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 853x "one of the best automatic movements ever built in Switzerland."
And 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."
IWC built it in 1961 at the same time they were 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.
While the vast majority of these were made in stainless steel with some also being made in 18K gold and a few gold plated cases, only very few were made in platinum.
It is encased in the watch's original contract case made for IWC for the Japanese market by Isomura and correctly stamped on the inside. It has wonderfully long lugs which make it 44mm long lug tip-to-tip. And its diameter is 35.5mm, about the size of a Rolex Datejust from the period.
It is fully IWC down to the dial, hands, and signed winding crown. It has just finished a true expertly done restoration and presents in gorgeous condition.
Its very rare platinum case is just short of mint with two light indentions in the back. It presents gorgeously on the wrist. Its silver dial has been meticulously restored - its printing could pass as IWC factory done to the naked eye.
A Master Watchmaker has freshly overhauled its movement. It is running extremely strong and true, keeping time on par with a brand new IWC in our testing recording position.
For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new leather strap 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.
You won't be disappointed - a very rare more than six decade old IWC that presents essentially like new on the wrist!
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 used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. He also has done authorized watchmaking work for the Richemont Group's Service Center, IWC Schaffhausen, and many others.
- Manufacturer: IWC
- City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
- Serial no.: 1,556,632
- Year built: 1961
- Case no.: 15551
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Dimensions: 35.5mm wide (without crown), 44mm lugs tip-to-tip
- Case condition: Presents as just short of mint with two light indentions in the back. Light signs of previous polishing. On the wrist it presents gorgeously.
- Case markings (inside): Platina, case number, International Watch Co., IWC Probus Scafusia, Swiss
- Dial: Silver, signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, faceted baton indexes, outer minute track, expertly refinished
- Hands: Original, batons
- Jewels: 21 rubies
- Band: Leather (aftermarket) , fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock lizard and a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
- Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
- Movement: IWC caliber 853, self-winding, rhodium plated and decorated, 21 jewels, Breguet hairspring, shock resistant, precision regulator
- Serviced: A Master Watchmaker has overhauled it. It is running strong and true.
- Timed: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running extremely strong and true, keeping time on par with a brand 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 used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. He also has done authorized watchmaking work for the Richemont Group's Service Center, IWC Schaffhausen, and many others.
- 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
