IWC in Platinum- made in Japan case- cal. 853 from 1965
IWC in Platinum- made in Japan case- cal. 853 from 1965
Maker: IWC (International Watch Co.)
Year: 1965
Material: Platinum (Pt 900), Japan made case
Dimensions: 35mm diameter; 10.8mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Dial color: silver, off white
Lume: NA
Movement serial: 1726348
Caliber: IWC automatic-winding caliber 853
Service history: February 2021, movement running at -7.7 sec/day
Bracelet/Strap: Grey epsom leather strap from Delugs
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: N/A
IWC has been a major player in the Japanese market for years and we are proud to offer a rare platinum vintage IWC with a made in Japan case. The 35mm case measurement may seem small by today’s standards, but the proportions between the case and dial and everything in between are perfectly calibrated. The simple baton index, alpha hands, and elegant case design all work together harmoniously. During the 1960’s and 70’s in order to avoid having to pay hefty import duties imposed on precious metals, Swiss brands made the decision to produce parts of a watch at the country where the watch was to be sold. This practice was commonplace in countries such as the US by brands such as Rolex, Omega and Longines. It occurred in Japan too where brands such as Rolex, most famously would outsource Japanese manufacturers to produce there precious metal bracelets for models such as the Day Date and Datejust. These Japan made bracelets unsurprisingly command a premium in the market these days. IWC, which arguably, was the third most popular Swiss brand (after Rolex and Omega) in Japan during the early 60's decided to outsource their case production to Japanese manufacturers. As a result there are yellow gold, white gold, and platinum made in Japan IWC cases with each marked by an engraving of a Japanese flag within the case back. These Japan made cases are highly regarded by collectors here in Japan. Platinum was seldom used for watches back in the 60's as it was a difficult metal to work with compared to steel. For example, unlike steel, platinum case lugs had to be soldered to the case separately. This leaves a welding mark (black hue) between the lugs and the case which is very prominent on this example as well. This watch is fitted with IWC’s respected caliber 853, which traces its lineage to the caliber 85 family of movements developed by the great Albert Pellaton. Patented in 1950, models featuring the 85X family of movements were to remain a central feature of IWC watches for almost 40 years.
This vintage IWC is in overall excellent condition. The case lines are beautiful and the lugs are still thick with sharp edges. The case has some minor scratches as can be expected from the age of the watch. The off-white/silver dial is in great condition and has aged to a beautiful cream color. There are no major visible blemishes or discoloration on the dial. The hand set and pearled minute markers show some ageing/oxidation, which is not uncommon for these watches, and is in overall good condition. The crystal has some tiny scratches but nothing noticeable. The hallmarks in the inner caseback is crisp with the Pt (for platinum) logo and Japan Flag clearly visible. The dial, case, and movement are signed by IWC. The caliber 853 movement was serviced by the previous owner and was checked by our watchmaker who has confirmed it is in good running condition. It is currently running at -7.7 seconds/day. The watch will come with a grey epsom calf leather strap (pictured) from Delugs.
Ships from Japan