Founded more than 150 years ago, the International Watch Company has grown to become one of the most recognizable Swiss watch brands on the planet. And one of the things they're especially famous for is their caliber 85 movement, which is widely regarded as one of the finest watch movements ever made. The cal. 85 was introduced in the 1950s and was the second automatic movement the brand ever made – it was also their first automatic movement with central seconds. That movement went on to birth multiple subsequent versions, including the cal. 852, 853, 854 and finally the 8541B.

The cal. 854 (or 8541) in-house movement found in this ref. 817A were initially introduced in 1964, and received widespread recognition when IWC utilized them in their premier Ingenieur line of watches. But the movement was also used in a wide variety of different offerings from the IWC brand, thanks to its robust design and reliability.

This particular IWC in stainless steel is simply stunning with a no-nonsense design. The dressy Calatrava case and dial design pairs excellently with the utilitarian stainless steel material. This watch makes for a highly reliable daily wearer, that is designed to last.

SPECS

CASE & BRACELET

The exceptional stainless steel Calatrava-style case features short and broad lugs with light signs of honest use and is believed to remain unpolished. The case retains its original IWC fish logo crown. The case back shows wear appropriate for its age. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap.  

DIAL & HANDS

The silver sunburst dial features subtle details that elevate this watch from simple to sophisticated. The dial itself remains in excellent vintage condition and the onyx enamel inlaid markers match the onyx enamel inlaid hands perfectly.

ACCESSORIES 

None. The watch is running at spec and is in perfect working condition, additional service history is unknown.