Hello everyone,
I’m an electrical engineer from Spain, and I’ve recently spent some time studying a family treasure that has been with us for over 50 years. I wanted to share it with this community because, frankly, there is a certain mystery surrounding this specific configuration that I’d love to untangle with you.
What we have here is the IWC Ref. 3001 "UFO" Beta 21 in solid 18k yellow gold. Beyond the gold, the real "meat" for an engineer like me is in the math of its design and rarity.
Now, thanks to the Moderator, Masters and other entuhiasts, I know that the production of the first-series Calibre 2001 (Beta 21) was limited to approximately 600 units. When you split those 600 "hearts" between the wristwatch (Ref. 3070) and this pocket version (Ref. 3001), and then factor in the different metals (gold vs. steel)... the numbers get very small, very fast. It’s a statistical survivor.
Condition:
The watch is in exceptional shape. While the case back shows some honest signs of time (the "patina" of a 50-year-old family treasure), the front of the watch is remarkably well-preserved.
As you can see in the photos and even better in the video I’ve provided, the gold case catches the light beautifully. The visual presence of the watch is simply stunning.
The movement is crisp, keeps excellent time, and has been recently serviced. The sweeping seconds hand moves with that characteristic 1970s soul. You can see the fluid motion of the caliber in the link below (please note that while the camera doesn't fully capture the iconic "humming" sound, it is perfectly audible in person).
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_Mt6LGnfjJxAwPr4HT__6yDDYlal0F3C?usp=sharing
Next Steps:
This process has been a truly rewarding journey, but also a revealing one. To be honest, where I live, my experiences with local jewelers and 'professional' watchmakers were quite disappointing. Some didn't even know what they were looking at, others completely dismissed the piece or, worse, treated it as mere scrap gold to be melted down. It was frustrating to see such a technical milestone being ignored by those who should appreciate it most.
While I deeply appreciate the engineering, I believe it’s time for this UFO to find its next "steward." I am here to learn more from your collective wisdom and to find the proper channels for its sale, whether through specialized auction houses or collectors who truly value the dawn of the electronic era in Schaffhausen. If this experience is as positive as I expect, I look forward to sharing the rest of my family’s collection here in the future.
There are a few more stories yet to be told!
I look forward to your insights and recommendations.
Best regards,
Rodrigo Bescansa
email: rodrigobescansa@gmail.com