1945 IWC Cal. 83

Hello,

I am seeking information on a watch that has been passed down to my family from my grandfather. My family is from Shaffhausen and many generations of our family members have lived and worked in the region. Now, we live in Chicago and we moved here when I was young.

My grandfather spent over 50 years working at the SIG factory in Shaffhausen, making guns and later mechanical parts. He received this IWC watch after his 30 year anniversary. When he passed a few years ago, it fell into our hands and we brought it home. It was not working when we got it, and probably had not been for some time. Recently, I dug it up from some old belongings and opened the case. I wound it and for 10 minutes, it started to work again. However, now it is not running.

I would like some advice and information about the repair costs from IWC and how to make it operational again. My plan for the watch is to repair it and give it to my father as a birthday gift.

I do not want to replace the hands nor recondition the dial, but only polish the case, repair the movement, clean or replace the glass, and put a new strap on. Any info on the specific origin, the process of getting this watch fixed and any other info regarding the watch will be super helpful!

Thanks!

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You need to get this watch back an authorised dealer for forwarding to Schaffhausen where a restoration can be done. Your thoughts re hands and dial remaining original is one I agree with. Polishing the case though comes with two issues. It's age determines that this would not be pristine condition so how far do you want this polished? lightly or to make as new? Laser welding can fill in the dings and chips and can make the case as new.
Your grandfather worked at Sig, for your info there is an old building outside of Schaffhausen that used to be part of the manufacturing plant of Sig Hammerli complete with heavy security doors, that building is now used for the manufacturing of parts by IWC, specifically case production and polishing. Sometimes it's a very small world!

Be aware that a restoration may take 4+ months and will not be cheap but the masters of Schaffhausen can do wonders and yes I would do it if in your shoes. I did the same for my fathers watch (not IWC) and even managed to find a movement on eBay to help in the restoration for donor parts that were required. Dad's watch is a keeper as far as I am concerned.

Think about what you want done, write it down and put the letter with the watch when you take it in to the Chicago dealership. Please don't get the testament removed although that's not for consideration I suspect. I think it's safe to assume that you would never sell it.

Very nice watch.

I would not be inclined to send it to IWC, and have it returned "as new". Your watch appears to be in good, to very good condition for its age. With the crystal replaced, I expect that the original dial would look fine.

The case, to my eye, requires a cleaning, but not a polishing. I am quite sure that your father would want the original inscription to remain intact.

A good, independent watchmaker should be able to service the movement, and bring the watch back to life, for a fraction of what IWC would charge.

Should you choose to send the watch to Schaffhausen, I would first contact IWC, and tell them that you would like them service the movement, replace the crystal, and clean, but not polish the case. Should they not agree to those terms, I would find an independent watchmaker instead.

Regards,

Tony C.

Hi, your watch is not as bad as it may seem. If you were in Portugal things wouldn't be complicated and wouldnt cost more than 150. You need a new cristal, movement cleaning and case polish. The local vintage watchmaker in your área should be able to do that easily. good luck, Frederico

Tony, what makes you think IWC would not follow/support a customers services wishes - especially in this regard. From my own experience IWC always provide a detailed quote (whenever I asked for such), and gave me the option to chose case polishing etc. (Down even to the crystal replacement option, in a recent Schaffhausen service job, where there was a small chip in the crystal which DID NOT compromise the waterproofing of the watch).

Of course, in some instances where a customers instructions are not akin to service protocols we can imagine them not following such instructions. For example on watches where the waterproofing relies on an o-ring fitted in the crown, and where by default (and in order to ensure they can offers the 2 year service warranty) they would and can only enforce replacing the crown. Yes

Mark –

I'm glad that you have had good experiences with IWC, but I have heard enough anecdotes relating to service from various Swiss manufacturers, including IWC, to be convinced that caution is highly advisable when sending watches for service.

By that I mean being very clear about what will, and will not be acceptable, and receiving confirmation prior to service.

I do not have a particular bone to pick with IWC, but unless one is specific about the details, the risks become elevated. And I know of other manufacturers which definitely do not allow customers to choose "a la carte" service.

Cheers,

Tony