IWC early wristwatch

This is a very handsome IWC gold-cased dress watch. IWC were one of the top manufacturers of the first half of the 20th century and this is a fine tribute to their workmanship - the movement is both beautifully made and finished, and it also keeps excellent time. I think this watch really captures the kind of understated elegance which the Swiss watch industry built their reputation on. 

This watch is a very good example of the way the early wristwatch developed - initially the form of the case was basically a small pocket watch with wire lugs soldered on (this type of case called a “trench watch” after their popularity amongst soldiers in the first world war). This watch is an example of the first generation of cases made specifically as wristwatches. The case is still made in the same way as a pocket watch would have been - in three pieces (the bezel, the band and the case back), but the lugs are more integrated into the shape of the band. 

The serial number on the movement dates it to 1930 and the case is hallmarked 1936. The back of the case has an engraving dating to 1941, so all in all the watch too 11 years to move from manufacture to sale! Perhaps it was somewhat behind the fashion when it eventually made it to the shop floor. 

There are interesting similarities with the Rotherhams watch we have for sale which dates from the same period. 

The movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is very good for a watch which is getting close to 90 years old (it keeps time to +-15 seconds per day). The case has been cleaned, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished. The crystal has been replaced and the watch has been fitted with a new Hirsch leather strap. The watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.

Please see vintage watch care advice here.

Specifications:
Case diameter: 31mm
Case material: 9 carat gold, hallmarked London 1936
Strap width: 17mm
Time keeping: grade A