A slender, 18k gold dress watch is not what you automatically think of when you think of IWC. Model reference 3278.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the inside of the case back we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1975. This model was available between 1975 and 1985.
CONDITION
International watch Company (IWC), based in Schaffhausen north of Zurich, are mainly known for their sporty watches now but that was not always the case. Their dress watches with calibre 88 and 89 are still highly sought after from the 50’s and 60’s, but by the 70’s people wanted their watches to be automatically wound. So IWC turned to Jaeger-LeCoultre for their ebauche and fitted this thin, nicely decorated with Côtes de Genève striping, 33 jewel movement which was adjusted to five positions – a sure sign of very high quality watches. After all, Jaeger-LeCoultre also and uniquely were a supplier of ebauches to the holy trinity of Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemers Piguet, so the finest quality should be expected. This movement has just been serviced and is running very well, and the work included a new calendar wheel. The dial is a lovely bronze colour that bounces the light very nicely, but it also is a sigma dial – note the Greek letter σ either side of the SWISS wording at the foot of the dial. This was used to indicate that the dial markers and hands were also made form the highest quality materials, in this case gold. The cushion shaped case wears a little larger than the dimensions suggest. The soft calf leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred.
This watch will be supplied with an original IWC presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 35.9 mm
Width without crown 32.6 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 38.7 mm
Case Thickness 6.7 mm
All sizes are approximate.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
