Why This Watch Matters

Here, we have your classic manually wound time-only dress watch from IWC in mint, lightly worn condition. It even comes with the original hang tag featuring the corresponding case number.

The Full Story

A silvered dial and a yellow gold case are a classic dress-watch combination. One of our favorite examples of this aesthetic are IWC watches featuring caliber 401 from the 1960s. This manually wound movement is the updated version of the caliber 89, which is a longtime HODINKEE favorite.

Today's example has baton-style hands and applied hour markers with pearl-like minute markers around the periphery of the dial, giving it an elegant and functional style. What makes this watch even more special is its excellent condition. It has hardly been worn over the decades and was clearly well taken care of. It even comes with what is likely its original alligator strap (some shipping restrictions may apply for the alligator strap; see What we Love and What You Should Know below for details), with the original IWC hang tag still attached, suggesting this watch was hardly – if ever – worn. The watch has also developed an attractive patina and oxidation on the case.

We paired this IWC on our Sea Blue Calfskin strap to mix it up and make this traditional and dressy watch a bit more casual and fun. The blue tone goes great with the yellow gold case – it's the perfect late summer look.

The Fine Print

Maker: IWC
Reference: N/A
Year: 1960s
Case No: 1669595; Movement No: 1648675
Material: 18k yellow gold
Dimensions: 33mm diameter; 7.3mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: No
Caliber: Manually wound caliber 401
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Sea Blue Calfskin
Lug Width: 18mm
Box/Papers: No, this watch comes with its original IWC hang tag (with corresponding case number printed on it) and vintage alligator leather strap.

What we Love and What You Should Know

This IWC is in excellent, hardly worn condition. The case is unpolished with a few light scratches and the seven o'clock lug and bezel have a couple slight nicks on the edges. The bevels of the bezel and lugs and where the lugs meet the case are all crisp. The hallmarks behind the five and 11 o'clock lugs are clearly visible. The case has developed light patina and oxidation on the sides of the case, the caseback, and the bezel. The dial has developed a very light spotting, which is not uncommon for these watches. The hands and hour markers have developed patina.

*NOTE: Please be aware that this watch comes with a vintage alligator leather strap as an accessory. If the watch is shipped to the state of California or any international destination, we will not be able to include the alligator strap due to laws regarding the sale and shipment of exotic leather goods.

IWC Brand Landing

1960s IWC Dress Watch With Caliber 401