Manufacturer: IWC Year: 1967 Reference No: 812 AD Movement No: 1760402 Case No: 1808730 Model Name: Aquatimer Material: Stainless Steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 8541 Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel IWC Gay Frères bracelet, max. length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel IWC folding deployant clasp Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by IWC Extract of Archives confirming the sale of the present timepiece on July 12, 1967 by Chronometrie Beyer, and unbranded travel pouch.
Catalogue Essay
Some of the most important dive watches of the 20th century were introduced in the mid 1950s following World War II, incorporating technological advances developed during the war.
IWC came to the production of dive watches quite late compared to other brands, releasing its first aptly named ‘Aquatimer’ in 1967. Distinguished for it's clean aesthetics and engineering excellence the model was produced in far fewer examples than competing dive watches, reference 812 AD has grown to be an iconic IWC watch for connoisseurs. The Aquatimer has a modern, sleek appeal with a ‘super compressor’ case that has less bulk compared with other dive watches of the era. A timing ring placed underneath the crystal replaces the outer rotating bezel. This works as a safety mechanism, keeping the bezel from being bumped and accidentally changing the time, as well as giving the watch a flatter profile. Most interestingly, research has shown that dials featuring a fish depiction above the six o'clock signature are part of an extremely small batch of Aquatimers retailed by Chronometrie Beyer in Zürich.
Further, the in-house caliber 8541 movement features the innovative “Pellaton” winding system, patented by IWC in 1950. This horological innovation uses a bi-directional rotor improved efficiency, giving greater winding power.
The present IWC Aquatimer from 1967, fitted with its original Gay Frères bracelet, is further preserved in excellent overall condition with strong proportions and a very attractive overall appeal.
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.