IWC 18K Automatic, 1970s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

Simple. Refined. Understated. When choosing a good dress watch, one should be conscious of it's role: A dress watch should not leap from the wrist, declaring its presence obnoxiously to onlookers. It should be a subtle companion that accents the wearer and his outfit. Ideally a precious metal, a dress watch should also be simple and clean, without the noise of chronograph or other functions. While the International Watch Company is often associated with their lovely Portuguese chronographs, sturdy Aquatimer divers, Big Pilot aviators, or their 70's inspired Ingenieur SLs, it has also been a longstanding manufacture of some of the most beautiful dress watches we can think of. With a solid 18K yellow gold cushion case, this IWC Schaffhausen fits the bill for wrist attire in any setting where a little class goes a long way. As with many of IWC's watches, the true beauty of the timepiece is on the inside. In this case, the mechanical genius comes in the form of the Calibre 8541B automatic movement, long considered one of IWC's best engineered movements. Easy to service and incredibly accurate, it is also compact enough to make this a relatively slim-wearing watch for the era, measuring in at only 11.2mm from case back to crystal. This particular example dates to the 1970s and is in remarkable original condition. The 36mm cushion case retains crisp lines and brushing and is perfectly accented by the clean gold tone sunburst dial and hands. Paired with a Horween Shell Cordovan strap with matching gold hardware, this IWC is ready for formal wear. And, with the added benefit of a date function, this piece would make an extraordinary everyday dress or business piece. Whatever the use, there is no denying that this IWC's classic stylings and robust movement make it a lovely and desirable piece.