IWC - Schaffhausen cal. 853 - 1615464 - Men - 1960-1969

Available now on auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, this International Watch Company automatic timepiece is powered by the legendary Caliber 853 movement. Showcasing a truly unique, heavily patinated dial, this watch offers a distinct aesthetic for the collector who appreciates the unrepeatable character that only decades of natural aging can produce. Brand: IWC Serial Number: 1615464 (Case) / 1599194 (Movement) Movement: IWC Caliber 853, Automatic, 21 Jewels Dial: Heavily patinated and spotted cream dial with applied faceted indices and oxidized dauphine hands Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition with heavy, distinct dial patina Dial and Hands The dial of this vintage IWC is its most defining visual characteristic, exhibiting a profound, heavy patina across its entire surface. Originally a lighter silver or cream, the dial has transformed over the decades into a deeply textured, mottled landscape of gold, grey, and cream tones, indicative of prolonged natural aging and past moisture exposure. This heavy spotting and oxidation create a truly one-of-a-kind, stardust-like effect. It features applied, faceted gold-tone indices with a prominent double-baton marker at the twelve o'clock position. The elegant serif typography of the "International Watch Co Schaffhausen" script remains clearly legible despite the heavy surface aging, as does the "AUTOMATIC" text printed below the center pinion. The outer minute track is composed of distinctive, recessed metallic pearls. The dauphine hands exhibit significant oxidation and darkening, perfectly matching the deep, authentic aging of the dial. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case presents a classic, timeless profile with gently sweeping, tapered lugs. The smooth, polished bezel frames the dial elegantly. The case exhibits honest signs of wear consistent with its age, including scattered light surface scratches and minor handling marks, though it retains strong lines and a well-defined shape without signs of over-polishing. The domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and presents clearly, allowing an unobstructed view of the unique patination beneath. The solid stainless steel caseback shows typical wear and minor pitting, snapping securely into place to protect the movement. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed in-house IWC Caliber 853, an automatic movement renowned for its robust construction and the highly efficient Pellaton winding system. Close inspection of the movement reveals the characteristic "C. 853" caliber designation and "21 JEWELS" engraving. The movement serial number 1599194 is clearly stamped on the bridge. The rotor and bridges display the authentic mechanical character of the era, showing some superficial signs of age while retaining their impressive engineering and classic Swiss finishing. Strap The watch is fitted with a black textured leather strap featuring prominent white contrast stitching, secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle. The strap complements the vintage aesthetic of the timepiece and remains in highly wearable condition. Condition Good vintage condition. The case remains structurally sound with normal, honest wear marks. The dial exhibits extreme, heavy patination, spotting, and oxidation, presenting a highly unique and dramatic aesthetic that will appeal to collectors of heavily aged vintage pieces. The hands show corresponding oxidation. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This IWC automatic represents a fascinating intersection of top-tier mid-century Swiss horology and dramatic natural aging. The robust Caliber 853 movement remains a high-water mark for vintage automatic calibers, while the deeply patinated dial ensures that this specific watch is entirely unrepeatable. History Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, the International Watch Company uniquely combined forward-thinking American production techniques with traditional Swiss craftsmanship. By the mid-twentieth century, IWC had established itself as a premier manufacturer of robust, highly accurate timepieces. The introduction of the Pellaton winding system, designed by Albert Pellaton, revolutionized automatic watchmaking with its exceptional shock resistance and winding efficiency. Calibers like the 853 cemented IWC's reputation for engineering excellence, creating watches that were built to last generations while maintaining an understated, elegant aesthetic. / Second Vintage SKU: IWC-IXX-0001