IWC Automatic 1634449 (1961)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage Refining the classic dress watch aesthetic of the early 1960s, this International Watch Co. Automatic stands as a testament to Schaffhausen’s golden era of engineering. Featuring the legendary Caliber 853 with the patented Pellaton winding system, this timepiece combines robust mechanical performance with a sophisticated and timeless design. Brand: International Watch Co. Model: Automatic Serial Number: 1634449 Movement: IWC In-House Caliber 853 Automatic Dial: Silver satin with applied baton indices Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1961 Condition: Stunning vintage condition, running within vintage tolerances. Timegrapher readings show +8 to +11 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The silver satin dial is exceptionally well-preserved, presenting a clean and bright surface with a subtle sunburst finish. It features applied silver baton indices and a precise dot minute track that remains sharp and distinct. The "International Watch Co. Schaffhausen" script is crisp and legible. The original silver dauphine hands show honest vintage aging and oxidation consistent with the watch’s history, adding authentic character to the otherwise pristine face. Case and Crystal The 36mm stainless steel case stays true to classic proportions, featuring elegantly tapered lugs and a polished finish. The case lines remain defined, showing only light surface wear expected from a careful vintage life. The internal caseback is stamped with the "Probus Scafusia" hallmark and "Staybrite" designation, confirming the high quality of the steel. The acrylic crystal is clear and free of distracting marks. Movement Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded in-house IWC Caliber 853, a 21-jewel automatic movement famous for its efficient Pellaton winding system. The movement presents cleanly and is offering reliable vintage performance. Timegrapher testing indicates an accuracy of +8 to +11 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a classic brown leather strap that complements the warm tones of the silver dial, secured by a steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is remarkably clean for its age, free from significant spotting or damage. The case retains its original geometry without heavy polishing, and the movement is mechanically sound. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a refined presence on the wrist that fits modern dress watch standards perfectly. Remarks The Caliber 853 is widely considered by horologists to be one of the finest automatic movements ever produced by IWC, celebrated for its durability and technical ingenuity. Finding an example with such a well-preserved dial and sharp case creates a unique opportunity for collectors of mid-century Swiss horology. History Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC Schaffhausen has always distinguished itself through engineering excellence. This specific model hails from the early 1960s, a period when IWC solidified its reputation for producing understated yet mechanically superior dress watches that have since become icons of design. /Second Vintage SKU: IWC-IXX-0004