| Brand | IWC |
|---|---|
| Model | |
| Reference | 468 |
| Year of production (circa) | 1962 |
| Material | Steel |
| Crystal | Acrylic |
| Dial color | Champagne |
| Movement | Automatic |
| Diameter | 35 mm |
| Bracelet/strap: | Leather |
| Buckle/clasp | Generic steel |
| Lug Width | 18 mm |
| Set Content | Watch only |
Dress, Vintage Watches, Better Dressed
IWC Dress Watch Ref. 468
If you like your vintage dress watch to show its age, this could be right up your alley.
This IWC has a steel oversized case measuring 35 mm and sword hands. The patina of the dial is telling a story, it aged to an eggshell color almost light champagne. It is fitted with caliber 853 also used for the early Ingenieur.
A watch with a story, do you write the next chapter?
€ 2.950
Availability: In stock
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Details
Backstory
Shipping
Brand
IWC
Diameter
35 mm
Model
Dress watch
Bracelet/strap:
Leather
Reference
468
Buckle/clasp
Generic steel
Year of production (circa)
1962
Lug Width
18 mm
Material
Steel
Set Content
Watch only
Crystal
Acrylic
Warranty
2 year (AWCo)
Dial color
Champagne
Movement
Automatic
International Watch Company, better known as IWC Schaffhausen, was founded by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones in 1868. The company specialized in Aviation watches and is currently operating under the Richemont Group umbrella.
IWC introduced its first pilot’s watch in 1936. An inner rotating pointer could be used to keep track of take-off times and the escapement was anti-magnetic, to cope with the magnetic fields from the cockpit instruments.
In 1939, two Portuguese distributors ordered a large wristwatch with pocket watch movement and another iconic IWC line was born: the Portugieser. Today, particularly the dressy Portugieser chronographs are popular among IWC aficionados.
When Europe plummets into WWII, IWC is commissioned by both sides of the conflict to supply military watches. The two best-known examples are the Dirty Dozen field watches for the allies and the big pilot, known as Beobachtungsuhr or B-uhr, for the German Luftwaffe. The latter would form the design template for the later Big Pilot range.
Towards the end of WWII, IWC developed a new military movement, known as Cal. 89. When the war ends, the tough caliber is fitted to civilian watches. The Cal. 89 watches, many in classic Calatrava style, remain popular among collectors until today. In 1948, the Cal. 89 is fitted to the Pilot Mk XI, another popular vintage reference.
1955 Saw the introduction of another influential IWC model: the Ingenieur. IWC used its expertise in magnetic resistance to manufacture a watch for engineers and scientists, working with magnetic fields. This is two years after Rolex introduced the Milgauss for the same clientele.
In 1967, IWC branches out into water sports. The Aquatimer is introduced as a serious divewatch. The more casual Yacht Club is launched alongside for all-purpose daily wearing.
IWC remained innovative, being among the early adopters of the brand new quartz technology, for instance. But the house also recognized the value of heritage, building on its historic Pilot and Portugieser ranges. The result is a broad scope of all sorts of watches, for all sorts of people. Through it all, IWC maintained a reputation as high quality watchmakers.
At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.
We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.
Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.