IWC Pocket watch Circa 1902

Hi all,

I'm looking for some guidance.

My grandmother recently found her father's old pocket watch from around 1902. Please see the photos below.

• It's an International Watch Co. (IWC) piece
• The movement number is 778042
• Based on some initial research, it was likely manufactured between 1902 and 1905
•  

I haven’t been able to find another watch with the same number font and face, which makes me wonder if it's a rare variation. I know the watch needs some work, but I’d love to learn more about its background and potential value.

Any insight or information would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Benfish777

What you have here is a beautiful IWC Pocket watch Cal 73 dating to approximately 1921- the height of the so called ART DECO period.

The font you refer to is called BREGUET numerals.

The diamond hand is unusual, but not particularly rare.

The watch you show will need repair/restoration to clean the enamel dial, replace the missing glass, crown and minute hand.

Is the back case decorated at all?

As Mark said, it is a beautiful Cal 73 from 1921, and the case number is consistent with IWC pocket watches delivered around 1923. I would say the font is a little more stylized than a true Breguet font, but is similar and not uncommon for IWC watches of the era.