IWC - Calatrava Vintage - Men - 1950-1959

A0000005181

Exceptional and very elegant vintage men's wristwatch by IWC (International Watch Co.) Schaffhausen, in the “Calatrava” style, manufactured in Switzerland in the early 1950s. This exquisite mechanical model represents the golden age of the Schaffhausen firm, combining a high-engineering case with a minimalist dress design that set an unbeatable aesthetic standard in the postwar era. It is powered by a manual-winding mechanical movement from the brand, renowned worldwide for its structurally robust chronometric reliability.

The piece stands out for its classic 3.4 cm diameter case (excluding the crown from the measurement), entirely made of high-quality stainless steel, with stylized lugs of classic cut and an extremely slender profile. The textured dial (image 5838943069401714614_121.jpg) bears the original hand-scripted logo "International Watch Co. / SCHAFFHAUSEN", accompanied by applied baton hour markers, relief Arabic numerals at 3, 9 and 12, and elegant feuille (leaf) hands. At 6 o’clock, the dial is completed by a sober small seconds subdial.

The screw-down case back (image 5838943069401714621_121.jpg) is made of stainless steel with a sober circular satin-finished and flat polish. The watch comes fitted with a beautiful glossy brown leather strap with crocodile texture and a gold-toned buckle, offering a combined total length of 18.0 cm (perfect for a comfortable and distinguished fit on any wrist). A true Swiss collectible piece for vintage minimalist enthusiasts.

Condition: Vintage Good Condition / Strong Period Character
The watch is presented in a very honest working and cosmetic state, preserving its historical identity intact:

Dial and Hands: The original cream-colored dial shows a uniform patina of age and subtle signs of aging (visible in images 5838943069401714614_121.jpg and 5838943069401714620_121.jpg) which high-end collectors highly value, as they certify that it has not been crudely repainted or restored. The historical typography of IWC and the relief indices remain crisp.

Stainless Steel Case: In very good condition. The 34 mm case retains its classic lines and well-defined curves. It shows micro-scratches typical of age on the bezel and lugs (image 5838943069401714620_121.jpg), with no deep impact marks or corrosion.

Plexiglass Crystal: Dome-shaped vintage crystal, clean and well-polished, allowing a clear view of the beautiful patina of the dial without distortion.

Case Back and Crown: The case back (image 5838943069401714621_121.jpg) sits hermetically and firmly. The manual-winding crown (image 5838943069401714622_121.jpg) turns correctly, producing a precise time-setting gear engagement.

Movement and Operation: The manual-wind mechanism functions regularly and consistently, offering the traditional smoothness of the mainspring characteristic of IWC’s historic in-house calibres.

The Collector’s Curiosity
For valuers and experts at Catawiki, IWC steel Calatrava-style cases from the 50s are cult pieces of great patrimonial value. During this period, the Schaffhausen firm equipped its dress watches with legendary movements such as Calibre 89 (designed by Albert Pellaton), mechanically conceived to withstand military use thanks to oversized bridges and a high-inertia balance wheel. Owning a 34 mm specimen with its original dial showing this toasted cream patina and the classic hand-written logo in perfect calligraphy is synonymous with a piece with an impeccable pedigree in the European market.

Wishing you the best of luck with your bids and a superb auction to all Catawiki participants!