IWC Schaffhausen - Caliber 853 - No reserve price - 1471517 - Men - 1958

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This classic vintage IWC automatic presents an exceptional visual character, defined by a highly uniform dial patina that has aged into a striking stardust finish. Housed in a beautifully proportioned 35mm stainless steel case with practical drilled lugs, this timepiece is powered by the highly regarded Caliber 853 automatic movement, featuring the brand's famous Pellaton winding system. It offers an excellent opportunity to acquire a standard production model from the era that has been elevated visually by its unique and even aging. Brand: IWC Schaffhausen Serial Number: 1471517 Movement: Automatic Caliber 853, 21 Jewels Dial: Uniform stardust patina with applied indices Case Size: 35mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1958 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +15+17s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The dial exhibits a striking and highly uniform stardust patina, consisting of heavy, even freckling across the entire surface. This natural aging adds significant vintage character without detracting from the crisp, fully legible printed text. The applied faceted indices remain intact, showing minor oxidation that complements the aesthetic. The dauphine style hands display surface oxidation and texture, matching the dial perfectly without any severe corrosion or bending. Case and Crystal The classic round stainless steel case features brushed flanks, a smooth polished bezel, and practical drilled lug holes visible on the sides. The case shows honest vintage wear, with moderate scratches and handling marks consistent with its age, yet it preserves its geometry well. The plain, polished caseback exhibits some surface wear. A simple domed, unsigned crown shows normal wear to the knurling. The domed acrylic crystal is clear, presenting minor surface wear expected for the material, with no deep scratches or cracks visible. Movement Inside is the renowned IWC Caliber 853 automatic movement, proudly displaying its 21 jewels and the distinctive Pellaton winding system components. The movement presents a clean overall appearance with bright plates and bridges, while the rotor edge shows some minor marks and light wear. The serial number 1471517 is clearly stamped on the mainplate. Recording +15+17s/day on the timegrapher. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a complementary brown leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap appears to be in lightly used condition and pairs handsomely with the aged aesthetic of the dial. Condition Good vintage condition. The dial has developed a beautiful and heavy uniform patina, while the case retains its classic shape alongside moderate scratches and handling marks consistent with its 1958 production. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result, the movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This IWC stands out through its remarkable dial aging, offering a highly uniform stardust effect appreciated for its distinct character. Combined with the robust Caliber 853 movement and the utility of drilled lugs, it is a highly wearable and visually compelling vintage timepiece. History During the 1950s, the International Watch Company solidified its reputation for engineering robust and highly efficient automatic movements. A major milestone in this era was the development of the Pellaton winding system by technical director Albert Pellaton. This innovative bidirectional winding mechanism isolated the rotor from the mainspring barrel to absorb shocks and increase winding efficiency. The Caliber 853, introduced in the late 1950s, refined this architecture and became widely respected for its durability and precision, serving as a significant mid-century mechanical achievement for the brand. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: IWC-IIW-0010