IWC 18K Dress Watch, early 1960s

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 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 and simple dress watches. With a simple, circular 18K yellow gold case, this IWC Schaffhausen is pretty much the perfect dress watch. As with many of IWC's watches, the true beauty of the timepiece is on the inside. In this case, the 21-jewel Calibre 8531 automatic movement is a true workhorse (a movement that made it's way inside many of the IWC Ingenieurs of the era) weighing in at just under 9mm in thickness, making this an extremely comfortable and versatile wear. This particular watch dates to the early 1960s and is in remarkable original condition. The 35mm 18K solid yellow gold case is in very good condition and is perfectly accented by the clean silver non-luminous dial and gold sword 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.