For sale we have a standout 1970s International Watch Company mid-size tank watch in 18ct gold. It is a refernce 4179. The case is outstanding, with complex textured stepped coin edge finish. It evokes the style of finishing used on gold or gold leaf ancient Egyptian artefacts. The dial is black with a lacquered finish and spider crazing in some lights. The simple gold signing for IWC and Swiss allows the case and hand finishing to do the talking.
The gold tone dauphine style hands have a beautiful textured bark finish which matches the case. This is a seldom seen technique which highlights the quality of this piece. To the right is a protruding gold crown of a Cartier style, with elongated Sapphire Cabochon inset. The dial and hands are protected by a thick glass with sits flush with the case.
Inside the case is signed with Swiss hallmarking for 18ct gold, with the IWC Probus signing. The Poincon de Maitre no.29 is for Weber & Cie. SA. They were a top-quality Swiss case maker, who also produced for Patek Philippe.
The movement is an IWC calibre 41, which is a manual wind calibre, with a jewel count of 17. It is keeping time to within +15 seconds a day.
The case is well neatly proportioned with a measurement of 26mm x 28.5mm, with a 31mm lug-to-lug length. It is modelled on a 7” wrist diameter.
For the price point, this is a watch which punches well above its level in terms of quality. It is a rarely seen reference from IWC and has such a well-designed and heavy 18ct gold case. It has the use of texture and techniques only seen in top of the range watches. A standout tank watch which exhibits similar traits to the Cartier tanks of the period.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is in good original condition. The gold signing is clear and un-worn. The dial is good with an even lacquered black finish. It has crazed spider marking where the lacquer has cracked with age. This is only visible in certain lights, with the dial appearing solid black in most lights.
Hands:
The hands are original and are a gold tone. They are in good condition with a textured finish.
Glass:
The glass is original and is in good condition with no marking.
Crown:
The crown is original with Sapphire Cabochon and is in good condition.
Case:
The case is formed of 18ct gold and is in good original condition with textured finish to the front and sides. It has light surface scratching associated with age.
Caseback:
The snap on case back is 18ct gold. It has a brushed finish with light surface scratching associated with age. The serial number is visible.
Strap:
The watch comes on a new genuine leather strap. The buckle is unsigned.
Movement:
The movement is an IWC cal 41. It has 17 jewels, a frequency of 21,600 BPH and a power reserve of 40 hours. It also has Incabloc shock protection.
The service history is unknown, but the movement is in very good condition and is keeping great time. It has a daily gain of +15 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 255 degrees and a beat error of 0.3m/s.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 26mm
Case width with crown: 30mm
Case length: 28.5mm
Case length lug to lug: 31mm
Case Depth: 6.5mm
Lug width: 17mm
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£2,000.00Price
Out of Stock
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