This is my interesting 1941 IWC with it’s elegant Calibre 83, 6 bridge-design movement, in a gold case. After some investigation this is in a 14kt Gold case, may have been supplied to or produced in Hungary during the war.
The watch is in excellent condition both due to it’s age and considering the time it may have been produced as WW11 raged across Europe. Still unable to confirm the Case Maker/Sponsor mark even after some years of trying.
The wonderfully elegant IWC Cal 83 was introduced/produced between 1935? and the mid 1940’s and regarded as a transitional movement between the pocket watch and the wrist watch. In fact it reflects the very best of pocket watch movements at the time and this one is in very good condition. Factually this movement is 15 jewel with wonderful Geneva stripes with angled edges, with Brequet hair spring and a wonderful symmetry. It also has a power reserve of 47hrs. It is in essence beautifully made.
I have heard it said by a few watch commentators that this movement (and I quote) “is as well executed as Patek Phillipe”, which is praise indeed.
The case is a little more unusual having straight sides and thin lugs, though it has a precedent as it’s very reminiscent of No 58 and some others in
IWC’s 1941/2 Blue Catalogue.
Within this catalogue it is quite obvious, comparing the available models, that there were quite a few “mix & match” combinations of dial layouts and case designs over this period. This particular watch case could also be an IWC design imported into Hungary for separate metal assessment and subsequent matching to the movement.
as it shows the Hungarian Assay mark for 14kt Gold (580/1000) – this is a stamped left facing Wolf’s head + the number 4. This stamp is repeated on the right hand top lug exterior.
However this is still conjecture and probably will never be known.
Note the Hallmarked 14k gold symbol on the top lug and the large “onion” crown. Gold hands and seconds sub-dial on what appears to be a well preserved original dial – I note there are a few small spots on the dial background but only noticeable under magnification. The case diameter is almost 33 mm without the onion Crown, so larger than many at the time and I’m very pleased that it wears “larger” and looks good on my average wrist.
The strap is a high quality water resistant Hirsch leather 18mm to fixed wire fittings between lugs which were common at the time. No spring bars here and replacements straps must be open ended types to fit.
Note the nicely decorated case back interior which has case number, case makers mark, service marks and the 14k gold mark of Hungary.
As said the movement is in very good condition and shows no signs of wear at all, which is always a bonus.
Regarding the strap I personally feel the colour doesn’t show the watch to best advantage and I changed it for a black lizard leather one.
However, the case is still a bit of a mystery and even the dial has questions about it, though the movement is as perfect as you’ll get. Perhaps a product of interrupted manufacture during wartime when parts were scarce, though is saying that – IWC produced around 6000 of this movement which saw service in the Mk10 Military watch probably around the same period.
But whatever, a great and I have to say very pleasing result and a movement that is a classic in it’s own right – and good to have. AND it is working perfectly and is very accurate indeed.
Note – I noted there are marks on the inside of the case which indicate it was serviced in December 1962 and again in November 1976. (there may be an earlier one but it’s too indistinct to read). Considering manufacturers of mechanical watches tend to recommend servicing every 3 years I suppose it’s not too bad!
Watch space 