An Enchanting IWC Automatic Calendar Model ref: R819A with an Exquisite Dusk Blue Dial and Starry Night Patina - Just Beautiful - 1970

IWC, or International Watch Company, has a rich and illustrious history that spans over 150 years. Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC quickly gained recognition for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs. In its early days, IWC revolutionized the watchmaking industry by combining American engineering techniques with Swiss precision. This unique fusion resulted in timepieces of unparalleled accuracy and durability. 

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, IWC continued to innovate with the introduction of groundbreaking complications like the digital hours and minutes display. During World War II, IWC became renowned for producing reliable and robust pilot's watches for military use. These timepieces featured anti-magnetic properties and were highly sought after by aviators worldwide. In the decades that followed, IWC expanded its repertoire to include elegant dress watches as well as rugged sports watches.

What’s On Offer 

Look at the colour of this dial. How exquisite is that dusk blue? And, the natural spattering of the patina looks like twinkling stars in a dusky sky - you can tell I love this watch yes? It is so different and unique, and is sold paired with an original IWC stainless steel bracelet which again is in fantastic shape with an IWC engraving on the folding clasp. 

The watch is in superb condition and you simply would not guess it is over 50 years old! Besides being a beautiful colour, the dial also boasts applied baton hour markers with onyx inserts, slim pencil hands with luminous inserts and a framed date aperture at 3 o'clock. The tonneau-shaped case is also in superb shape and the watch boasts a fish-signed crown to indicate water resistance ( we do not guarantee water resistance given the watch's age). At 36mm this is a mid-size watch, but the elongated shape of the case and the lug style make this watch appear larger on the wrist. It wears beautifully and is such a talking point with its unusual colourway. It is running well and keeping good time, a stunning watch which will take the wearer from casual to formal seamlessly. A very worthy addition to any collection. 

Interesting fact: The fish symbol was removed from IWC watches after a court hearing declared it bore a resemblance to the ichthys, a fish-like symbol used in Christianity. The court decision was reversed in 2018 and IWC watches including the Big Pilot now display the emblem again.