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 8531 "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 1963 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 ever made in platinum.
It is the watch's original IWC case and correctly stamped on the inside. It measures 35mm in diameter, in between the sizes of the a Rolex Date and a Rolex Datejust.
It it 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 presents as just short of perfect mint. Its beautiful blue dial has been meticulously restored - its printing could pass as IWC factory done to the naked eye.
Note that the dial came out looking just slightly off-tone in the photos. Please inquire if you would like a photo of it in natural light.
Its caliber 853 movement is very clean and winds extremely smoothly. As part of the restoration 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 calfskin 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 over half-century old IWC that presents nearly like new on the wrist!
- Manufacturer: IWC
- City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
- Serial no.: 1,727,942
- Year built: 1963
- Case no.: 140,263
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Dimensions: 35mm wide (without crown), 41.5mm lugs tip-to-tip
- Case condition: Presents as mint with very slight rippling to the back.
- Case markings (inside): Platinum, 140,263
- Dial: Blue that is just slightly lighter than royal blue, signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, faceted baton indexes, outer minute track, expertly refinished
- Hands: Original, dauphines
- Jewels: 21 rubies
- Band: Calfskin leather (aftermarket) , fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We have a new blue suede leather and a new grey suede leather band that we're now carrying that would pair handsomely with the watch for more color if you would like to give the watch a more fashion forward style. 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 fully serviced it. It is very clean, winds extremely smoothly, and is running 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
