Here we have a circa 1948 International Watch Co military style wristwatch. It has the compact 31.5mm stainless steel case with the tapered lugs and polished finish. The dial is the patinated silver tone with the luminous Arabic numerals and the detailed ‘International Watch Co’ signing below 12. It has the thermally blued syringe hands which have the original luminous in-fill and the neat central seconds hand. To the right-hand side is the chunky crown with water resistant fish logo. The case back snaps on and has a tight seal. Inside it has the stainless-steel signing with the IWC stamp. The movement is the famous IWC calibre 89 which is reliable and expertly finished. It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time.

We enjoy this piece due to its compact sizing, military design and subsequent legibility. It’s born out of the 1940s and is a beautifully designed companion for daily wear.

The dial was originally a silver tone, which has developed the darkened patination with age. It has the dash minute/second markers around the exterior with the thicker dashes for the 5-minute graduations. The hour markers have the black outline and a lovely font with the open 9 and 6. They are infilled with the original luminous paint, which has darkened with age. Below 12 is the detailed ‘International Watch Co’ signing and beneath 6 o’clock is the classic ‘Swiss’ signing. The hands are of the luminous syringe style with the bright thermally blued finish. The luminous in-fill is original and has darkened spots with age. The central second hand is neat with the subtle taper and tear drop counterbalance.

The case is neatly proportioned, measuring 31.3mm wide and 34mm with the crown. It has an increased presence on the wrist with the lug-to-lug measurement of just under 38mm. The design of the case is smooth and functional with the full Stainless-Steel construction. The bezel has the thin lip surrounding the crystal, with the bevelled edge, falling to meet the case. The lugs are tapered inwards and curve downwards to meet the wrist. To the right-hand side is the IWC waterproof crown with the fish logo which was used from the late 1940s onwards. The sides of the case have the remains of the brushed finish visible. The drilled lug holes are well formed and sturdy. The case back has the dished form with the polished outer edge and brushed finish to the face. Inside it is singed ‘Stainless Steel’ with the IWC logo stamp and serial number.

The movement is the famous IWC calibre 89. It is widely celebrated as one of the finest manual wind movements produced. It is an over engineered movement which is known for its reliability and durability, aided by the shock protection. It was designed as a true central seconds movement which results in a smooth sweep. It is also loved due to the high level of finishing with the Geneve striping, bevelled bridge edges and chaton set jewels. It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time to within 20 seconds variation per day.

The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.

Dial:
The dial is original and has developed the darkened tone with age and moisture ingress. It has the spotted darkening and an area of scratching above 6 o’clock. The signing is good and clear and the luminous in-fill to the hour markers is original and aged.

Glass:
The crystal is a recent replacement which is in good condition.

Crown:
The crown is the IWC waterproof design with the fish logo to the face. It has scratching and some light dints.

Case:
The case is formed of stainless steel and is in good condition with its original mix of brushed and polished finishes, which have naturally worn with age. The drilled lug holes are free of wear. It has some nicks and light scratching associated with age.

Caseback:
The case back seals tightly due to its water-resistant design. It has the brushed finish to the face with light scratching associated with age.

Strap:
The watch comes on a modern leather strap which is in good condition.

Movement:
The movement is the IWC calibre 89 which is manually wound and has a jewel count of 17. It is also shock protected.

It has been recently serviced and has a daily variation of approximately 20 seconds per day, with an amplitude of 280 degrees and a beat error of 0.5 m/s.

Case dimensions
Case width: 31.3mm
Case width with crown: 34mm
Case length: 31.3mm
Case length lug to lug: 37.75mm
Case depth: 10.5mm
Lug width: 16mm