IWC SL Design 4517

c1986 Ladies IWC SL Design

With a super lightweight titanium case and bracelet, this sport IWC SL Design makes for an interesting and practical watch. Model reference 4517. HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH? It hasn’t been easy to find information on this model, but have found two watches for sale with original sales papers. One was stamped for 1986, and the other for 1990. We would prefer a wider base, but with the lack of other information we are going to say this watch was made circa 1986. IWC were a pioneer of Titanium cases, and the first watch they made using this light yet hard metal was launched in 1978. CONDITION IWC currently only make men’s watches, and to the point where they made some comically poor adverts in the 1990’s (one said ‘Almost as complicated as a woman, except it’s on time’! But here we have a clever, interesting and smart ladies SL Design that predates those later remarks. Titanium is very hard and difficult to work – the tools used need to be even harder, but thanks to IWC’s previous achievements this is a triumph. The bracelet is held together with a sprung pins that can be pressed back without the need for special tools, making removing or adding links very easy. This material is very light though – the entire watch and bracelet weighs under 47 grams. The movement is more conventional – a set and forget IWC 2249 quartz calibre with quick set date. We will install a brand new battery before sending the watch out to the new owner. Overall the watch presents very well, with just a few signs of age. The bracelet is quite long and our sister website, SpareLinks.com , may have extra links if required. The bracelet has been cleaned in our ultrasonic bath. This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.