I have been collecting watches for quite some time. I do not have much experience in IWC and I just came across this rare find. Is there anybody that can give me some information about this watch like year, market price, references, etc ???? Thank you so much and I would love to hear all your comments !!
Hello, you have a nice vintage Aquatimer ref 812.
When you look in the archives, there is plenty of info about this beautiful watch.
Fantastic find and particularly rare in the white/black or black/white combination! Really really special!
Maybe the hands are a bit particular? Are they 'skeletonised' ('see through')?
Kind regards,
Bob
I totally agree with Tonny´s and Bob´s opinion.
Just a hint: Those tritium paticles can be hazardes when that watch will be opened, because those particles are still radio active.
So, be carefull when you open the watch, just do it outside the house.
And a service is useful to prevent problems with those lume particles inside.
Regards
HEBE
Wow gorgeous watch, do you know what year its from?
Bob - It looks like the hands became see through as the lume disintegrated. Beautiful watch indeed!
What a beautiful Aquatimer in absolutely original condition. Amazing find, congratulations :o)
With respect, hebe is one of the collectors who has enceclopedial knowledge about IWC and other watches. But I differ from opinion about the hazardous Tritium particles. Tritium only emits Beta-rays, almost not able to penetrate the skin, in contrast of course with Radium 226, emitting alfa rays, with a half time of 1600 years. Tritium has a half time of 12,6 years and has not been used since 45 years, being almost 4 half time cycles. The maximum radiation would now be 6-7 % of its original value. Besides Tritium is a gas which has been linked to an organic substance. The adherence is also a victim of time or to phrase it differently : Tritium has vaporated from the watch almost entirely.
I once have measured and published the radiation of a Mark 11 with Tritium dial.
After 24hours of continous registration I could not find any measurable radiation higher than the back ground radiation, using the most sensitive geiger counter available.
Kind regards,
Adrian,
(alwaysiwc).
Nice find - the 812 AD is probably my favourite IWC :)
Cool find. I never saw that one before. Thanks to this great Forum, I can learn every day something new.
Cheers Chris
Congrats you lucky guy, that's a very rare find, a true grail watch!
I'm still hoping to find one in the future.
Enjoy!
/Anders
Hello. Thank you for your comment and question. I sent the watch to get serviced and I did not checked that out but I am trying to look for a set of perfect hands for that particular watch. I have gotten many comment about this watch and they are all positive ones. I really appreciate your input. I was thinking on selling it when serviced but now I am reluctant for it's rarity. Please have a great day !!
I am not certain but I think is from 1967 but I will try to find out. If you find the answer before me, I would love to hear your comments. Thank you so much for the input!! Please have a great day !!
Thank you so much to all of you that have helped me so much in getting to know this watch a little bit better. I have it in service but I can't wait on getting it back. I was going to sell it after but now that I have gotten so many positive comments on this watch, I am reluctant. Thank you so much and please have a great day !! Best regards !!
BTW. the case number is 1.8 million so I am just guessing it might be around 1967 or 1968. I will get the case number as soon as it gets back from the watchmaker and I will have a better and more accurate idea. Thank you very much !!
Than you so much! It is in service and I hope to enjoy it so much when it comes back. I was a little reluctant if to sell or not. We will see how it goes. Please have a wonderful day and keep in touch !!
