IWC - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: IWC
    Year: Circa 1936
    Movement No: 941'505
    Case No: 974'859 inner case back stamped with same number
    Model Name: Mark IX
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 83, 16 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle signed IWC
    Dimensions: 38mm. Diameter
    Signed: Dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Certain model names have been engraved in the Hall of Fame of horological icons: Calatrava, Royal Oak, Reverso or Speedmaster to name a few. Amongst this elite group proudly stands the IWC Mark series.

    The Mark IX is undisputedly one of IWC’s more mythical and elusive watches. A certain mystery surrounds its creation and it is rarely, if ever, seen on the international auction market.

    Even though the Mark IX is the originator of the fabled Mark series of military watches, it was not a military watch per se. Made in 1936, its large steel case, black dial, large radium numerals spade style hands and inner rotating bezel used to measure elapsed time give it an obvious aviation style despite it being a commercial watch. It furthermore houses a beautifully hand decorated cal. 83.

    In an ad from the late 1930s IWC refered to this watch as the "Spezialuhr für Fliege" - Pilot's Watch and further indicated that the watch could withstand tough conditions, was tested from minus 40°C to plus 40°C and was antimagnetic. A pioneer of what we call aviator watches today, the Mark IX interestingly only got its moniker once the Mark X was commissioned by the British MoD (Ministry of Defense).

    The present lot in overall wonderful condition is one of those rare timepieces whose discovery increases the pulse so charged it is with history and legend.

  • Artist Biography

    IWC

    Swiss • 1868

    With a clear focus on technology and development, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing timepieces of lasting value since 1868. The company has gained an international reputation based on a passion for innovative solutions and technical ingenuity. One of the world's leading brands in the luxury watch segment, IWC crafts masterpieces of haute horlogerie at their finest, combining high precision with masculine design. Vintage wristwatches such as the oversized Portugieser, Aquatimer, Ingenieur and the B-UHR pilots watch are especially desirable for collectors.

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A large, attractive and rare stainless steel aviator wristwatch

Circa 1936
38mm. Diameter
Dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€17,300-25,900
$20,700-31,000

Sold for CHF25,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017