And the famous watchmaker Donald de Carle, in his book Complicated Watches and their Repair, stated that IWC's special automatic winding mechanism was "a simple and ingenious system, well constructed and beautifully finished."
IWC built the movement of this watch in 1963 at the same they were building their famous Ingenieur line. These dress watches were more elegant than the pragmatic Ingenieur but shared the high-performance timekeeping qualities in normal wearing conditions. And compared to an Ingenieur, because they do not have a second inner back, the cases are thinner and lighter on the wrist.
Full size for a vintage watch, it is just over 35mm in diameter without the crown, in between the sizes of a Rolex Date and a Rolex Datejust.
All its parts are IWC down to the dial, hands, and winding crown. It has just finished a true expertly done restoration and presents as gorgeous condition.
The full size case presents as mint. The navy blue or dark royal blue dial has been meticulously restored - the printing of the words could pass as IWC factory done to the naked eye.
The movement has been freshly fully overhauled by a Master Watchmaker, winds very smoothly, and is running very true.
Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
You won't be disappointed - a five decade old IWC that looks like new on the wrist!
- Manufacturer: IWC
- City of origin: Schaffhausen, Switzerland
- Serial no.: 1,694,274
- Case no.: 1,810,315
- Year built: c. 1963
- Model: Ref. R347 A
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds, Date
- Designed for: Men
- Dimensions: 35mm wide (without crown), 44mm lugs tip-to-tip
- Case condition: Presents as mint. Lighter than normal natural aging hidden in the engine bay
- Case markings (inside): International Watch Co., Swiss, Acier Inoxydable Staybrite, R347A, 1810315
- Dial: Navy or dark royal blue, signed International Watch Co. Schaffhausen and AUTOMATIC, faceted baton indexes, outer minute track, expertly refinished
- Hands: Original, steel faceted dauphines
- Jewels: 21 rubies
- Band: Leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. Note that the current band on the watch is just slightly different from the one in the photos. It is black with a very similar grain, but not absolutely identical. We also stock lizard and a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
- Crystal type: Acrylic, excellent condition
- Movement: IWC caliber 8531, self-winding, rhodium plated and decorated, 21 jewels, Breguet hairspring, shock resistant, precision regulator
- Serviced: Yes, fully freshly overhauled by a Master Watchmaker. Winds very smoothly.
- Timed: Yes, timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
