2,246 Discussions and CommentsMember since Aug. 2, 2001
That is a beautiful watch!
If you can have a jeweler remove the back and provide us two numbers, we can tell you the model and the date. We need the serial number engraved on the movement, and the case number engraved on the inside of the case back. You might want to try to take pictures while the case back is removed.
Models of that period often were not known by "names" such as Aquatimer or Portofino. More freguently they were known by a simple numerical Reference Number or were often referred to by the designation of the movement (such as Cal 89).
With proper cleaning and oiling, your watch can continue as a prized family heirloom for decades to come.
Those numbers show that you have a calibre 852 movement made in 1958 and a case made around 1956.
The calibre 852 was IWC's automatic movement of that era, and as three digits it is the model without date. It's unusual to have a case number lower than the movement number.
190 Discussions and CommentsMember since June 7, 2010
pringlis Wrote:Hello,
This is my grandfather's watch that I recently inherited. He died long before I was born and it's been sitting in a bank box for the past 40 years.
I had it valued and the valuer said it was dated 1958 but I'd like to know the model.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
It came in a lovely display box:
A couple of pictures of the front:
The back is fairly unremarkable:
Cheers, Neil
A truly magnificent old IWC with one of the finest movements ever made. You might consider sending it back to Schaffhausen in Switzerland for a complete cleaning and lubing of the movement. I wouldn't let them do anything to the cosmetics... wear this in good health Todd
This is my grandfather's watch that I recently inherited. He died long before I was born and it's been sitting in a bank box for the past 40 years.
I had it valued and the valuer said it was dated 1958 but I'd like to know the model.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
It came in a lovely display box:
A couple of pictures of the front:
The back is fairly unremarkable:
Cheers,
Neil
If you can have a jeweler remove the back and provide us two numbers, we can tell you the model and the date. We need the serial number engraved on the movement, and the case number engraved on the inside of the case back. You might want to try to take pictures while the case back is removed.
Models of that period often were not known by "names" such as Aquatimer or Portofino. More freguently they were known by a simple numerical Reference Number or were often referred to by the designation of the movement (such as Cal 89).
With proper cleaning and oiling, your watch can continue as a prized family heirloom for decades to come.
Dick L.
whichwatch at roadrunner dot com
http://www.iwcforum.com/Vintage_Catalogs.html
On page 16 you'll see a watch like yours --reference 583A-- except for the dial. Your dial appears to be version 13101.
Just an educated guess --often the model number is on the inside caseback, along with the case serial number.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Case Number: 1379677
Ref to Movement: 1450553
The fact that the watches then didn't have a 'name' as such makes a lot of sense and explains why my earlier googling was coming up blank.
I should probably put it in for a proper service soon since it's been sitting idle for so long!
Thanks again.
The calibre 852 was IWC's automatic movement of that era, and as three digits it is the model without date. It's unusual to have a case number lower than the movement number.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
A truly magnificent old IWC with one of the finest movements ever made.
You might consider sending it back to Schaffhausen in Switzerland for a complete cleaning and lubing of the movement. I wouldn't let them do anything to the cosmetics...
wear this in good health
Todd
Agree and sounds like sending it back to Schaffhausen would be a good idea.