… For IWC pocket watches. I wanted a pocket watch, I searched for a calibre 73 and even more for a calibre 77 but with few success, so far.
Considering I had to start from somewhere, somehow, I decided to jump into this brand new world…
And kick this thing off!
... Acquiring a calibre 67
The Forum, The Source
As I consider, like everybody here, the study related to a particular watch one the funniest part of the “job” of getting a new watch, I took this chance to recall some of the main sources I found in the archive to learn more about this calibre. I excluded for purpose any other bibliographic references.
My hope and my will is to pay tribute to this forum and its archive and to homage the people who contributed to its implementation, that’s why, after many of the sentences here will follow, you’ll find the link to the former posts I took the information from.
Before I start, let me be clear on these two points:
While my hope is not to bore you, my certainty is I’m just a beginner with some enthusiasm to share, so please, Michael, Greg and all of you really expert People, amend my comments if I have written something not correct.
My pocket watch is really nothing special but what I really consider special is the story it can tell about IWC.
I hope you’ll enjoy it.
2 calibres 67?
There are two calibres 67 in IWC’s history, chronologically, the first was a 12 lignes pocket watch movement for the ladies, single plated, produced at the end of XIX century. The second one will be produced from 1933 to 1958 (with short interruption between ’38 – ’40) in 23,400 examples, 5,5 mm thick, 41 mm diameter, it was offered with 15 or 16 jewels.
A Personal Pocket Watch Collection by Michael Friedberg: www.iwcforum.com/Articles/MFPocketWatches/text2.html
Reliable watch for daring people*
The new calibre 67 turns, compared to the first, from rough to stubborn, an essential architecture but with its own personality. None the less it will be used for the less expensive line of products it will prove its reliability and precision, earning on the ground, some respect from its users, as also testified by the interest of the Deutsche Kriegsmarine that will use, starting from 1942 via Gerl & Schipper – Köln, 665 models of this calibre as chronometers for its warships and submarines.
www.iwc.com/member/forum/search_all.asp?table=archives&sMessage=KM&archived=yes&id=46828 - IWC navigation watches for the German Navy - kfranzk
Two military IWCs you don't always see - MF
Still alive
Calibre 67 survives to the Second World War, it will remain in production until 1958. Still, on December 5, 1966, 125 pieces will be delivered as observation watches to the Deutsche Bundeswehr. These calibres will continue to serve even in the quartz era knocking at the door. It is peculiar to this supply, the absence of The "KM" (Kriegsmarine) and/or the "Bund" indication.
German IWC post war Observation Watch – alwayiwc
Some Technical Information
Taken by Fournitures N°7.
Even if calibre 67 lacks of some of the more sophisticated improvements elaborated by the maison from Schaffausen for its pocket watches, like for instance, the regulator spring (not the one illustrated by the table though) or might look poor compared to those calibers with the jewel for the central wheel (again, not the one in the table), it still enucleates the pure essence of a whole productive philosophy.
The most sophisticated calibre 67 in history?
An interesting link where I found the boldest elaboration on a calibre 67 ever made, his name is known, his opus also.
Habring Uhrentechnik: members.a1.net/habring/tourbillons.html
A cal67 with tourbillon??? - paballa
My calibre 67 – Part 1
Here’s my calibre 67, exactly, Cal. 67-18'''H5:
Calibre 67 vaunts another peculiarity, the serial number on the movement is not inscribed close to the balance but next to the barrel. This is due to the fact that, during 1938-1940, serial numbers changed from 6 to 7 digits, there’s need for more room and, as numbers get bigger, there’s no more space beside the barrel. So, after that period, the serial number changes place back nearby the balance bridge. My Cal. 67 has s.n. inscribed close to the barrel, this means it was built before 1940.
My Calibre 67 – Part 2
My Calibre 67 – Part 3
Another peculiarity of the dial, the International Watch Co. script is “squeezed”, this is a minus for collectors but I think it is fully balanced by the dial itself that reminds of, better, completely shares the stilema of the most classical dial used for the Portuguese, ref. 325.
My compliments if you managed to arrive at this point, I hope you liked it and I would be really pleased to hear your comments anyway.
Kind Regards,
Roberto
Additional question... - Ralph Ehrismann
What can I say? A fine survey of the cal.
67! Enlightening and interesting. And I think your watch is great looking. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
My compliments amico mio
I ll need some time to go through this great saga,
but a giallorosso? LOL
Best regards
Argiris
Congratulations, for several reasons...
Hi Roberto,
My congratulations is for much more than an acquisition of a very nice pocket watch. It's also for:
My compliments.
Michael
Great watch research/scholarship,...
interesting presentation, and excellent photos. Congratulazioni, il mio fratello! Thank you for sharing this with all of us and enjoy your IWC pocket watch!
Best regards,
Jim
Totally agree. nt
Epitome of this forum
A true dedicatee (not sure if this word exists), scholar, historian, AND geek :)
Let's take IWC to a higher level !!
IWC Cal 67, or rather, my stubborn passion…
Wonderful review of a beautiful watch!
This combination in particular - the steel case with white dial and gold numerals and hands is 'the' classic IWC look to me.
Use it in good health!
Kind regards,
Michael
Impressive post and hardy congratulations
for the acquisition and for your report. It is much appreciated by all of us that are still on the low end of the IWC learning curve.
Ciao,