IWC “Calatrava” Automatic Ref. 803A (circa 1965)

WHY WE CURATED IT:
Deceptively simple but steeped in history and tech. Launched 1963 at the height of IWC’s dress watch era. Classical, minimalist and oversized (for the time), this was a practical, understated high-end all-occasion piece. Water resistance was a key feature (when new), marked by an embossed fish on the crown. Coming from a very early batch, the fish here was detailed with fins, later replaced by simpler stylised fish and then dropped altogether as water resistance became commonplace. Running the legendary Cal. 8541 from 1964, the third iteration of IWC’s 85-series calibres, considered one of IWC’s finest automatics with a landmark Pellaton bi-directional self-winding system named after the brand’s Technical Director. Also the calibre of choice powering subsequent iconic Ingenieurs and Yacht Clubs. But all this aside, it’s hard to deny its purity and timelessness on your wrist, from the slim rounded case profile to the domed warm silver sunburst dial, to the applied dot minute markers, to the period IWC script. Serviced and warrantied. Just exquisite!

CONDITION:
9/10, with minimal light hairlines and small scuffs for a 60+ year old watch. Appears unpolished with all its super-crisp original lines, Original early “fish crown”. Crystal only has a couple of ultra-fine lines. Dial is flawless. Very slight age spots on hands and indices. Movement serviced with 6 months warranty. Performing like a champ with to-spec power reserve, strong amplitude, low beat error and accurate to ±5 secs/day averaged from 6 timegrapher positions.

DIMENSIONS:
34.7mm width excl. crown
38.8mm length incl. lugs
10.7mm thickness
19mm lug width
Visual dial width ~28.5mm
Wrist in photos 15.8cm in circumference

CRYSTAL:
Acrylic

CASE:
Steel

WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none, as per vintage watches

STRAP:
Aftermarket black “weave”, aftermarket buckle

CALIBRE:
IWC Cal. 8541 3-hander automatic with date

COMES WITH:
Watch, aftermarket strap & buckle

TERMS OF SALE:
Please see our stories Highlight entitled “Terms” on our Instagram profile. Thanks!