IWC Da Vinci Beta 21 18ct Gold - SOLD

IWC DaVinci Beta 21 solid 18 ct gold with matching original bracelet

This is one of the rarest and most remarkable watches we have listed for sale to date.

It is IWC’s  first quartz watch produced as part of a range called beta 21 watches introduced in 1969, the beta 21 was developed at CEH research laboratory by twenty Swiss watch manufacturers. The first production watches were introduced to the market in 1970

Numerous Swiss manufacturers released beta 21 watches, the first Rolex Oysterquartz model used the beta 21 movement, Patek Philippe also produce a range of beta 21 models as did the International Watch Company including it in their first Da vinci watch, the example shown here is one of those fist four hundred watch made.

What makes this watch so remarkable is not only that it was the first swiss made quartz watch, nor that it accurate to 5 seconds per months (as it was when it was new) but also that they were completely hand made and have become such an icon of design that in 2009/10 IWC re-released this DaVinci design as one of their flagship watches.

When new these watches where more than a brand new Porsche 911, their supply was so limited that you could only own one if IWC themselves invited you to. The cases were all made by hand at the Fontana Factory in Italy who made all of the 18K beta 21 cases for IWC, Omega, Rolex, Patek Phillipe and other high profile Beta 21 manufactures.

Any potential customer may find the following link useful

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_Electroquartz

Sadly over the years many of these marvels of technology succumbed to the smelting pot, primarily because the movement stopped working and with over 200 grams of gold in every watch their fates were sealed.

It is believed that less than 50 examples survive world wide and we are confident that this is one of the best out there. The watch appears to have never been refinished and appears to have hardly been worn, the bracelet will easily adjust to accommodate up to an 8 ½ in wrist, the bracelet is very tight with no signs of wear.

There are numerous specialist service centres across the world who carry large inventories of spares for these watch and as such there is total peace of mind that the watch will continue to work for the next 45 years of its life.

The build quality of this watch is simply remarkable and that it has survived in this amazing condition sets it apart. We believe this is the only one available world wide at the moment so this represents a unique investment opportunity.

Stock Number 538