IWC Automatic 804A

IWC 804A Stainless Steel Automatic on Bracelet

IWC’s impressive prestige and brand cachet certainly doesn’t need to be explained to those interested in watchmaking. Since their founding in 1868 they have produced some of the most consistently impressive timepieces of their time, which they still manage to do today. However, their vintage timepieces can sometimes go unnoticed by the broader market, and thus they can present truly exceptional value for a collector willing to sift through the world of vintage for their prize, just like the timepiece we have here, the IWC ref. 804A. Launched in the late 1950s, the ref. 804A is a refined and elegant timepiece that is inherently under-the-radar. Boasting a 36mm stainless stee case and a simple silver dial it features an entirely monochromatic aesthetic that is entirely uninterrupted. With such easy-to-enjoy looks it is a watch that will easily fit into any collection, but its movement is where its story begins. Powered by the automatic cal. 8541, the ref. 804A boasts the first movement to feature the Pellaton automatic winding system, which was created by Albert Pellaton in 1950. Far more efficient than the majority of movements of its time, it’s new architecture allowed energy to be transferred from the bi-directional rotor to the mainspring in a manner that had not been created yet, and so the cal. 8541 is the direct predecessor to IWC’s modern movement architecture. THE DIAL Boasting an understated silver dial with applied indices that combine with its dauphine hands to create a sharp and refined aesthetic, the ref. 804A is confident in its impact on watchmaking without the need for unnecessary details. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information. THE CONSTRUCTION Boasting its original stainless steel Gay Freres Beads of Rice bracelet, this ref. 804A's stainless steel construction is immediately more impactful on the wrist than its 36mm diameter would suggest.