Mephisto
·Hello everyone,
Impulse purchase last month on the 'bay from a Dutch seller with bad pictures. This is my first IWC and, with the preponderance of redials with the brand, I'm not sure where to start my foray so I'd like to submit it here for vetting.
A few observations:
1. The dial shows its age, with light spotting that can be magnified in bad light. The font is crisp and looks ok from first glance, but since I'm inexperienced with IWC dials it doesn't tell much.
2. Caliber 8521 or 8531 fron the date placement, but I can't get the case open. Someone tried to force it open and left some bad marks on the caseback(shame) and I'm afraid to do the same. Any tips on opening this or should I take it to my watchmaker? This doesn't seem like a screwback.
3. Minute hand is ever so slightly bent. Hopefully a competent watchmaker will be able to fix it.
4. Caseback is engraved "HEYKOOP GOUDA HOLLAND". Almost sounds stereotyped. I presume this referts to the town and not the cheese?
5. Originally it was on a Fixoflex bracelet, but since it's a bit big I have it on a strap. Would the correct buckle be the rectangular one?(image attached)
6. Where could I find the reference for this case? I cant quite pin it down from the catalogs I have seen on the net.
I paid 480EUR for it. I think I did not overpay? Thankfully the seller accepts returns so I'd love to see your opinions on this one especially if there are any red flags. Thanks for your help and forgive my long winding account.
Impulse purchase last month on the 'bay from a Dutch seller with bad pictures. This is my first IWC and, with the preponderance of redials with the brand, I'm not sure where to start my foray so I'd like to submit it here for vetting.
A few observations:
1. The dial shows its age, with light spotting that can be magnified in bad light. The font is crisp and looks ok from first glance, but since I'm inexperienced with IWC dials it doesn't tell much.
2. Caliber 8521 or 8531 fron the date placement, but I can't get the case open. Someone tried to force it open and left some bad marks on the caseback(shame) and I'm afraid to do the same. Any tips on opening this or should I take it to my watchmaker? This doesn't seem like a screwback.
3. Minute hand is ever so slightly bent. Hopefully a competent watchmaker will be able to fix it.
4. Caseback is engraved "HEYKOOP GOUDA HOLLAND". Almost sounds stereotyped. I presume this referts to the town and not the cheese?
5. Originally it was on a Fixoflex bracelet, but since it's a bit big I have it on a strap. Would the correct buckle be the rectangular one?(image attached)
6. Where could I find the reference for this case? I cant quite pin it down from the catalogs I have seen on the net.
I paid 480EUR for it. I think I did not overpay? Thankfully the seller accepts returns so I'd love to see your opinions on this one especially if there are any red flags. Thanks for your help and forgive my long winding account.