This very fine and meticulously restored mid-century IWC showcased in today's is powered by the Albert Pellaton designed Caliber 85 movement.

This mechanism's automatic winding system is a technical masterpiece, earning it high praise - Gisbert Brunner and Christian Pfeiffer-Belli in their work, Wristwatches Armbanduhren Montres-bracelets, proclaimed the 85x series "one of the best automatic movements ever built in Switzerland."

The famous watchmaker Donald de Carle, in his book Complicated Watches and their Repair, stated that IWC's special automatic winding mechanism was "a simple and ingenious system, well constructed and beautifully finished."

This watch is an uncommon early example of a caliber 85 movement, the very first of the series of the famous line, and the first automatic movement the company ever produced. The company quickly iterated to the 852, 853, and ultimately the 854 versions.

IWC built the movement of this fine wristwatch in 1951 less than a handful of years before they began building their famous Ingenieur line. These dress watches were more elegant than the pragmatic Ingenieur but shared the high-performance timekeeping qualities in normal wearing conditions. And compared to an Ingenieur, because they do not have a second inner back, the cases are thinner and lighter on the wrist.

Its beautiful royal blue dial is done in a desirable so-called "Explorer style" with Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9, an uncommon dial configuration for vintage IWC's.

It has all of its original parts and has just finished a true expertly done restoration. It presents in gorgeous condition - a 9.7 out of 10. Our photos couldn't begin to do it justice.

Its full size case presents as mint. Its dial has been meticulously restored - the printing could pass as IWC factory done to the naked eye.

Note that since the photos were taken the back has been snapped on straight up and down.

As part of the restoration, the movement has been overhauled by a Master Watchmaker. It winds smoothly and is running very strong and true, keeping time on par with a new IWC in our testing recording position.

Please inquire if you would like photos of the inside.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One has done contract work for IWC and their Richemont Service Center and also used to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker for a Rolex authorized dealer.

For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a new aftermarket leather strap and aftermarket IWC style buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance.

Note: A similar watch with the same movement series in gold was worn by Charlie Chaplin.

A more than seven decade old IWC that amazingly looks like new!

Manufacturer: IWC
City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Serial no.: 1,229,105
Case no.: 1,224,590
Year built: 1951
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
Designed for: Men
Dimensions: 33.5mm wide (without crown), 40mm lugs tip-to-tip
Case material: Stainless steel
Case condition: Presents as mint. Light aging inside the engine bay as is common with these.
Dial: Royal blue, signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, faceted steel applied baton indexes with Arabic numerals at the primary hours, outer minute track, expertly restored
Hands: Original, steel dauphines
Movement type: IWC caliber 85, self-winding, rhodium plated and decorated, 21 jewels, Breguet hairspring, shock resistant, precision regulator
Jewels: 21 rubies
Band: Leather, aftermarket, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Crystal: Acrylic, appears original, excellent condition
Serviced: Yes, overhauled by a Master Watchmaker. It winds smoothly.
Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running very strong and true, keeping time on par with a new IWC in our testing recording position.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One has done contract work for IWC and their Richemont Service Center and also used to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker for a Rolex authorized dealer.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee