IWC Ref.817A Vintage 18ct Gold Men's Watch

A beautiful example of an 18 karat gold IWC 817A from 1977.

With its 37mm 18 carat gold case, silver dial and black inlaid hands this IWC is the perfect dress watch – guaranteed to impress at any event.

The watch features the 8541B automatic calibre – possibly one of the finest automatic movements ever built. The watch is triple signed (on the dial, case and movement). It also comes with a personalized inscription on the case back for 25 year’s loyal service to an employee of Marks and Spencer. For me this adds another interesting element to the watch but could be removed through polishing by the new owner if so wished. 

A timeless gold dress watch that will turn heads at any event.  

Background:

Understated and classy, the 817A is a classic dress watch from the 1970's.

More importantly, it's powered by one of the best automatic movements ever built – the IWC Calibre 8541B.

Widely regarded as one of the best automatic movements ever created, the 8541B can trace its routes back to the famous calibre 85. The original cal. 85 was once called "one of the best automatic movements ever built in Switzerland.” The original cal. 85 went on to evolve into subsequent versions, each improving on the last, from the cal. 85 to the 852, 853, 854 and finally the 8541B.

With its durable, accurate, and historically important movement combined with its understated elegance, the IWC Automatic 817A is an ideal introduction into the world of vintage watches. In fact, this very watch was my first vintage watch purchase and one I’ll be sad to see go!

Condition Report:

Like all our watches this has been professionally serviced and regulated by our watch maker as well as authenticated by a independent third party.   

• Dial: Original dial in excellent condition;  
• Hands: In excellent condition; 
• Glass: Excellent condition with only minor scratches when viewed under a 4x loupe;
• Case: In excellent condition with minor scratches and dints commensurate with general wear. Original crown. Case back has a personal inscription for 25 years service;
• Movement: Original, fully serviced & regulated. Movement shows minor marks and tarnishing commensurate with general wear visible when viewed under a 4x loupe;
• Strap: New replacement leather strap in excellent condition.