Mens 1920s IWC Schaffhausen 18K Solid Gold Hinged Case Art Deco Vintage Watch A+

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Mens 1920s IWC Schaffhausen 18K Solid Gold Hinged Case Art Deco Vintage Watch A+:
$2500.00

Founded in 1868, the world-renowned International Watch Company of Schaffhausen, Switzerland has produced some of the finest watches ever made…on par with Vacheron & Constantin and Rolex in terms of the precision and caliber of its movements. They are known as the only watchmaking firm in German Switzerland, IWC, directed by Hans Ernst Homberger for much of the 20th century, the third and last of the Rauschenbach heirs to run the factory as a sole proprietor. Homberger joined his father\'s company in 1934, and took control after his death in April 1955.

I am excited to offer for sale the following timepiece from the firm, a men’s 18kt Solid Yellow Gold dress model that dates to the 1920s. This truly is an incredible watch – its larger size, hinged-back Tanke-style case in stunning shape, as its high-grade, three finger bridge IWC mechanism.

This is a Cresarrow-cased IWC watch, complete with the trademark “Arrow” through the letter C. Many watch collectors would argue that Cresarrow was among the very best case makers in the world, founded by Henry Blank and N.E. Whiteside in 1890 and located at 19 Liberty Street in Newark, New Jersey.

They provided cases for by Patek Philippe and Vacheron & Constantin and had close ties with Tiffany & Co. If you google Cresarrow cased IWC watch you’ll find that many IWC collectors prize the early Cresarrow case models over those that were cased in Switzerland (which tended to be thinner and prone to wear).

Its solid 18k gold case measures a larger 41.5mm lug tip to lug tip and 26mm in width (27.5mm with winding crown). In inches this works out to be 1-5/8 inches long and just over 1 inch in width, without the crown. This was, for the time, a larger size men’s watch, and its narrow bezel framing makes it even appear larger on the wrist. My watchmaker David has fully serviced its original and high-grade 17 Jewel, 3 Adjustment mechanism to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The ivory white, enamel finished dial has been professionally restored to its correct status and in excellent order. It features a 60 minute outer chapter, luminous Arabic numbers and original blue steel hands with fill. Signed IWC Schaffhausen below the 12.

The curved solid glass crystal is in excellent order. The two-piece, hinged-back case is 18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold and in excellent condition – nicer than my photos show, everything, including the lugs, is pristine. The winding crown is in excellent condition and operating smoothly

Turning the watch over I note that the back of the case is in excellent PLUS condition, nicely curved as you can see. This was a special gift (like a wedding anniversary present) and it is monogramed “BTP to HPB June 21, 1916-1926.”

Inside is its high-grade mechanism signed International Watch Co., Swiss – 17 Seventeen Jewels, Adjusted 3 Three Positions. The serial number is located below the balance wheel and it reads #781,677. The inside of the case lid is stamped with the telltale Cresarrow hallmark of an arrow running through a “C” and also 18K with case serial number #50,253.

This watch has been disassembled, cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It is fitted on a 18mm black deBeer Paris alligator grain calf leather strap with gold tone buckle. I have had several IWC watches in my years of collecting but never a solid a larger Tanke style model like this. It is definitely one of those “once in a decade” finds for me.

Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on a piece of paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men’s vintage watches are noticeably smaller than oversized timepieces you see today. Prefer a brown strap instead of black? For most men’s watches I can switch the color before mailing; just let me know.

U.S. winners pay $13.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS shipping with door-to-door tracking. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 8.7% sales tax.

Canadian winners pay $40.00 (actual cost) for Global Priority Express with insurance. Other international buyers pay $56.00 (actual or below cost) for Global Priority Express Mail with door-to-door tracking. I cover any additional insurance fees.

International buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are your responsibility. Please check with your country\'s customs office to confirm any additional costs prior to offerding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment, but your local custom authorities can cause delays.

Payment is due within three days of sale end, unless you have contacted me prior to sale end to arrange otherwise. In accordance with policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.

All of my watches are under warranty. In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, return the wristwatch to me (or mail it to my watchmaker, David, in New York City) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. Note: I will not pay for or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. I am a proud member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC).

If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches.

Need accessories for your watch? Our sister store, Holben\'s Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of sport, military and dress straps, buckles, deployment clasps and other wristwatch accessories from European and American manufacturers.

Cautious Carl (my old and kind dog friend) and I want to thank you for dropping by, and we hope you place a offer. Let us know if you have any questions!