IWC Automatic

IWC Automatic Dress Watch Caliber 853 c.1962

The Watch . In the 1960s, IWC's focus was dress watches with high finishing, rivaling even the best from the Holy Trinity of watchmaking. . This very mid-century designed dress watch represents the epitome of the period for the brand, and it's powered by a Caliber 853 which has the legendary Pellaton winding system. This system paved the way for IWC. . Pellaton hit upon a surprising solution: instead of putting a ball bearing or cog at the center of the rotor, he used a heart-shaped, eccentrically bearing-mounted disc. The latter converts the rotor’s revolutions into the to-and-fro movements of a rocking bar. The bar’s rocking movements are then transmitted to the winding wheel by two pawls: while one of them pulls the wheel (i.e. winds it), the other glides smoothly over the top of it until the roles are reversed. . . This movement is considered, hands down, one of the most important movements manufactured by IWC. . The wonderful quality Steel Case is unpolished and boasts lovely strong lugs. . This particular IWC Dress Watch is in superb condition, it comes fully serviced, ready to wear. . The Specs Age: Movement 1960, Case 1962, Absolutely fine for this period. Movement: Automatic with Centre Seconds. Calibre: 853. Timekeeping: Very Good. Service History: Fully Professionally Serviced January 2025. Dial: Original IWC Factory Dial. Case: Stainless Steel. Measurements: 35 mm. Bezel: Solid. Water Resistant?: No. Hands: Original Hands. Crystal: Original Acrylic. Crown: Replacement Non-Fish Crown. Strap/Bracelet: On a new 18mm Hirsch Black Crocograin Genuine Leather Strap with Steel Buckle. Lug Width: 18mm. Getting Acquainted . Bits that stand out: - Supreme Quality Movement with Pellaton Winding System. - Superb Condition. - 35mm Case. - Beautiful Original Dial with Attractive Patina. Nitty Gritty: - Some minor marks and scratches to the Case. . Overall this Dress Watch is in Superb condition. The Dial is in Beautiful condition. Case is in excellent order. Acrylic Crystal is Original and also in excellent order. Crown is a non-fish logo crown and we believe this to be correct for non waterproof IWC's of the period. The hands are in excellent nick. . Photographed on a 7 inch Wrist