Providence and IWC indicative valuations

The title should be provenance not that nice place on Rhode Island.

When I acquired my Ref 5251, it came with a number of documents including the scanned letter from Schaffhausen to the owner in 2004. I was fascinated that IWC gave an indication of value of CHF 12,000. They also stated that around 200 pieces were produced. Moreover, a valuation was given for a Ref 5441 of CHF 15,000. The letter does not say whether the Portuguese was steel, gold or platinum. The highlighter on the original letter was not my work but I have removed the owner's name, address and reference numbers from the scanned image.

I can understand why IWC does not give indicative values anymore but I am surprised they did so as recently as 2004.

Incidentally, if you are a fortunate owner of a Jubilee Portuguese, please note: IT IS NOT WATERPROOF.

That is the first time I have ever heard definitive information regarding the quantity of 5251's produced. Prior to this, everything I have heard has been speculation by collectors. I think a fair number of those 5251's are owned by readers of this Forum!

Thanks for sharing it with us!

that certainly is interesting Ralph and I've never seen such invoice anyway. If you have your watch serviced via IWC Benelux/Nordics in Amsterdam you only get a generic 'full overhaul' statement + price.....

Regards,

Bob

Interesting stuff -- thanks for sharing Rave.

looking forward to seeing your magnificent 5251 again :)

Ralph, indeed intereting that IWC issued that written statement as recently at that!

Thanks for sharing.

....feel free to post as many pictures too, of that magnificent watch!

Best regards
Mark

Note to self - take off Junilee Portuguese 5441 before getting in the shower !

Quite an interesting piece of documentation.

I understand there were solid and exhibition backs, did they share the same reference number?