Caliber 61?

Hello, please help me identify this vintage piece. It appears to be powered by a Caliber 61, the serial number is 1021002, and it features a Hermet case.

Hi matusch,

correct, that is a caliber 61 from 1941 according to the movement number.

nice watch

-Cromagnonman

Do you think it’s possible to restore it? We were told that the balance cock is broken—likely because the watch was dropped—but everything else appears to be in very good condition. The local watch repair shop mentioned that finding the replacement part will be very difficult.
Thanks

Hi matush,

since the movement is from 1941, it doesnt have a shock protection unit on the balance staff. If such a watch is dropped, it is likely that one of the pivots of the balance staff breaks and the watch stops. A skilled watchmaker can replace the balance staff. There have ben second source providers of replacement balance staffs for IWC like Flume or Ronda. From what i know the balance of a IWC Cal. 60 would fit also. Your watch seems to be in a quite nice condition. The Hermet case makes it interesting for collectors. 

br Cromagnonman

That’s a fascinating vintage piece, especially with the Hermet case. I’d definitely get a second opinion from a watchmaker who has experience with older IWC movements before giving up on the repair. Finding the right replacement part may take some time, but keeping as much of the original movement as possible would be worthwhile. Please share an update if you decide to restore it — it would be great to see the finished watching app!

That's a lovely find — a 1941 caliber 61 in a Hermet case is well worth saving. The Hermet cases were quite advanced for their time, so it would be a shame to leave it sitting broken. On the balance cock: as Cromagnonman noted, there is no shock protection on these early movements, which makes a broken cock easy to explain after any old knock. A good vintage watchmaker should be able to repair it or fit a donor part from another caliber 61 movement. Before committing to a local repair, it may also be worth asking IWC's heritage service for a quote — they still take on pieces of this vintage, and keeping it fully correct helps its long-term value. Please share photos once it is running again.