I think I have a vintage IWC, but can't get the back off

Hello,

I'm new. I hope I in the right forum? My question is I think I have a vintage IWC, 40-50's, fish on crown. I can't get the SnapBack case off though. Edit (I think it's a 666a. No snap back cases on these boys. I would still like to know how the case unscrews? It looks like it needs a special tool--like a cinch wrench used on screw on cases without any tool intentions?
I have a weird feeling this watch might have been a sample, but will let you guys/ladies decide when I post pictures.)

I'll post pictures of the watch. If anyone who repairs watches sees this, I'd appreciate your feedback.

(I can't figure out how to post pictures? Is there something I'm missing in the tool bar?).

Thanks

Image code: [](s736.photobucket.com/user/hello94969/media/image.jpg2_zps29dnludp.jpg.html)

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Not sure what watch you've got but leave getting the back off to the experts. Watch knives and case removing tools aren't available in hardware shops.

I work on watches, but have never seen a case system like this presumably vintage IWC. I think it's a 666a? Will post pictures soon. Would still like to know how the smooth case unscrews(looks like it takes a special wrench? I saw an old ad for IWC 666a and saw some case threads, but no indentions for a case tool?

I think I should be in parts? If their are anyone involved In Watch Repair, as a hobby, or profession I would like your input? It might be a sample model?

Thanks for the comment--and no I'm not buying tools at the hardware store? Fully stocked with Bergeon, bench, and a few years experience, but this case is unusual.

(I would post picture, but can't find the upload icon. Just signed up yesterday.)

Welcome to the Forum. I'm intrigued too now.
Here is a quick guide how to post pictures...

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](s998.photobucket.com/user/Christoph63/media/IWC/HowtoPostaPictureRev4-2_zpse4a988891_zpsd77ccf5a.png.html)

Thank you Mark Fleminger!](s998.photobucket.com/user/Christoph63/media/IWC/HowtoPostaPictureRev4-2_zpse4a988891_zpsd77ccf5a.png.html)

Well, I'm glad I didn't ruin the watch by assuming it's a one piece case--so glad!

I'm pretty sure it's a 666a.

I will post pictures of the watch later, along with a weird story of how this watch was thrown in a watchmaker's bin for spares, or low end watches.

If anyone is familiar with first edition 666a IWC watches, I would like to know how to unscrew the case.

Again thanks for viewing!

Actually, someone told me it has a cal 89 movement. I have never seen SnapBack case that is so snugly fitted. I guess the age of the watch is relevant?

Anyways, I am thing of buying a Hortia watch case tool? Another tool?
If any experienced Watchmakers's happen to read this I appreciate any tricks you have used on especially tight backs? I'm assuming because the case is stainless steel and 75 years old--that's why it's on so tight?

Or, IWC put cal 89 movements in different style cases, and this case is a screw back---like vintage Mido watches.

Thanks for looking! I don't need "dad" advice, like bring it to a professional. I will if needed, but want to keep the costs down, at least for now.

It's really hard to give you advice without some pictures, preferably close ups.

I will post pictures next week. I really appreciate the help. Really!

[](s736.photobucket.com/user/hello94969/media/image.jpg3_zpszltdsbzm.jpg.html)

I put up some pictures today. I appreciate your time. (I got the dial out by tilting the case, and in the slight opening I loosened a dial screw. The opposing dial screw was loose--and the face came off. ) Someone suggested it was a cal 89. I would like a confirmation on the case. It sure looks like a SnapBack case, but I just don't want to ruin a nice case if it's a screwback, or a monobloc? What's even weirder is I think I hear a rotor in the back? Or, someting is loose? It's keeping perfect time, and I don't think it's been serviced for decades.

Again thanks--this is my first vintage IWC.

Hello,

I was told this is a cal 89.  I still need to know of its a monobloc, or SnapBack, or screwback?   A watch maker put those marks in the case, and then wanted to charge me.  I told him I appreciate his time, but you didn't do anything to the watch other than scratch it?  An experienced watch maker couldn't get this case apart?

Any help appreciated?

As you appear to have the caseback off now you should be able to see a reference number engraved on the inside of it. The movement looks a mystery to me, do you have any closer shots or alternatively can you see a number engraved on it ?

Hello,

Thanks for everyone's help. It's a Cal. 853, early 60's?

To the guys who always recommend "Go to a Watch Repair Professional. That's great advice, but it's common sense?
I don't repair watches for a living, but have been repairing watches for years. I guess I didn't make that clear? I

That said I had a vintage IWC that had a case back that was the tightest I have ever come across. This was my first vintage IWC, so I wasen't familiar with the construction. As far as I can deduce, IWC only produced screw, and snap-back cases. This particular case was probally on the watch since the 1960's, and didn't have any lip to catch a blade.(A lot of older watches don't provide a lip.). I thought this case might be a screw back case that needed
a special cinch tool, but there wasn't enough space for even the thinnest cinch tool? I though by chance it might be a monobloc--it was not. It was just a very tight snap-back case.

I got it off with a modified tool. (email me if you need help getting it off, and I will walk you through the steps, and the tool I needed to make. Oh yea, be careful with Watch Repair personnel who just have a case back tool, and a strong arm; This one recommended repair person was about to ruin my case with too much muscle. I finally took the watch back, after he wanted to do the "Hammer method"? He did admit this was his first vintage IWC too, and the case had him fooled too.

Again thanks everyone--I really like this old 853! I am really amazed at the quality of the movement, and even the case! In the pictures, the ink dissolved off the dial, but it's original. The entire watch is original!

That's great to hear. Is there a reference number inside the back of the case ?