IWC - Schaffhausen Caliber 853 'Serviced' - R 647 A - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This distinguished timepiece from the International Watch Company represents the pinnacle of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, housing one of the most respected automatic movements of its era. Capturing the elegant aesthetic of the 1960s, this classic dress watch pairs a refined stainless steel profile with a beautifully aged dial, offering collectors an honest and character-rich example of IWC's enduring legacy. Brand: IWC Model: Automatic Reference Number: R 647 A Serial Number: 1743407 Movement: Automatic Caliber 853 Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, showing distinct peripheral patina, spotting, and heavy oxidation on the hands Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and prominent age-consistent patina. The movement has been recently serviced and performs strongly. Dial and Hands The watch features a classic silver dial with a delicate sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied faceted baton indices, featuring double markers at the primary quarter hours, and the elegant cursive "International Watch Co Schaffhausen" signature printed elegantly below twelve o'clock. A thorough visual inspection reveals significant age-consistent alteration across the dial surface. There is a prominent ring of spotting and dark patina concentrated around the outer minute track, particularly visible from the eight o'clock to the twelve o'clock positions. The classic dauphine hands and the faceted applied markers exhibit heavy oxidation and dark surface spotting, giving the watch a distinct, deeply patinated vintage character. The printed text, including the "AUTOMATIC" designation and "SWISS" at the bottom, remains legible and intact. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case features a smooth polished bezel and elegantly curved lugs that provide a comfortable presence on the wrist. The case displays honest signs of wear, including surface scratches and minor handling marks consistent with decades of use, while retaining its fundamental shape and classic proportions. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that presents clearly but shows minor surface wear commensurate with age. When the snap-on caseback is removed, significant pitting and corrosion are clearly visible along the inner case lip and sealing edge. The inner caseback is properly stamped with the IWC Probus Scafusia emblem, the "ACIER INOXYDABLE STAYBRITE" designation, the reference number R 647 A, and the case serial number 1743407. Movement Powering this timepiece is the legendary IWC Caliber 853 automatic movement, a 21-jewel mechanical marvel renowned for its robust architecture and the highly efficient Albert Pellaton winding system. The movement presents beautifully, with crisp factory engravings including "INTERNATIONAL WATCH Co SWISS", "PAT. APPL.", and the caliber designation "C. 853". The movement serial number 1682747 is clearly stamped on the mainplate. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show an impressive +7 to +10 seconds per day with strong amplitude. The movement has been recently serviced and performs strongly. Strap The watch is presented on a black leather strap featuring contrasting white and brown stitching, complementing the vintage aesthetic of the timepiece and secured with a standard steel pin buckle. Condition This IWC is presented in good vintage condition, offering a highly authentic and unpolished appearance. The case shows normal vintage wear with surface scratches, alongside the aforementioned pitting on the inner caseback lip. The dial and handset display heavy, honest patina, oxidation, and peripheral spotting that will appeal to collectors who value visible history and character in their vintage timepieces. Dimensions Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This timepiece is a wonderful representation of IWC's golden era of mechanical watchmaking. The combination of the elegantly aged dial, the classic steel case, and the historically significant Caliber 853 movement makes this a compelling acquisition for enthusiasts of mid-century horology who appreciate the genuine patina of a well-traveled vintage watch. History Following the Second World War, the International Watch Company focused heavily on perfecting the automatic wristwatch. Under the technical direction of Albert Pellaton, IWC developed its proprietary winding system, which utilized a cam and pawl mechanism to wind the mainspring in both directions with exceptional efficiency and durability. The Caliber 85 family, evolving into the Caliber 853 found in this model, cemented IWC's reputation for producing some of the most reliable and over-engineered automatic movements in the Swiss watch industry. These timepieces remain highly regarded today for their technical brilliance and timeless, understated design. / Second Vintage SKU: IWC-IIW-0005