1830 IWC Golf Club SL

Genta didn’t just do the Royal Oak and Nautilus. He penned IWC’s original 1832 Ingenieur. And then he went clubbing. Literally. This is still contested today, but on the balance of evidence it is extremely likely that Genta also penned the Yacht Club II, Polo Club SL, and this. This is the Golf Club; it has a name as aspirational as Tennis Racket but a case that is wildly cool. This example just appeared in German in magnificent condition and on the bracelet—which appears almost integrated but isn’t. Actually, if the Odysseus is integrated, so is this I guess. Either way, it’s rad.

The above image is of a Golf Club SL previously featured in finds from Watchurbia, just to show the bracelet better. All other photos are of the example on offer.

I say it’s extremely likely that Genta penned this because IWC themselves don’t seem certain where the design stemmed from, but it came right after the Ingeniuer as their 80s portfolio expanded. This rare specimen was released alongside Genta’s initial work for the Ingenieur line and intended to be a part of a future ‘Club series’, marketed toward hobbyist activities. There were to be Yacht ‘Club’, Golf ‘Club’, Polo ‘Club’ watches, which came to pass. I’ve even heard tale of a Motor ‘Club’ which was never born. IWC couldn’t be more creative in the 80s if they’d tried.

Yet, this squircle 35x41mm cushion case sister of the Yacht Club II was a monumental flop upon release. As such, it is estimated that no more than 1000 examples were ever produced. Although a lot of dealers will tell you such, it was not limited to my knowledge. Not only is it a handsome bit of steel, but it comes from what is possibly IWC’s best-ever era for boundless creativity. It came with either the calibre 8541B or 854B, without or without a date, and in black or the brushed rhodium dial we see here. These example on bracelet are quite hard to come by these days in great condition. They’re rare, historically super interesting, and not really that valuable at all—relatively speaking. Truth be told, I am not much of a golfist. But that may change shortly, and this watch is entirely responsible.

This example rocks, not much more needs to be said. The case is full. The tritium is original and uber tan. The bracelet fits up to an 18cm wrist, which should be noted. It comes with box, sans papers, from a well-regarded German retailer.