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 1960 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 the watch's original contract case made for IWC for the Japanese market by Isomura and correctly stamped and both the inside and the underside of both bottom lugs. It has wonderfully long lugs which make it 44mm long lug tip-to-tip.
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 perfect mint. It presents gorgeously. 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, which is running strong and true.
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 almost six decade old IWC that presents essentially like new on the wrist!
- Manufacturer: IWC
- City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
- Serial no.: 1,543,403
- Year built: 1960
- Case no.: 140,275
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Dimensions: 35mm wide (without crown), 44mm lugs tip-to-tip
- Case condition: Just short of perfect mint. Rated just short because it has been previously polished and the back shows the tiniest remnants of wear. It presents gorgeously. On the wrist it present essentially like new. Both of the marks on the underside of the bottom lugs are not wear - they are the correct platinum markings.
- Case markings (inside): Platinum Isomura stamp, case number, International Watch Co., IWC Probus Scafusia, Swiss, PM900
- 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. 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 experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- 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
