C 8541 Tiffany

Hi to all. I am making this post in hopes of getting some feedback with regard to this watch which my dad left to me when he passed ten years ago. It has been in my drawer ever since as I never found the time to research it.

I have found a wealth of information here in this forum for which I am grateful. I see nothing but good old common courtesy and respect among the participants, obvious even to an outsider such as myself.

With the help of your forum I have been able to identify this watch, which I guess is a little unusual due to the face color, which I would describe as antique bronze, and the Tiffany co/branding. The dateyouriwc software identified the movement as calibre 8541 produced in 1963 and the case as being produced most likely in 1969. Surprisingly, given that it has been sitting for at least 10 years, it is keeping remarkably good time. Based on it's appearance (worn) best guess is that this was dad's daily wear watch.

I am hoping that anyone seeing this posting will be able to validate its authenticity. I've noticed that the crown appears to be pitted indicating to me it is plated, and not 18k like the case. Additionally, as I am not a collector, perhaps advise me as to how to best see to it that it ends up in the collection of someone that would appreciate it's value, assuming it is worthy.

Interesting piece.

For sure, the movement is 100% and other than probably being badly in need of a lubrication service, looks to be pretty good shape.

The case, in particular the shape of the lugs and how they protrude above the bezel of the case is new to me, and I don't recall having seen one like this (this of course means nothing alarming - it could have been made especially for Tiffany. Is the inside of the case back also solid 18k gold (as marked)?

As we are non comercial here, feel free to email me on levi"at"iae.nl and I can advise you on that front.

Lets see if anyone else here has seen a similar example.

Thank you, Mark. I see what you are saying about the lugs, that is interesting. In answer to your question, the case back appears to be solid 18k inside and out. Is there some way for me to be sure other than have a jeweler test it? Is the textured finish on the inside unusual?
Jim

The lugs are entirely correct for a reference 810, which is what this is.

Here's a photo of another reference 810 from IWC's archives:

Thank you, Michael. And does that gap of 6 years between the manufacture dates of the movement and the case make sense?
Jim

Normally there is a 1 year sometimes 2 or 3 year gap,but we do see exceptions - so nothing alarming there.

Its a nice piece. The Ref.810A (in reality it's a Ref.810AD) is quite "common".
The watch seems to be well used. The crown seems not to be the original one. The dark dial is very nice.
Concerning "the Tiffany & Co" marking I always have some doubts. There are watches out with it. This one, is from the mid 1960's, I dont know if that Tiffany still bought watches from IWC.

Kind regards

Ralph

Thank you, Ralph.
Would you then have some concern about the authenticity of the case and not the movement?
Regards,
Jim

Tiffany had specialists in the back room for years which dismantled wristwatches and then carefully screen their brand onto the dials of IWC, Rolex and other luxury watch brands before display or sale.

Hi

Additional question: Is there an XOT or HXB marking in the cock?

Kind regards

Ralph

Hi Ralph,
Sorry for the delay, I was away.
There is an HOX marking. What is the significance?
Regards,
Jim

It is a signature for (not from) US-customes, so the watch was produced for the US market, this is a good sing.

Kind regards

Ralph