A stainless steel International Watch Company, Schaufhausen, Ingenieur watch. This is perhaps one of the best looking, best on the wrist time only, three hand, stainless steel watches ever produced. For those who love vintage watches, but are more comfortable wearing a larger size watch case, with the presence on the wrist, there cannot be a better reference. While on the subject of reference. This one is a sinister one! The "666" was conceived by International Watch Company - IWC - in 1954. IWC began producing anti-magnetic movements as early as 1888, the Ingenieur was IWC's first foray into producing a purpose-built anti-magnetic tool watch for scientific and industrial usage for the wrist.
The no date, 666A, version was introduced with the 852 calibre movement in 1955 and was the first ever movement to be protected inside the watch case by a cage made from soft iron, a magnetically impermeable material. The Ingenieur featured anti-magnetic protection up to 80,000 amperes per meter, exactly double the resistance of the SL model currently offered by IWC.
This example is powered by the 853 calibre, launched at the end of 1959 and resembles the previous 852 calibre, both equipped with the Pellaton winding system. This twenty one jeweled, Breguet hairspring automatic movement remained in the line until 1963 when it was replaced with the 854. When new, it offered forty four hours of power reserve and is an exceptionally durable and reliable caliber.
Offered originally in date and non-date format, the 666 is one of the most hard-to-find vintage IWC models on the market today. The model became even more popular when legendary designer, Gerald Genta introduced his version of a new Ingenieur in 1976, the Ingenieur SL. This took what was already an iconic watch and moved it toward legendary status. For IWC collectors, the 666 reference really is a "must have" in any collection, and this should not be limited to just fans of IWC.
This example, aside from being in superb condition, has one additional crowning feature; the dial is co-signed by Swiss watch retailer Beyer. The Beyer watch company based in Zurich has a rich and illustrious over two hundred and sixty year history that is still prevalent today. Beyer added their name to many top tier names in the watch business that were retailed out of their locations. The list comprises of many illustrious names like Patek Philippe, Omega, and of course, IWC. These Beyer signed 666 watches are few and far between. The dial itself, with the striking ingenieur lighting bolt logo above the six o’clock marker, is in excellent all original condition. This watch features luminous material all of which is present, along with the luminous material in the hands. The dial is also marked "Swiss" at the dial's base. There does appear to have been some moisture that the dial has been exposed to. It has created light bubbling to the dial and hands. However, this is not noticeable to the naked eye. There is one larger discolouration spot on the dial close to the seven o'clock marker.
The large screw back case is in exceptional condition. It has never been polished and is superb throughout with no defects or large scratches. Quite rare indeed for a watch that is now over sixty years old. If you are looking for a superb untouched original example of one of the great time only wrist watches, then look no further.
The watch is no presented with an original box or any paperwork. It is timing very well and will be accompanied by a year’s warranty from Foundwell.
