1961 IWC Vintage Mens Watch, Cal. 853 Automatic - Platinum
The superior automatic IWC featured in today's offering is a rare example made for the Japanese market encased in platinum and powered by the Albert Pellaton designed Caliber 853 movement.
This mechanism's automatic winding system is a technical masterpiece, earning it high praise - Gisbert Brunner and Christian Pfeiffer-Belli in their work, Wristwatches Armbanduhren Montres-bracelets, proclaimed the 853x "one of the best automatic movements ever built in Switzerland."
And the famous watchmaker Donald de Carle, in his book Complicated Watches and their Repair, stated that IWC's special automatic winding mechanism was "a simple and ingenious system, well constructed and beautifully finished."
IWC built it in 1961 at the same time they were building their famous Ingenieur line. These dress watches were more elegant than the pragmatic Ingenieur but shared the high-performance timekeeping qualities in normal wearing conditions. And compared to an Ingenieur, because they do not have a second inner back, the cases are thinner and lighter on the wrist.
While the vast majority of these were made in stainless steel with some also being made in 18K gold and a few gold plated cases, only very few were made in platinum.
It is encased in the watch's original contract case made for IWC for the Japanese market by Isomura and correctly stamped on the inside. Its diameter is 34.5mm, just a hair larger than the size of a Rolex Date model from the period.
It has all of its original parts down to the hands and original, correctly unsigned winding crown. It has just finished a true expertly done restoration and presents in gorgeous condition.
Its very rare platinum case presents as mint. Its silver dial has been meticulously restored - its printing could pass as IWC factory done to the naked eye.
A Master Watchmaker has freshly overhauled its movement. It is running keeping very accurate time. Photos of the inside available upon request.
For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new leather strap and aftermarket IWC style buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
You won't be disappointed - a very rare more than six decade old IWC that presents essentially like new on the wrist!
Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. He also has done authorized watchmaking work for the Richemont Group's Service Center, IWC Schaffhausen, and many others.
Manufacturer: IWC
City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Serial no.: 1,555,399
Year built: 1961
Case no.: 140263
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
Designed for: Men
Dimensions: 34.5mm wide (without crown), 42mm lugs tip-to-tip
Case condition: Presents as mint
Case markings (inside): PM900, case number, International Watch Co., IWC Probus Scafusia, Swiss
Dial: Silver, signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, faceted baton indexes, outer minute track, expertly refinished
Hands: Original, "dauphines"
Jewels: 21 rubies
Band: Leather (aftermarket) , fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with aftermarket IWC style steel buckle. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
Movement: IWC caliber 853, self-winding, rhodium plated and decorated, 21 jewels, Breguet hairspring, shock resistant, precision regulator
Serviced: A Master Watchmaker has overhauled it.
Timed: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is keeping very accurate time.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. He also has done authorized watchmaking work for the Richemont Group's Service Center, IWC Schaffhausen, and many others.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee 
