IWC - Automatic - 1634449 - Men - 1961

08
days
22
hours
38
minutes
59
seconds
Current bid
€ 450
Reserve price not met
Mauro Atienza
Expert
Selected by Mauro Atienza

Graduated master watchmaker with over 30 years' experience and teaching background.

Estimate  € 1,000 - € 1,100
11 other people are watching this object
frBidder 2822 €450
frBidder 2822 €400

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IWC Automatic, reference 1634449, manufactured in 1961, with a 36 mm stainless steel case and a brown leather strap, in very good condition with minor signs of wear.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Presented for auction by Second Vintage

Refining the classic dress watch aesthetic of the early 1960s, this International Watch Co. Automatic stands as a testament to Schaffhausen’s golden era of engineering. Featuring the legendary Caliber 853 with the patented Pellaton winding system, this timepiece combines robust mechanical performance with a sophisticated and timeless design.

Brand: International Watch Co.
Model: Automatic
Serial Number: 1634449
Movement: IWC In-House Caliber 853 Automatic
Dial: Silver satin with applied baton indices
Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1961
Condition: Stunning vintage condition, running within vintage tolerances. Timegrapher readings show +8 to +11 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement.

Dial and Hands
The silver satin dial is exceptionally well-preserved, presenting a clean and bright surface with a subtle sunburst finish. It features applied silver baton indices and a precise dot minute track that remains sharp and distinct. The "International Watch Co. Schaffhausen" script is crisp and legible. The original silver dauphine hands show honest vintage aging and oxidation consistent with the watch’s history, adding authentic character to the otherwise pristine face.

Case and Crystal
The 36mm stainless steel case stays true to classic proportions, featuring elegantly tapered lugs and a polished finish. The case lines remain defined, showing only light surface wear expected from a careful vintage life. The internal caseback is stamped with the "Probus Scafusia" hallmark and "Staybrite" designation, confirming the high quality of the steel. The acrylic crystal is clear and free of distracting marks.

Movement
Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded in-house IWC Caliber 853, a 21-jewel automatic movement famous for its efficient Pellaton winding system. The movement presents cleanly and is offering reliable vintage performance. Timegrapher testing indicates an accuracy of +8 to +11 seconds per day.

Strap
The watch is fitted with a classic brown leather strap that complements the warm tones of the silver dial, secured by a steel pin buckle.

Condition
This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is remarkably clean for its age, free from significant spotting or damage. The case retains its original geometry without heavy polishing, and the movement is mechanically sound.

Dimensions
The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a refined presence on the wrist that fits modern dress watch standards perfectly.

Remarks
The Caliber 853 is widely considered by horologists to be one of the finest automatic movements ever produced by IWC, celebrated for its durability and technical ingenuity. Finding an example with such a well-preserved dial and sharp case creates a unique opportunity for collectors of mid-century Swiss horology.

History
Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC Schaffhausen has always distinguished itself through engineering excellence. This specific model hails from the early 1960s, a period when IWC solidified its reputation for producing understated yet mechanically superior dress watches that have since become icons of design.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1-3 days after purchase.
The watch will be securely packaged and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind.
Please review the pictures carefully before bidding. We strive to showcase the watch from multiple angles for an accurate representation.
As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
The watch will be delivered in fully functional working condition.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/Second Vintage

SKU: IWC-IXX-0004

Seller's Story

Welcome to Second Vintage. Our weekly selections feature carefully curated vintage timepieces from iconic brands such as Rolex, Omega, Longines, Seiko, and many more. Each watch is thoroughly inspected and always delivered in working condition. We are a team of dedicated vintage watch enthusiasts with deep expertise in the details that truly matter – from reference numbers and movements to authenticity, design, and historical nuance. With thousands of successful auctions and satisfied customers across the globe, we are proud to be recognized as a Top Seller on Catawiki. Our reputation is built on trust, transparency, and consistent quality. You can bid with confidence knowing that your satisfaction is our highest priority. We ship quickly and securely, using professional packaging to ensure your watch arrives safely and exactly as described. All items are dispatched within 2–3 business days after payment. In the rare event that something occurs during transport, vintage watches can occasionally be affected by handling. Should an issue arise, we respond promptly and are always ready to assist in finding a solution. Your satisfaction comes first. Learn more about our brand at SecondVintage com

Presented for auction by Second Vintage

Refining the classic dress watch aesthetic of the early 1960s, this International Watch Co. Automatic stands as a testament to Schaffhausen’s golden era of engineering. Featuring the legendary Caliber 853 with the patented Pellaton winding system, this timepiece combines robust mechanical performance with a sophisticated and timeless design.

Brand: International Watch Co.
Model: Automatic
Serial Number: 1634449
Movement: IWC In-House Caliber 853 Automatic
Dial: Silver satin with applied baton indices
Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1961
Condition: Stunning vintage condition, running within vintage tolerances. Timegrapher readings show +8 to +11 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement.

Dial and Hands
The silver satin dial is exceptionally well-preserved, presenting a clean and bright surface with a subtle sunburst finish. It features applied silver baton indices and a precise dot minute track that remains sharp and distinct. The "International Watch Co. Schaffhausen" script is crisp and legible. The original silver dauphine hands show honest vintage aging and oxidation consistent with the watch’s history, adding authentic character to the otherwise pristine face.

Case and Crystal
The 36mm stainless steel case stays true to classic proportions, featuring elegantly tapered lugs and a polished finish. The case lines remain defined, showing only light surface wear expected from a careful vintage life. The internal caseback is stamped with the "Probus Scafusia" hallmark and "Staybrite" designation, confirming the high quality of the steel. The acrylic crystal is clear and free of distracting marks.

Movement
Powering this timepiece is the highly regarded in-house IWC Caliber 853, a 21-jewel automatic movement famous for its efficient Pellaton winding system. The movement presents cleanly and is offering reliable vintage performance. Timegrapher testing indicates an accuracy of +8 to +11 seconds per day.

Strap
The watch is fitted with a classic brown leather strap that complements the warm tones of the silver dial, secured by a steel pin buckle.

Condition
This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is remarkably clean for its age, free from significant spotting or damage. The case retains its original geometry without heavy polishing, and the movement is mechanically sound.

Dimensions
The case measures 36 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a refined presence on the wrist that fits modern dress watch standards perfectly.

Remarks
The Caliber 853 is widely considered by horologists to be one of the finest automatic movements ever produced by IWC, celebrated for its durability and technical ingenuity. Finding an example with such a well-preserved dial and sharp case creates a unique opportunity for collectors of mid-century Swiss horology.

History
Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC Schaffhausen has always distinguished itself through engineering excellence. This specific model hails from the early 1960s, a period when IWC solidified its reputation for producing understated yet mechanically superior dress watches that have since become icons of design.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1-3 days after purchase.
The watch will be securely packaged and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind.
Please review the pictures carefully before bidding. We strive to showcase the watch from multiple angles for an accurate representation.
As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
The watch will be delivered in fully functional working condition.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/Second Vintage

SKU: IWC-IXX-0004

Seller's Story

Welcome to Second Vintage. Our weekly selections feature carefully curated vintage timepieces from iconic brands such as Rolex, Omega, Longines, Seiko, and many more. Each watch is thoroughly inspected and always delivered in working condition. We are a team of dedicated vintage watch enthusiasts with deep expertise in the details that truly matter – from reference numbers and movements to authenticity, design, and historical nuance. With thousands of successful auctions and satisfied customers across the globe, we are proud to be recognized as a Top Seller on Catawiki. Our reputation is built on trust, transparency, and consistent quality. You can bid with confidence knowing that your satisfaction is our highest priority. We ship quickly and securely, using professional packaging to ensure your watch arrives safely and exactly as described. All items are dispatched within 2–3 business days after payment. In the rare event that something occurs during transport, vintage watches can occasionally be affected by handling. Should an issue arise, we respond promptly and are always ready to assist in finding a solution. Your satisfaction comes first. Learn more about our brand at SecondVintage com

Details

Brand
IWC
Gender
Men
Model
Automatic
Reference Number
1634449
Band material
Leather
Shipped Insured
Yes
Period
1960-1969
Repainted dial
No
Movement
Automatic
Case material
Stainless steel
Original box included
No
Original papers included
No
Case diameter
36 mm
Original warranty included
No
Condition
Very good - minor signs of wear
Year
1961
DenmarkVerified
2731
Objects sold
99.87%
protop

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