Stonebridge Watches is pleased to offer this
IWC Cal. 852 Pellaton Automatic Dress Watch c.1958
SIZE 35mm (Excluding Crown)
SPECIFICATIONS
| Brand |
IWC Schaffhausen |
| Model |
Classic Automatic |
| Year |
Circa 1957-1958 |
| Movement |
IWC Calibre 852 Automatic |
| Winding System |
Pellaton Automatic Winding |
| Jewels |
21 Jewels |
| Case Material |
Stainless Steel |
| Case Diameter |
35mm (excluding crown) |
| Lug Width |
18mm |
| Crystal |
Acrylic |
| Dial |
Pearl White Dial |
| Hour Markers |
Applied Faceted Baton Markers |
| Hands |
Dauphine Hands |
| Service History |
Fully Overhauled & Serviced – May 2026 |
| Timekeeping |
Running at Approximately +2 Seconds Per Day |
| Strap |
New Black Leather Strap |
| Box & Papers |
Watch Only |
| Condition |
Excellent Vintage Condition |
EXTRA DETAILS6 Months Guarantee
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STONEBRIDGE WATCHES SAYS...
Dating from the late 1950s, this elegant IWC Schaffhausen Automatic is a superb example of the understated design and engineering excellence that established IWC as one of Switzerland's most respected watch manufacturers. With its beautifully balanced 35mm stainless steel case, slim profile and clean pearl white dial, it embodies the timeless dress watch aesthetic that many collectors now affectionately describe as "Calatrava-style" due to its similarities with the classic mid-century designs that defined the era. While not an official IWC designation, the term has become widely used amongst vintage enthusiasts to describe these refined and highly wearable IWC automatics.
At the heart of the watch is the legendary IWC Calibre 852 automatic movement. This movement occupies a special place in horological history as the first calibre to feature Albert Pellaton's revolutionary bi-directional automatic winding system, a design that would become one of IWC's greatest technical achievements. The Calibre 852 formed the foundation of an entire family of celebrated movements including the 853, 854 and later derivatives, and was closely associated with some of IWC's most important watches, including the early Ingenieur models. Collectors continue to regard the 85x series as one of the finest automatic movement families produced in Switzerland during the post-war period.
The dial is particularly attractive, featuring a pearl white finish complemented by applied faceted baton hour markers, elegant dauphine hands and a delicate outer minute track. The restrained dial layout allows the quality of the design to speak for itself, while the applied IWC Schaffhausen signature and simple "Automatic" text provide exactly the right amount of visual balance. The result is a watch that appears every bit as sophisticated today as it would have done over sixty years ago.
This example has been fully overhauled and serviced in May 2026 and is running at an impressive approximately +2 seconds per day when measured flat, a remarkable level of performance for a vintage automatic movement of this age. The watch is fitted to a new black leather strap which complements the polished stainless steel case perfectly and makes it ready to wear immediately.
The 35mm case size deserves special mention. Whilst modest by modern standards, it reflects the proportions originally intended by IWC and offers exceptional comfort on the wrist. Combined with the slim case profile, the watch wears elegantly beneath a shirt cuff whilst retaining enough presence for everyday use. It is a versatile timepiece equally at home with formal attire or more casual dress.
For collectors, the appeal extends far beyond the attractive aesthetics. The Calibre 852 represents the beginning of the Pellaton story, a movement lineage that remains central to IWC's identity today. Albert Pellaton's ingenious winding mechanism was so successful that refined versions continue to influence modern IWC automatic movements more than seventy years after its introduction.
Beautifully preserved, recently overhauled and powered by one of the most historically significant automatic movements ever produced by IWC, this is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a classic vintage IWC from the golden age of Swiss watchmaking.
Stonebridge Watches specialises in vintage and smaller watches for the slender wrist, carefully selecting timepieces that combine character, quality and lasting wearability. This exceptional IWC is a fine example of why the brand's mid-century automatics continue to be so highly regarded by collectors around the world. 
