The high end Swiss jewellers Bucherer had this chronometer rated watch made for them, but is the case from an IWC Edison? Model reference 1850.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
Normally it is hard to date Bucherer watches, but the movement design in this watch was only produced in 1974 and 1975 so we can not be too far out.
CONDITION
The case for this watch is very, very similar to the case used on the IWC Edison electronic watch. It is so alike that it is likely to be the tungsten carbide super hard case, which explains why it shows no scratches – very little could scratch this material. There are very small chips to the edge, with the most noticeable at 10. If IWC did have cases surplus to requirements then selling them to a friendly jeweller who stocks their watches would be a logical idea. Inside the watch is just as good. A chronometer applies to mechanical watches that are between -4 and +6 seconds accurate per day, and this testing is normally carried out in Switzerland by Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (C.O.S.C.). While we don’t have this chronometer certificate, the watch was officially certified as stated on the dial and that would not allowed without passing those tests. The ETA 2830 movement is stamped RR (Rail Road) and has a serial number that would have appeared on the certificate (standard ETA watches do not have a serial number stamped on that bridge). More importantly, it is still running very close to chronometer specification after nearly 50 years! The date has the quickset facility too, but the day is only in French and not able to be quick set. The bracelet is brand new, and the fact we can fit a new bracelet shows how good the case is – normally a new bracelet makes the old case look bad in comparison, but not here. A very interesting watch, and at a price the case is worth alone for anyone with a damaged Edison.
The closest Carl F. Bucherer available today would be £2,500, and is not chronometer rated.
This watch will be supplied with our branded 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 39.9 mm
Width without crown 38.2 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 44.1 mm
Case Thickness 12.5 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 230 mm. The bracelet can be sized easily without the need for special tools.
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
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.
