IWC - No reserve price - Men - 1950-1959

Overview
This is a vintage IWC International Watch Co. Schaffhausen automatic wristwatch dating to approximately 1960, displaying the restrained and elegant design language associated with mid-century Swiss dress watches. The silver-toned sunburst dial is fitted with applied baton hour markers and a slender central seconds hand, creating a clean and well-balanced appearance.
Its most important feature is the IWC Calibre 853 automatic movement, equipped with the celebrated Pellaton winding system developed under IWC technical director Albert Pellaton. This automatic winding architecture became one of the defining technical achievements in IWC's mechanical watchmaking history. press.iwc.com
The key highlights are the Calibre 853 Pellaton automatic movement, the circa-1960 production period, and the classic understated IWC Schaffhausen design.
Technical and condition details
Brand: IWC International Watch Co. Schaffhausen
Type: Swiss automatic mechanical wristwatch
Approximate year: Circa 1960
LegitGrails
Winding: Automatic, with manual winding possible through the crown
Function: Hours, minutes and central seconds. The watch is running when tested. No long-term accuracy or power-reserve test has been performed.
Dial layout: Central three-hand configuration without date, with outer minute track
Dial: Silver-toned sunburst finish with applied baton hour markers, double marker at 12 o’clock and slender central seconds hand. Signed “International Watch Co. Schaffhausen” and “Automatic.”
Case: Stainless steel. The inside case back is clearly marked ACIER INOXYDABLE STAYBRITE, INTERNATIONAL WATCH Co, SWISS, together with case number 1593840.
Movement: IWC Calibre 853 automatic mechanical movement, visibly marked C.853 and fitted with a full-sized winding rotor. Calibre 853 uses IWC's renowned Pellaton automatic winding system and was introduced around 1958. It is a 21-jewel movement running at approximately 19,800 vibrations per hour with a stated power reserve of around 44 hours. watch-wiki.net
Diameter: Approx. 37.16 mm including the crown
Accessories: Fitted with a black leather strap and an IWC-signed buckle, marked “INOX SWISS STEEL” on the reverse. Originality of the strap and buckle to the watch at the time of manufacture cannot be confirmed solely from photographs.
Condition:
Overall in good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. The silver-toned dial remains attractive and clearly legible, showing only minor signs of aging. The stainless-steel case shows surface scratches, small marks and evidence of previous polishing, particularly around the bezel and lugs. The movement appears complete and presents well, with normal surface marks visible on the rotor and movement components. The leather strap shows signs of use.
Collector’s highlights
- Classic IWC Schaffhausen manufacture automatic wristwatch from an important period in the brand’s history.
- Highly regarded Calibre 853 with Pellaton automatic winding, one of IWC's characteristic in-house movement families.
- Dating to approximately 1960, supported by the visible movement and case serial-number range.
- Elegant silver three-hand dial and approximately 37 mm overall size, giving the watch strong mid-century dress-watch character.
Photos form an important part of the description and may show details more clearly than text. Please review all images carefully and assess the item accordingly.