Amsterdam watch company
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IWC Classic

This IWC Classic Ref. 818AD is a wonderfully clean dress watch from a period when IWC did restrained elegance very well. Dating to 1972 and measuring 35 mm, it has that slim, confident vintage profile that feels formal without becoming too precious.

Here at AWCO we think the charm is in the dial. The white dial is beautifully crisp, with black Roman numerals, a fine minute track and slender hands that keep the whole design calm and balanced. There is no date, no unnecessary detail and nothing trying to steal the show. Just a very pure IWC layout with a lovely sense of proportion.

The stainless steel case keeps the watch versatile and easy to wear. Its round shape, polished bezel and straight lugs give it a quietly architectural feel, while the acrylic crystal adds the soft vintage warmth we always like to see from the side. This example is worn on a black leather strap and closed with an aftermarket steel buckle, which suits its understated character nicely.

Inside is IWC’s automatic calibre 854B, part of the respected Pellaton-winding movement family that helped define the brand’s post-war automatic watches. It is exactly the sort of movement detail that gives a quiet watch like this a little extra collector appeal.

A clean vintage IWC with a Roman dial, lovely proportions and that quiet Schaffhausen confidence collectors tend to appreciate. Understated, elegant and very easy to wear. Come see it for yourself at Reestraat 3, Amsterdam.

Year

1972
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€ 3.450

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Brand IWC
Diameter 35 mm
Model Steel classic
Bracelet/strap: Leather
Reference 818AD
Buckle/clasp Aftermarket steel
Year of production (circa) 1972
Lug Width 18 mm
Material Steel
Set Content Watch only
Crystal Acrylic
Warranty 2 year (AWCo)
Dial color White
Movement Automatic

International Watch Company, better known as IWC Schaffhausen, was founded by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones in 1868. The company specialized in Aviation watches and is currently operating under the Richemont Group umbrella.

IWC introduced its first pilot’s watch in 1936. An inner rotating pointer could be used to keep track of take-off times and the escapement was anti-magnetic, to cope with the magnetic fields from the cockpit instruments.

In 1939, two Portuguese distributors ordered a large wristwatch with pocket watch movement and another iconic IWC line was born: the Portugieser. Today, particularly the dressy Portugieser chronographs are popular among IWC aficionados.

When Europe plummets into WWII, IWC is commissioned by both sides of the conflict to supply military watches. The two best-known examples are the Dirty Dozen field watches for the allies and the big pilot, known as Beobachtungsuhr or B-uhr, for the German Luftwaffe. The latter would form the design template for the later Big Pilot range.

Towards the end of WWII, IWC developed a new military movement, known as Cal. 89. When the war ends, the tough caliber is fitted to civilian watches. The Cal. 89 watches, many in classic Calatrava style, remain popular among collectors until today. In 1948, the Cal. 89 is fitted to the Pilot Mk XI, another popular vintage reference.

1955 Saw the introduction of another influential IWC model: the Ingenieur. IWC used its expertise in magnetic resistance to manufacture a watch for engineers and scientists, working with magnetic fields. This is two years after Rolex introduced the Milgauss for the same clientele.

In 1967, IWC branches out into water sports. The Aquatimer is introduced as a serious divewatch. The more casual Yacht Club is launched alongside for all-purpose daily wearing.

IWC remained innovative, being among the early adopters of the brand new quartz technology, for instance. But the house also recognized the value of heritage, building on its historic Pilot and Portugieser ranges. The result is a broad scope of all sorts of watches, for all sorts of people. Through it all, IWC maintained a reputation as high quality watchmakers.

At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.

We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.

Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.