3 Discussions and CommentsMember since Feb. 19, 2013
Hello, Can anybody tell me how to identify and evaluate this old IWC, which belonged to my grandfather? It was blocked but has been cleaned and now runs smoothly. The only thing I could find out - basing on the serial number 99401 carved inside - is that it was probably build around 1893. What about the caliber? To me it's a beautiful object, and a pleasure to wear, being particularly light. Thanks a lot for your help! MG
1,101 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 28, 2001
I think this could have been a pocket watch changed to wrist watch. I do not think this is an original IWC built that way, we would need to see the movement too and the inside of the other cover. The engraving looks untypical.
regards
Ralph
Watches show the time flow, time to watch the watch show.
3 Discussions and CommentsMember since Feb. 19, 2013
Hello Ralph, thank you for your advice. Isn't it too small a size for a pocket watch (33 mm)? To be a fake it must be one century old! My grandfather married at the end of the 90s and his watch has been resting in a bank safe for the last 60 years now. I'm posting some more photos to show the movement. Inside number is 83737. Have a look. Best regards
2,996 Discussions and CommentsMember since April 2, 2011Hong Kong,
Hong Kong
Hi Marco,
As Ralph mentioned it is a pocket watch, later converted into a wrist watch.
The pocket watch is indeed more than 100 years old, as according to DateYourIWC:
Findings and tentative datings for: Movement number 83,737 Case number 99,401 Main findings: Summary The movement is a Sav. calibre 64, dating from the year 1892. The case was most probably produced resp. delivered around 1893. Valid entry in "Index of Movement Numbers" 1892 83,601-83,900 Sav. c. 64 - 12 1/2lig. Valid entries in "Index of Case Numbers" 1890-1900 50,000-218,000 current IWC index preferred entry 1889-1893 50,000-100,000 old IWC index invalidated entry
You can visit Michael's website for more information on the original pocket watch:
http://iwcpocketwatch.com/cal_64.html
Regards, Shing | email iwcforme1976 (at) gmail (dot) com time does not change us. it just unfolds us. max frisch. all that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that. baltasar gracian.
1,101 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 28, 2001
Yes, I share the opinion of Shing.
It was initially a hunter lady pocket watch. That time (1893) the wrist watch was not used. But all is oiginal, except the lugs for the strap where added and some how the outer "hunter" cover was removed. (A look under the front cover could probably tell more)
The modification was done very carfully and nicely.
regards
Ralph
P.S: It is one of the first serie of the c.64, built 1882.
The only thing which seems to be a little odd, is the engraving on the inside back. To determine the date where I came on the watch, a microscopic view would be necessary to determin the technology of the engraving.
Watches show the time flow, time to watch the watch show.
1,591 Discussions and CommentsMember since May 16, 2002
Most marriage watches are regarded with disdain by collectors because normally the case is gold and is plundered for its value and then the movement is stuck in a modern steel case. This alteration was according to your info done years ago and whilst its no longer a pocket watch it's retained with additions it's original case. It's not an ugly watch and it's a family heirloom, I would therefore treat it to a service and treat it as a dress watch. By the way the staples on the strap are probably nickel which you will not find on modern straps. Their use suggests solid bar rather than spring bar between the lugs. You might consider getting the solid bar removed and spring bar inserted, this will give you a greater choice of straps. The dial is most likely enamel and I know of no repair facility, therefore treat with extreme care.
Can anybody tell me how to identify and evaluate this old IWC, which belonged to my grandfather? It was blocked but has been cleaned and now runs smoothly. The only thing I could find out - basing on the serial number 99401 carved inside - is that it was probably build around 1893. What about the caliber?
To me it's a beautiful object, and a pleasure to wear, being particularly light. Thanks a lot for your help!
MG
Last edited: 21 February, 2013 - 07:21
I do not think this is an original IWC built that way, we would need to see the movement too and the inside of the other cover.
The engraving looks untypical.
regards
Ralph
Watches show the time flow, time to watch the watch show.
Last edited: 23 May, 2013 - 23:51
thank you for your advice. Isn't it too small a size for a pocket watch (33 mm)? To be a fake it must be one century old! My grandfather married at the end of the 90s and his watch has been resting in a bank safe for the last 60 years now. I'm posting some more photos to show the movement. Inside number is 83737. Have a look.
Best regards
Marco
Last edited: 21 February, 2013 - 07:21
As Ralph mentioned it is a pocket watch, later converted into a wrist watch.
The pocket watch is indeed more than 100 years old, as according to DateYourIWC:
Findings and tentative datings for:
Movement number 83,737
Case number 99,401
Main findings:
Summary
The movement is a Sav. calibre 64, dating from the year 1892.
The case was most probably produced resp. delivered around 1893.
Valid entry in "Index of Movement Numbers"
1892 83,601-83,900 Sav. c. 64 - 12 1/2lig.
Valid entries in "Index of Case Numbers"
1890-1900 50,000-218,000 current IWC index preferred entry
1889-1893 50,000-100,000 old IWC index invalidated entry
You can visit Michael's website for more information on the original pocket watch:
http://iwcpocketwatch.com/cal_64.html
Regards, Shing | email iwcforme1976 (at) gmail (dot) com
time does not change us. it just unfolds us. max frisch.
all that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that. baltasar gracian.
Last edited: 21 February, 2013 - 07:26
It was initially a hunter lady pocket watch. That time (1893) the wrist watch was not used. But all is oiginal, except the lugs for the strap where added and some how the outer "hunter" cover was removed. (A look under the front cover could probably tell more)
The modification was done very carfully and nicely.
regards
Ralph
P.S: It is one of the first serie of the c.64, built 1882.
The only thing which seems to be a little odd, is the engraving on the inside back. To determine the date where I came on the watch, a microscopic view would be necessary to determin the technology of the engraving.
Watches show the time flow, time to watch the watch show.
Last edited: 23 May, 2013 - 23:51
without your explanations & knowledge, I'd never found out this fascinating story, indeed!
Marco
Cheers Greg Chalk
Cvanwhite at aol dot com