocket watch movement that has been recased as a wrist watch. It will probably have the small seconds dial at 9 o'clock. This is commonly called a "marriage" and they have no value to a genuine collector. The seller will usually have lots of detail about the movement but little if anything about the made up case.
Save your money for a genuine IWC rather that buy something no collector would want.
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/984/cfjfmdwbgkkgrhqmokpge0v.jpg
Please recheck the case number of the watch. There appears to be one digit too many. Also check the movement number. The number 31457 is a patent number, not the movement number.
The value depends on many factors. Images of the actual watch showing the dial, the case and the case back engravings (if any) and movement will help the PW experts in this forum give you an idea.
clepsydra
ad fontes...
Last edited: 30 October, 2011 - 22:05
The dial and watch look very much like a typical early 1900s pocket watch; aside from the case comment, the dial and movement used are relatively common. Much depends on condition. A very good one might sell for 1000 USD or so, especially because the gold content today becomes valuable (unfortunately as scrap).
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 5 April, 2012 - 19:53
I have found an IWC Big Pilot's watch from 1937 (cal 97), the serial numer of the movement is: 993612.
I just want to help to identify it as a genuine IWC.
Kind regards,
Henrik
Last edited: 1 November, 2011 - 11:21
When you say "found", I assume the watch is on an internet auction site. The movement will be genuine IWC pocket watch movement that has been recased as a wrist watch. It will probably have the small seconds dial at 9 o'clock. This is commonly called a "marriage" and they have no value to a genuine collector. The seller will usually have lots of detail about the movement but little if anything about the made up case.
Save your money for a genuine IWC rather that buy something no collector would want.
Cheers from the cellar
cellar@gregsteer.net
Last edited: 4 January, 2013 - 22:35
Last edited: 1 November, 2011 - 11:21