IWC – Calatrava Original 1953 Steel Watch – Cal. C.83

The International Watch Company (IWC), established in 1868 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, has a distinguished history in Swiss watchmaking and this vintage IWC wristwatch exemplifies the
brand’s commitment to precision and craftsmanship. This watch has a stainless steel case measuring 34.8 mm excluding the crown, with a pressure-locked back-. The case is in an overall very good condition and it shows only light traces of use. The caseback is engraved with a nice presentation which dates the watch to 1953. The plexiglass crystal is in perfect condition.

The professionally restored silvered dial maintains its original layout, with clear Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds register at six o’clock. The restoration has preserved the overall legibility, and the printing and markers remain well-defined and there are no visible signs of patina or discoloration. Powered by the IWC Caliber 83, an in-house manual-winding movement produced between 1935 and 1947, this model was widely used in both civilian watches and military-issued timepieces, notably the Mark X supplied to the British military during the 1940s.

The movement’s robust design and reliability made it a preferred choice for both professional and military timepieces. It has a bimetallic balance and a Breguet overcoil hairspring. Introduced in 1935 and produced until 1947, with approximately 67,800 units made, this movement played a significant role in IWC’s early history. Its reliability and qualitative engineering made it a hallmark of the brand’s early wristwatches.

The watch is also fitted with a new Italian leather strap. This IWC has been fully serviced in-house and is in good working order. The watch will be delivered with a six-month guarantee and an originality certificate, ensuring both functionality and authenticity. Inquiries are welcome, and worldwide shipping is available.