1812, Aquatimer, Steel

The 812 was not just the genesis of all IWC dive watches, but arguably the most refined and elegant Piquerez Super Compressor ever designed. In 1967, IWC decided to take on the Submariner with this. In typically teutonic fashion, the design was pure Bauhaus: form was to follow function. The 812 was never a vast commercial success, and production remained small. Over all 25 years of production, it is estimated than IWC made fewer than 2,000 examples.

The 812 began with the calibre 8541 from the Ingenieur with a Pellaton winding system, which uses a cam rather than direct gearing between the rotor and barrel; this not only isolates it from shock but is more mechanically efficient. The dial is designed purely for legbility. Its applied luminous markers are the same width as the extra-wide luminous baton hands, including a 'paddle' seconds hand. The rotating bezel is luminous through subdivisions of the first 15 minutes. The 37mm EPSA case sports dual IWC fish crowns with a domed acrylic crystal, optioned in period on either a  tropic or Gay Frères bracelet (both included).

In 1972, IWC updated to a four digit reference system, hence a renaming of 1812 with no real changes. However, there are two updates made in the 812 and 1812 that aren't represented in reference numbers. Earlier dials used printed text where this later dial used an applied IWC. Additionally, the reference gained a hacking seconds and Grenier-type hairspring collet toward the very end of production, but still under ref. 1812.

These days, the dive watch is very concretely associated with an external bezel. The 812 imagined a different blueprint and went about things in a very considered way, incorporating an entirely new and superior winding system. Despite its reserved and practical approach, it is a watch that somehow is overflowing with character and charm in modern times. IWC envisioned the 812 as a Submariner-killer. That didn't really happen. Instead, it is today a very thoroughly thought through and beautiful dive watch which exists only in tiny numbers. A perfect dive watch equally for those who deeply know their IWC history or who have an eye for minimalist, utilitarian design.

This 1812 is in simply astounding condition, nearly perfect. The case has not ever been polished, with only the very lightest signs of wear, which extends to the crystal as well. The dial looks like its been set in a storage box with perfect conditions of humidity and temperature to preserve tone. All tritium is original and sports a vivid honey patina. The print is perfect everywhere and no visible blemishes are present. The inner bezel rotates freely with a perfect even resistance that feels manufactured yesterday. The tropic strap appears unworn and lays perfectly flat, the IWC clasp has no wear on it. The Gay Frères bracelet is lightly worn, with IA end links and a signed clasp. It has little to no stretch, with a small mark on the folding inner clasp which should be noted. It is not visible in wearing, but one of the folding inner sections of the clasp has scratches near its end that look like someone was trying to remove a spring bar without knowing how. This wear is strictly limited to that small non-visible part of the bracelet. The calibre 8541 is running well in spec on our timing equipment and has been recently serviced. It comes with its original gold box, original guarantee papers, Tropic strap with IWC pin buckle, IWC Gay Frères bracelet, and IWC Extract from the Ledger.

This watch is modelled on a relatively large 7.7 inch wrist.