So I found an archived article about "cyclops" Ingenieurs.
At the top was a photo that I couldn't see the model of. I've re-added it here - can anyone tell me what it is? It's stunning! Love the tritium dot markers and the absence of Arabic numbers of any kind. Thanks.
Hi,
Guess it's a ref. 666 Ingenieur but if you go here you should be able to find it:
Frizzellweb...
Regards,
Bob
Thanks Bob, I've had a look. If anyone knows exactly which version this is, I'd be grateful but I will continue to research.
"Cyclops" refers to a type of magnifying lens built into the crystal and placed above the date window. These were, and continue to be used on many models across many brands. The one that you posted has no such lens.
Here's an example:
With regard to the one that you posted, the dial is from a later ref. 666AD. There were only two steel models: ref. 666A (non-date), and 666AD (date). That dial was not found on the early cal. 852 versions, however.
Regards,
Tony C.
Thanks Tony
Yes my mention of the cyclops was just in reference to the article I read, not the watch itself ;)
So - 666AD it is then. I shall begin my hunt! Beautiful watch....
Ah, sorry.
Bear in mind that many sellers do not use the correct "A" or "AD" suffix, so you might want to broaden your searches to include all IWC Ingenieur 666 hits.
Cheers,
Tony C.
The "loupe" was a possible feature for the Ref. 666AD
It was not so common, an it took a long time for me to see one.
Firstly I thought it was added later, but I found somewhere that it was a feature on the Ref. 666AD (And it's gold versions Ref. 766 Ref. 9xxx based on the Ref 666AD)
Then the loupe came up again on the Ref.3521/2 (and also the gold versions based on this model Ref. 9xxx)
Between this two "models", I have not seen models wich officially had this loupe feature as option.
regards
watch77
An odd set of hands to be teamed with that dial-style
Guys
What is the deal with hands on these models? Some seem to have large broad "arrow" hands like in the original photo but another supposed 666AD here has much thinner hands (that seem more common on the later 866 models in the old catalogues)
Can anyone clear this pointup for me? Thanks!
The hands on the first example are correct "dauphine" hands. Those shown in your photo are also correct "baton" hands (both styles were used).
However, as Catherine (oneredtrim) pointed out, those on the black dialed example do not appear to be correct, and are unlikely to be original.
Regards,
Tony C.
Thanks a lot Tony!
These really are beautiful watches to me.... :)
With these 666s... how likely is it to come across them, with all their original parts, straps etc these days? Are box and papers uncommon? Does it have a huge impact on their price? Is buying one without original strap and papers wise or foolish?
Many questions!
Thanks.
It is possible to find original examples, though rarely with an original leather strap. Possibly an original bracelet, thought it would be difficult to be certain unless it were a one owner watch.
Box and papers are rare, but not impossible to find, and yes, they certainly would add value.
It would not be foolish to buy a 666 without box or papers. The key is to be certain that it is minimally "correct", and ideally original. In other words, if parts have been replaced, collectors typically prefer that the replacements be correct for the model.
In terms of resale value, it is also best if the condition of the parts is reasonably consistent. In other words, if the dial has been replaced, and is pristine, while the case shows clear signs of age and wear, that inconsistency would be off-putting to many collectors.
Regards,
Tony C.
Thanks Tony.
On another note - if the watch were more for wearing and enjoying now rather than as a long term investment, is polishing and rust removal considered a good or bad idea? I have heard that Rolex can make a watch look practically brand new with a full service, do IWC offer a similar service to your knowledge?
Thanks.
There is a good deal of subjectivity involved in vintage watch collecting. Some collectors are very critical, and demand originality and a high standard of condition. Most are more lenient, and are comfortable with appropriate replacement parts, etc.
Case polishing and the refinishing or replacement of dials are polarizing issues; some have little or no tolerance, while others are relatively relaxed about them.
While I am not a perfectionist, I do much prefer cases that retain their original lines. Polishing may catch the eye with the shine of the surfaces, but is often at the expense of the sharp angles and/or contours that were originally present.
There really shouldn't be any rust present on vintage Ingenieurs, as the cases were made of stainless steel. If it is found, it may be around or on the movement, but that would indicate that significant moisture had permeated the case at some time, and would be a warning flag that one would be wise to heed.
Watches sent to IWC for full service may well return looking superficially "like new". But I stress "superficially", as a polished case, replacement dial, etc., will not look new to any seasoned collector, and the value of the watch on resale may deteriorate as well.
If you are not concerned about resale value, and expect to wear and enjoy the watch for many years, these decisions should be purely subjective.
Cheers,
Tony C.
Me again..!
Does anyone know if the 666 ADs are able to fit the new Santoni leather straps that IWC uses?
Thanks.
Hi Guys
I'm still looking for a 666AD
This one is for sale but the strap looks most unusual - do any of you recognize it as correct for this timepiece? Thanks.
That bracelet is definitely not original, nor correct!
Regards,
Tony C.
Thanks Tony, that's what I thought too - it doesn't even look right around the lugs.
Will be interesting to see what the company is asking for this watch, haha....