Vintage IWC (International Watch Company) Information

Jonatan · Jun 21, 2016

Good morning everyone,

I have developed an interest for vintage IWC watches, but I am having trouble finding information on the web. Or on here for that matter, IWC is too short I guess?

I have found some information but not enough that will let me be confident in deciphering between an authentic watch and a Franken/redial. In other words not enough pictures. Most talk about the movement, but few have dial and hand pictures.

I know that several of you have some very nice examples, and I would love that you share your pictures on here and any information you may have regarding IWC.

Feel free to add to the list of references and Please add your watch photos.

This thread is a work in progress!

Here's what I have found so far in case some of you could be interested:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/iwc-cal-89.713/
http://www.woundforlife.com/2014/12/03/hall-of-fame-iwc-caliber-89/
https://horologium.com.au/2012/10/10/iwcs-classic-movement-the-calibre-89/
http://www.iwc.com/forum/en/discussion/19271/
http://www.frizzellweb.com/larry/ingenieur/

obstando · Jun 21, 2016

A few years ago this was the 2nd oldest known IWC wristwatch dating to 1907 but others may have come to light since (movement No. 399647)

LouS · Jun 21, 2016

There is a vintage IWC forum somewhere, IIRC sponsored by the company

Vitezi · Jun 21, 2016

I believe this is it:
http://www.iwc.com/forum/en/

Jonatan · Jun 23, 2016

Vitezi
I believe this is it:
http://www.iwc.com/forum/en/

LouS
There is a vintage IWC forum somewhere, IIRC sponsored by the company

Yes, I know of the forum, and I am a member. Unfortunately, it doesn't satisfy my need.

I am looking for technical and detailed information, like at which period the crown started to be signed, the corrects hands used for each watch, the exact period script for the logo, etc. From what I have seen on the IWC forum, it's mostly people asking questions about their watches.

I know the knowledge is out there, and I'm just trying to pry it out of you. 😉

As always a picture is worth a thousand words!

Vitezi · Jun 23, 2016

Calling @Tony C. , one of the forum's vintage IWC experts who may be able to assist you.

Jonatan · Jun 23, 2016

Vitezi
Calling @Tony C. , one of the forum's vintage IWC experts who may be able to assist you.

Thanks. I didn't want to turn this into a "Does this watch look legit" thread. I want to learn so that next time I see a beautiful IWC (happened to me in Berlin a few weeks back) I have the knowledge that will allow me to pick it up.

dougiedude · Sep 25, 2017

Reviving/adding to an old thread, since @Jonatan did well to reference quite a bit in his first post. Since buying my one and only IWC, I tried to find some more information, but could find nothing to add.

Could be that @gatorcpa has some information not included in the above references.

Meanwhile, here's my 'just arrived' ca.1964 cal. 401 with original, apparently unworn ('til now 😁), strap and buckle:

I'm definitely going to remove the strap and buckle for safe-keeping/preservation and wear this beauty on something else...

STANDY · Sep 25, 2017

Dennis knew a hell of a lot about IWCs 🙁

dougiedude · Sep 25, 2017

STANDY
Dennis knew a hell of a lot about IWCs 🙁

Yes, he did.

I remember he had two of them in gold; a cal. 89, and a cal.401. I think he told me as he was selling off most of his Longines that the IWC (not sure which one) was one of the few watches that he would keep.

Here was his post/pics of his IWC's:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/iwc-cal-89.713/#post-7262

Nobel Prize · Sep 25, 2017

Vintage iwc is a very complicated sector. I had two.....and both ended up being redials. One blatant, one very subtle. I can confidently buy 80's and up.... But am very very carefully bellow that.

As much as other brands are busy the "poor man's Patek" was so popular and over produced that finding a good example is near impossible. Ironically because of the brand and movement quality I was able to flip my radials and make a profit.....and that was being honest about the dials and cases.

I have two semi modern pieces, a portofino and a Portuguese and one, truly valuable schaffausen TZM pilot from the 80's that even the iwc boutique is offering money for.

I don't dare for truly vintage anymore.

dougiedude · Sep 25, 2017

Nobel Prize
Vintage iwc is a very complicated sector. I had two.....and both ended up being redials. One blatant, one very subtle. I can confidently buy 80's and up.... But am very very carefully bellow that.

As much as other brands are busy the "poor man's Patek" was so popular and over produced that finding a good example is near impossible. Ironically because of the brand and movement quality I was able to flip my radials and make a profit.....and that was being honest about the dials and cases.

I have two semi modern pieces, a portofino and a Portuguese and one, truly valuable schaffausen TZM pilot from the 80's that even the iwc boutique is offering money for.

I don't dare for truly vintage anymore.

I do understand that the IWC is frequently re-dialed.

Can you post a picture of the re-dial of the subtle one?

I would say it must have been an amazingly good re-dial for you to make a profit on re-selling it after the dial facts were revealed... do show!

STANDY · Sep 25, 2017

Someone say IWC ( for future reference of course 😗 )

dougiedude · Sep 25, 2017

Guess I'll have to wish for a fish; mine doesn't have one!

https://omegaforums.net/attachments/image-jpeg.445758/

I'll be fishing tonight in my sleep ... g'night!

Nobel Prize · Sep 25, 2017

dougiedude
I do understand that the IWC is frequently re-dialed.

Can you post a picture of the re-dial of the subtle one?

I would say it must have been an amazingly good re-dial for you to make a profit on re-selling it after the dial facts were revealed... do show!

Sold and gone.....I didn't keep a picture. One was a golden dial, the more subtle one, and the other was a black dial. The value of these movements is quite firm.

Jonatan · Sep 27, 2017

Home sick today and saw that I never posted mine on this thread. A lucky find almost a year ago and I promised myself I wouldn't wear it until I had defended my thesis. Well, a move for a new job, 50 hour work weeks and the thesis isn't coming along very fast. Hopefully, I can sport this beauty in Q1 of 2018. You're all invited to the inaugural party and the public defence.

Jonatan · Sep 27, 2017

I've also had a couple more that I sold because they were too big on me. I will admit that they have always been educated guesses because I wouldn't be able to spot a redial. I really like IWC and I am always tempted to start a side collection but I always go back to time-only Universal Geneves.

2ar2c1 · Sep 28, 2017

an older 3536 GST, in Ti on the velcro, used to have all 3 then sold the steel and gold. And the MK 15, still very comfortable watch.

gatorcpa · Sep 28, 2017

Date Your IWC Database:

http://www.moeb.on-rev.com/dyIWC/dyIWCm.irev

gatorcpa

nkb · Jan 2, 2020

Nobel Prize
Vintage iwc is a very complicated sector. I had two.....and both ended up being redials. One blatant, one very subtle. I can confidently buy 80's and up.... But am very very carefully bellow that.

As much as other brands are busy the "poor man's Patek" was so popular and over produced that finding a good example is near impossible. Ironically because of the brand and movement quality I was able to flip my radials and make a profit.....and that was being honest about the dials and cases.

I have two semi modern pieces, a portofino and a Portuguese and one, truly valuable schaffausen TZM pilot from the 80's that even the iwc boutique is offering money for.

I don't dare for truly vintage anymore.

Hi Nobel
I am considering this IWC cal 89 in 18K from approximately 1949 and came across this old thread which I am glad about! This is because it has sent alarm bells as to whether it is a redial or not.
It is the "Schaffhausen" font that concerns me the most (it is not cursive??) I will also ask the IWC forum about it but thought it would be good to hear from you!
What is your opinion on condition (dial, case and movement) .From my untrained eye it is ok for all three.

Thanks Neal

Nobel Prize
Vintage iwc is a very complicated sector. I had two.....and both ended up being redials. One blatant, one very subtle. I can confidently buy 80's and up.... But am very very carefully bellow that.

As much as other brands are busy the "poor man's Patek" was so popular and over produced that finding a good example is near impossible. Ironically because of the brand and movement quality I was able to flip my radials and make a profit.....and that was being honest about the dials and cases.

I have two semi modern pieces, a portofino and a Portuguese and one, truly valuable schaffausen TZM pilot from the 80's that even the iwc boutique is offering money for.

I don't dare for truly vintage anymore.

Vintage IWC (International Watch Company) Information

Jonatan

obstando

LouS

Vitezi

Jonatan

Vitezi

Jonatan

dougiedude

STANDY

dougiedude

Nobel Prize

dougiedude

STANDY

dougiedude

Nobel Prize

Jonatan

Jonatan

2ar2c1

gatorcpa

nkb

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