IWC Schaffhausen - 18K Caliber 853 - No reserve price - 1613339 - Men - 1960-1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exquisite solid 18k yellow gold International Watch Company timepiece exemplifies the golden era of Swiss watchmaking. Housing the legendary Caliber 853 movement, renowned for its robust Pellaton winding system, this classic dress watch pairs mechanical excellence with refined aesthetic restraint. The beautifully preserved dial and elegant precious metal case make it a compelling acquisition for the discerning vintage collector seeking both investment-grade condition and timeless horological pedigree. Brand: IWC Serial Number: 1579549 (Movement), 1613339 (Caseback) Movement: Automatic, IWC Caliber 853, 21 Jewels Dial: Silvered dial with applied gold faceted baton indices, exceptionally clean and near-mint with no visible spots or damage Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: 18k Solid Yellow Gold Production Year: 1960 Condition: Stunning vintage condition with an immaculately preserved dial and honest case wear Dial and Hands The silvered dial is remarkably preserved, presenting a pristine, bright surface completely free from prominent spots, moisture marks, staining, or discoloration. It features applied solid gold faceted baton indices, elegantly doubled at the twelve o'clock position, complemented by a delicate outer pearl minute track. The typography, including the classic serif script of the International Watch Co Schaffhausen signature and the clean sans-serif Automatic text, remains perfectly crisp and fully intact with no print loss. The solid gold dauphine hands are sharp, well preserved, and free from oxidation, completing the sophisticated, time-only display with outstanding clarity and mid-century elegance. Case and Crystal Crafted from solid 18k yellow gold, the case features beautifully proportioned, elegantly downturned lugs that retain their structural integrity and sharp profile. The polished bezel and lug tops display an attractive, warm luster, showing honest, light surface scratches consistent with careful handling over the decades. The solid gold snap-on caseback features a brushed exterior with normal vintage wear marks, while the interior is sharply stamped with the Probus Scafusia seal and the 18k 0.750 gold hallmarks. The watch is fitted with a clean domed acrylic crystal that offers a distortion-free view of the immaculate dial beneath. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed in-house IWC Caliber 853 automatic movement, clearly stamped with the serial number 1579549. This 21-jewel mechanism features the brand's famous Pellaton winding system and presents beautifully, with bright rhodium-plated bridges, crisp perlage on the baseplate, and unmarred screw heads indicating excellent preservation. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results reflect an impressive deviation of -15 to -20 seconds per day, highlighting its outstanding health and exceptional precision. Strap The watch is paired with a period correct dark brown leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile pattern and a classic gold-tone pin buckle, perfectly complementing the rich tones of the solid 18k gold case. Condition Assessed as stunning vintage condition. The dial is virtually flawless, ranking as a top-tier example of exceptional mid-century preservation. The solid 18k gold case shows normal, honest signs of wear without any heavy polishing or structural damage. The movement is visually immaculate and runs with excellent precision. Dimensions The solid gold case measures 35 millimeters in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic and refined presence well suited for modern wrists seeking authentic vintage elegance. Remarks This solid gold IWC represents a superb intersection of high horology mechanics and timeless dress watch design. The combination of the legendary Caliber 853, the weighty 18k gold case, and an exceptionally clean dial makes this a premium addition to any serious vintage portfolio. History Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, the International Watch Company has a storied legacy of merging American engineering efficiency with Swiss craftsmanship. During the mid-twentieth century, IWC produced some of the most robust and beautifully finished automatic movements in the world, notably the Caliber 85 series engineered by Albert Pellaton. His innovative bidirectional winding system remains a benchmark of horological engineering, cementing IWC's reputation for creating heirloom-quality timepieces that endure generations. / Second Vintage SKU: IWC-ISA-0001