One of the most intriguing aspects of watch collecting is that even nowadays novel and unexpected timepieces can be in fact discovered, as the present watch demonstrates. This IWC Yacht Club ref. 9216 dons a supremely attractive cloisonné enamel dial. The design follows in the tradition of other IWC cloisonné timepieces, featuring a floral decoration (for another example see lot 199, The Geneva Watch Auction: One ).

However, the present watch presents two traits which makes it highly unusual and extremely appealing. First, the presence of an enamel dial in such a sporty timepiece is highly unusual. Secondarily, according to IWC the watch was sold on November 4, 1977 in Qatar. Cloisonné enamel dials are typical of the 1950s/1960s. It is highly unusual to find a cloisonné timepiece this late. In depth analysis of the dial, however, confirm its originality, with the back bearing the expected counter-enamel layer - applied to prevent cracking of the front due to faster cooling of the back - and bearing the codes “61 -the client code for IWC-(Stern Star)2558”, matching what is found on other IWC enamelled timepieces. While the IWC archive fails to mention the dial style, it is our opinion - and IWC heritage department’s as well - that the watch was in fact born in this configuration, making the timepiece as unusual as it is charming and collectible.