IWC’s impressive prestige and brand cachet certainly doesn’t need to be explained to those interested in watchmaking. Since their founding in 1868 they have produced some of the most consistently impressive timepieces of their time, which they still manage to do today. However, their vintage timepieces can sometimes go unnoticed by the broader market, and thus they can present truly exceptional value for a collector willing to sift through the world of vintage for their prize, just like the timepiece we have here, the IWC ref. 804A. Launched in the late 1950s, the ref. 804A is a refined and elegant timepiece that is inherently under-the-radar. Boasting a 36mm stainless stee case and a simple silver dial it features an entirely monochromatic aesthetic that is entirely uninterrupted. With such easy-to-enjoy looks it is a watch that will easily fit into any collection, but its movement is where its story begins. Powered by the automatic cal. 8541, the ref. 804A boasts the first movement to feature the Pellaton automatic winding system, which was created by Albert Pellaton in 1950. Far more efficient than the majority of movements of its time, it’s new architecture allowed energy to be transferred from the bi-directional rotor to the mainspring in a manner that had not been created yet, and so the cal. 8541 is the direct predecessor to IWC’s modern movement architecture.

Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows signs of wear and previous polishing. The caseback has some light surface corrosion visible along the lip of the case and caseback. Non-luminous dial and hands in near-mint condition. Minor aging visible along the 6 o'clock edge of the dial. The GF made bracelet has 18 links total, and fits a medium sized wrist. There is some stretch in the band.

A timeless design powered by a movement that had a profound impact on IWC and watchmaking as a whole, the ref. 804A is a watch that vintage collectors dream of with its under-the-radar nature and refined elegance.