As an aside, here is the Omega version, which has a rubber shock absorber between the inner and outer case. A direct competitor to the IWC. Just as great as the IWC in its own way.

 

Revival of this thread - I got this last month for $1K USD, but it somewhat feels light, compared to OP or other bracelet types. Hmm should I get it checked for authentication?

 

Why?
It does look legit!
More pictures from different angles may help.

 

Yup, more photos, especially of the clasp and of the links from different angles.

The Gay Frere branded bracelets usually had folded links and in general, bracelets of this period were lighter than comparable modern ones (which is a good thing).

 

Thank you all! Just that it's just that in this country (South Korea) there's a high chance of movement and pieces being swapped out especially in vintage watches. However I couldn't resist 1K USD price tag. Perhaps try AD for Authentication?

 

Looks like the original IWC bracelet made by Gay Freres - lovely, and quite valuable in its own right,

There were 3 or 4 different styles of these bracelets for the Yacht Club.

 

Check this thread:
https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread....-Yacht-Club-just-arrived&highlight=yacht+club

 

Looking at all the other Yacht Clubs I have seen your dial looks a bit odd. I'm wearing mine now, so I immediately see it has black markers, whereas your one has remarkably new looking white ones. At the very bottom of my dial it says T Swiss T. I cannot see that on your one from the image, but worth checking. Also your border marker around the date window looks white, rather than silver. If others with more expertise know better I am happy to be corrected.

There are earlier shots of the Gay Freres bracelet in this thread if you want to compare them. From what I can tell your one looks OK and these are quite sought after.

 

Yeah, now you mention it.. And the date dial on blue dialled YCs is usually blue or dark grey with white lettering.

I was told on the IWC forum that the T / non-T thing is all over the place with original YCs though and doesn’t mean much.

 

I made some inquiries on a IWC site some years back.
It seems that IWC stopped using tritium (T - SWISS - T) in their dials at some point.
If the watch went to IWC for service, they would replace it with a service dial (original IWC, but not original to the watch).
This would have luminova or similar instead I guess.
Likewise I assume that IWC started to supply new watches with the non-tritium dials at some point, so, depending on production date it could very well be an original (to the watch) dial as well?

 

Looking at this thread you will find pictures of both "Swiss"-only, and "T - Swiss - T" dials.
https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread....-Yacht-Club-just-arrived&highlight=yacht+club

 

I checked on chrono24 and other vintage sellers website and it does seem like there are two versions of IWC YC as @Northernman stated. I guess the best way to get it checked out is through IWC but I will need to open up the case first! Probably visit well known vintage dealer (also a master Frankenwatch maker for 60+ years!) And ask him to suss it out and send me photos... keep you folks updated next week!

 

@Actacs10 how did your investigation go with the Yacht Club?

 

I bought this a few months ago, was really looking for a decent blue dial version but this is just so lovely and on the wrist feels a million dollars. But then an itch will always need scratching. Tommorow it will have a stable mate thanks to @davidswiss

 

@Fled I like my blue dial but your silver one looks very tidy. Have you seen the ones with a mottled dial, sometimes called marble or camouflaged? They sell for a significant premium and I presume it is just rarity.

 

Yes I have but we'll beyond what I could pay.
Also apart from the rarity I think they mess with the very thing I love about the yacht club is its understated beauty.
Well that's what I tell myself anyway

 

I am not a fan of the mottled look either and was shocked the first time I saw the prices. There is one now on Chrono24 for almost $12,000.

 

My god I didn't think they would fetch that sort of price, mind you chrono24 can be misleading.