C.1906 IWC 47mm pocket watch conversion “Portuguese” with Savonette Cal.53 manual winding movement in 3pc Steel case

Description

Vintage. No box/papers and a Passions pouch will be given.

This is an exemplary specimen of a pocket watch conversion done by a professional some three decades ago. The IWC movement has been serviced and came from a Savonette (Hunting) movement with the stem @ 3 o’clock vs the traditional 6. This movement together with Cal.52 (Stem @ 12) were produced between 1888 to 1940. Here’s a good article by IWC on their pocket watch history and another article by a German owner documenting an IWC Cal.53 watch in their family for five generations.

The serial number on our watch dates it to 1906. This was the year that vehicle registrations started in Singapore. This was also the year of the first Gran Prix racing was held in France, Germany launched their first submarine, U-1 and China was still under Qing dynasty rule.

The case of this watch was machined from a block of stainless steel in Portuguese style with three parts and a new dial in matt black was made for it. This conversion was done by a skillful watch maker, showing no flaw nor gaps in the fitment and the watch functions exactly like a wristwatch. The watch keeps very good time as it is and offers an exhibition glass back for us to admire this movement that’s more than a century old.

The size is a decent 47mm and has 20mm lugs so you have many options for straps or even a bracelet if you wish.

Further 3% discount for non-credit card payments.