IWC - Schaffhausen cal. 852 - No reserve price - 1452305 - Men - 1950-1959

Presented for auction by Second Vintage An elegant and historically significant timepiece from the golden era of Swiss watchmaking, this International Watch Company Schaffhausen represents the pinnacle of mid-century horological design. Powered by the legendary Pellaton automatic winding system, this watch seamlessly blends robust engineering with refined aesthetics. The striking textured dial and sharp dauphine hands offer a masterclass in understated elegance, appealing directly to the discerning vintage collector seeking a watch with genuine character and impeccable mechanical pedigree. Brand: IWC Model: Automatic Serial Number: 1452305 Movement: Automatic Caliber 852 Dial: Vertically brushed silvered dial with applied faceted indices and visible stardust patina Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1950s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest patina and exceptional mechanical health. Movement have been serviced on 25/6/2026 and performs strongly. Dial and Hands The dial presents a striking vertically brushed silvered surface, adorned with applied faceted rectangular indices featuring a distinct finely ridged texture. The typography is sharply executed, with the classic serif script of the International Watch Co. Schaffhausen logo positioned below twelve o'clock and a crisp sans-serif "AUTOMATIC" printed above six o'clock. An outer minute track comprised of recessed pearls frames the display. The dial exhibits a distinct and honest stardust patina, with scattered spotting and localized age marks concentrated predominantly around the outer perimeter and interspersed across the main surface. The polished steel dauphine hands are well-preserved, showing light, age-consistent surface oxidation under close inspection, complemented by a slender sweeping center seconds hand that reaches precisely to the minute track. Case and Crystal The 35 millimeter stainless steel case features a classic mid-century profile with gently sweeping lugs and a smoothly polished bezel. The transition between the polished and subtly brushed surfaces remains visible, with the lugs retaining their elegant curvature and structural integrity. Honest signs of wear, including superficial scratches and minor handling marks consistent with a vintage timepiece, are present across the case flanks and the polished snap-on caseback. The inside of the caseback is properly stamped with the Probus Scafusia seal, the reference to Staybrite steel, and the case serial number 1452305. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that provides excellent clarity and subtle vintage distortion at the extreme edges, completely free from deep scratches or distracting blemishes. Movement Inside the case beats the highly esteemed in-house IWC Caliber 852 automatic movement, renowned for its highly efficient Pellaton winding system. The movement is beautifully decorated, featuring crisp Geneva stripes across the robust bridges and perlage on the base plate. Close visual inspection reveals clear factory engravings, including the "C. 852" caliber designation, "21 JEWELS", "PAT. APPL.", and the movement serial number 1430025. The movement is remarkably clean, with bright ruby jewels, polished screw heads, and a prominent shock protection system on the balance. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records a superb deviation of -8 to -14 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Movement have been serviced on 25/6/2026 and performs strongly. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct black textured leather strap featuring contrasting white perimeter stitching. The strap exhibits a supple finish with minimal wear and is secured by a classic stainless steel pin buckle, perfectly complementing the monochromatic and sophisticated aesthetic of the timepiece. Condition Good vintage condition. The stainless steel case remains structurally sound with normal signs of handling and age-appropriate wear. The dial displays a prominent, evenly distributed stardust patina and spotting that speaks to its authentic vintage journey without compromising legibility. The hands and applied markers retain a handsome metallic luster with only minor oxidation. The legendary Pellaton movement is exceptionally well-preserved visually and demonstrates outstanding mechanical health on the timegrapher. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a classic 35 millimeters in diameter, excluding the crown, offering a refined and traditional presence on the wrist. The elegant lug-to-lug distance and slim overall profile allow the watch to slip effortlessly under a dress cuff, perfectly proportioned for the vintage enthusiast. Remarks This IWC Caliber 852 represents a magnificent era of Swiss watchmaking, combining an over-engineered movement with a timeless dress watch silhouette. The charming stardust patina ensures this piece is entirely unique, offering a wonderful opportunity to acquire a mechanically superior mid-century classic with undeniable character. History Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, the International Watch Company established itself in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, merging American engineering techniques with Swiss craftsmanship. In the 1950s, IWC introduced the revolutionary Pellaton winding system, designed by technical director Albert Pellaton. This ingenious mechanism utilized pawls rather than traditional gears to wind the mainspring, offering unprecedented efficiency and durability. Timepieces from this era, particularly those housing the 85-family of calibers, are celebrated by collectors as some of the finest automatic watches ever produced, cementing IWC's legacy as a premier manufacturer of robust and elegant mechanical instruments. / Second Vintage SKU: IWC-IIW-0006