C.1944 IWC rectangular with tear drop lugs manual winding Cal.87 in heavy 14KYG case

Description

Vintage. No box or paper but a Passions box will be given.

This is an absolutely beautiful vintage watch by IWC from mid-1940s to early 50s during the War years. It has a heavy 14ct yellow gold rectangular case with fancy lugs in excellent condition. The silvered dial has appliqué gold Arabic numerals and small seconds with railway track minute divisions. The movement is a finely finished Cal.87 that is manually wound and decorated to the highest standard and in mint condition.

The 14ct yellow gold case would’ve been made in America due to import tariffs that affected nearly all imported watches. The movement manufacture dates to 1944 and has a metal cover for protection, this cover is stamped with the last 3 digits that matches the case no. proving that it is completely original.

This watch bears the engraving on the back cover to “THOMAS CHASE BALTIMORE MD” and research seems to show a Thomas P Chase, medical director who was a Korean War veteran. A USAF pilot who flew B-26 and an avid sailor, craftsman and a physician.

It takes about 14 winds on the crown to full power reserve.

A lovely watch that’s great for unisex with large, overhang teardrop lugs that are the appealing design for this watch. A keeper.