1894 IWC Pocket Watch 105177 – Rare Equestrian Case – Help Identifying

Help evaluating an unusual 1894 IWC pocket watch – Movement No. 105177 / Case No. 2652

Hello everyone,

I would greatly appreciate your help identifying and evaluating this antique IWC pocket watch, currently in Brazil.

The information I have so far:

• International Watch Co. (IWC), Schaffhausen
• Movement No. 105177
• Dating: approximately 1894
• Double case, with matching No. 2652 observed on the case components
• Gold-plated / plaqué case with a rose-gold tone
• Signed enamel dial with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds at 6
• Inner cuvette marked “International Watch Co. – Remontoir – Ancre”, decorated with six medals
• Mechanical hand-wound movement
• The watch is currently running

The feature I find particularly interesting is the outer cover. It has an elaborate equestrian scene showing a horse and rider jumping an obstacle, with a landscape in the background, surrounded by detailed floral/foliate ornamentation and an oval cartouche below.

I am attaching detailed photographs of the watch, movement, serial number, case and equestrian artwork.

I would be very grateful for help determining:

• the exact calibre and confirmation of the date;
• whether movement 105177 and case 2652 originally belonged together;
• the manufacturer of the case and, if possible, the engraver/artist;
• whether anyone has seen another IWC with this same equestrian design;
• whether this could have been a special or commissioned case;
• its possible original market/provenance;
• and an approximate collector/market valuation in its present condition.

I am particularly interested in learning more about the equestrian artwork and its rarity, rather than assuming it is unique without documentation.

Any comparable examples, catalogue references, auction records or archival information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your help.

The movement is a Cal. 55, at that time called "Schaffhausen". The case number does not fit in the range of genuine IWC cases. However, amongst others Erbeau, some of the IWC agents sent their own cases to IWC to let IWC movements fit into their cases. The case number you provided fits the range of Erbeau in that period. To check whether these are matching numbers you need to apply for a Certificate of Authenticity from IWC. However, these Certificates are quite expensive and the movement and a double case both don't create a high value these days.

Hope this helps!

Th. Koenig

This is a really interesting piece. The movement and case numbers, along with the detailed equestrian engraving, should give you some good clues about its history. I’d be interested to see what others can find on the calibre, case maker, and whether similar examples have appeared in auctions or IWC records. The engraving especially looks worth researching further.

Dear Mr. Koenig,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your knowledge and for your detailed and valuable comments about the watch. I am truly grateful for your help and for the clarification you provided.

I am writing to you from Brazil, and I want you to know how much I admire your work and expertise. To me, you are truly a legend in this field, so receiving your personal insight and help means a great deal to me.

Thank you once again for your kindness, generosity, and willingness to share your knowledge. I sincerely appreciate it.

With warmest regards and gratitude,
Renes de Castro

Thank you, Adheen. This watch is truly fascinating, and I’m very happy to say that it is still running perfectly.

What intrigues me the most is the beautiful equestrian engraving. I would absolutely love to learn more about it—especially who might have created the engraving, when it was done, and whether it could reveal something about the history or original owner of the watch.

Thank you again for your interest and for pointing me in this direction. I really appreciate it.

Best regards,
Renes de Castro

That’s really interesting.

No need to say thanks, Renes. It was a pleasure! And no reason for admiration: I simply gathered some knowledge over the time and enjoyed the luck, that the IWC officials, the Museum and several Swiss, UK and US archives over more than 25 years were very supportive. The appreciation is owed to IWC and those archives.

Th. Koenig