1829 IWC Golf Club

If you want Genta but you want it niche, it does not come much more nuanced than this 1829. IWC’s Golf Club has brief and somewhat shrouded history, one which is still being excavated today by enthusiasts even sadder than myself. Yes, they exist. This faceted 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. Not only is it a handsome bit of steel, but it comes from what is possibly IWC’s best-ever era for boundless creativity.

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’, and I’ve even heard talk of a Motor ‘Club’ which was never borne. These club watches would stand alongside Ingenieur, Aquatimer, and Portuguese professional pieces as sort of weekender alternatives. Fun fact, for just under a year the Golf Club did not have a name but was still sold, and was simply in IWC’s catalogue by the reference number alone. That’s the known bit.

Many speculate this is Genta’s work, for his previous known associations with IWC in this period. However this has never been confirmed and is unlikely to be known. The 34mm inflated rectangle is certainly in his aesthetic. Yet, confirmation may never come. Back to known quantities, 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. Truth be told, I am not much of a golfist. But that may change shortly, and this watch is entirely responsible.

This example has a simply outrageous level of preservation. The dial is unmarred, tritium all a matched even cream tone. Its case is sharp and with wear so minimal it is almost not visible in photography. It comes with original clasps and extract from the archives from a well-regarded German retailer.

Find this 1829 Golf Club here from Watchurbia for 5250 EUR.