IWC - Schaffhausen Caliber 853 - Sans prix de réserve - 1657665 - Homme - 1959

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This classic vintage timepiece from International Watch Co. Schaffhausen embodies the golden era of mid-century Swiss watchmaking. Powered by the legendary Caliber 853 movement, which features Albert Pellaton’s highly efficient automatic winding system, this watch represents a significant chapter in IWC's mechanical history. The elegant stainless steel case features beautifully sweeping lugs that offer a refined presence on the wrist. What truly sets this piece apart is its striking dial, which has developed a heavy, even stardust patina over the decades, transforming it into a unique, one-of-a-kind collector's item that wears its history proudly. Brand: IWC Serial Number: 1657665 (Case) / 1644605 (Movement) Movement: Automatic, Caliber 853, 21 Jewels Dial: Silver-toned base exhibiting heavy and even stardust patina with applied faceted indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1959 Condition: Good vintage condition with character-defining patina Dial and Hands The dial of this IWC presents a remarkable visual character, defined by a heavy, pervasive stardust patina that covers the entire surface evenly. This natural aging process has created a textured, speckled appearance that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, black printed "International Watch Co SCHAFFHAUSEN" serif typography and the "AUTOMATIC" text below the center. The dial features applied, faceted hour markers that show age-appropriate oxidation, complementing the overall vintage aesthetic. The dauphine-style hour and minute hands, along with the sweeping center seconds hand, display a matching level of oxidation and surface aging. A subtle "SWISS" signature is visible at the 6 o'clock position. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel case features a classic round profile with elegantly sweeping lugs that provide a comfortable and sophisticated fit. The case exhibits honest signs of wear consistent with its age, including fine surface scratches and minor handling marks across the polished bezel and case flanks, but retains good overall definition. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that protects the dial and enhances its vintage profile. The snap-on stainless steel caseback shows moderate surface scratching from normal use. Inside the caseback, the traditional IWC Probus Scafusia crest is proudly stamped alongside the "ACIER INOXYDABLE STAYBRITE" hallmark and the case serial number 1657665. The watch is equipped with an unsigned, knurled winding crown. Movement At the heart of this timepiece is the esteemed IWC Caliber 853, an in-house automatic movement renowned for its robust construction and the innovative Pellaton winding system. The movement is beautifully finished with perlage and is clearly stamped with "INTERNATIONAL WATCH Co SWISS", "21 JEWELS", "PAT. APPL.", and the caliber designation "C. 853", along with the movement serial number 1644605. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a rate of +27 to +32 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring prominent white contrast stitching, which adds a casual yet refined touch to the vintage aesthetic. The strap is secured with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This IWC is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case shows normal, honest wear with superficial scratches and marks, maintaining its structural integrity and elegant lines. The dial is the standout feature regarding condition, displaying a heavy, even stardust patina that will appeal to collectors who appreciate natural aging and unique visual character. The movement is clean and fully operational. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The sweeping lug design ensures a balanced and classic presence on the wrist, making it an ideal size for a vintage dress watch. Remarks Vintage IWC watches powered by the Caliber 85x series remain highly sought after by collectors for their exceptional engineering and timeless design. This particular example, with its beautifully aged stardust dial, offers a unique opportunity to acquire a mechanically superior timepiece that possesses a truly distinct visual identity. History Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, the International Watch Company has a long and storied history of producing exceptional timepieces. In the mid-20th century, IWC's technical director, Albert Pellaton, developed a revolutionary automatic winding mechanism that utilized pawls rather than traditional gears, significantly increasing winding efficiency and durability. The Caliber 853 featured in this watch is a direct descendant of that innovation, representing a pinnacle of IWC's mid-century mechanical prowess and cementing the brand's reputation for producing some of the finest automatic movements of the era. / Second Vintage SKU: IWC-IOI-0001