IWC Yacht Club, no date, Ref.R811, 1970s

— Made for men who liked the sea —

The Yacht Club is the sports watch IWC released in the 1960s, when its position as a serious manufacture was already established. The flowing C-line case, generally attributed to Gérald Genta, still carries real presence and refinement more than half a century later.

— A quiet silver dial —

A silver sunburst dial that changes with the angle of the light. The minute dots around it are raised pearl-drop markers, punched one at a time from behind by hand.

Without a date, the symmetry is perfect, and the composed functional beauty that results — together with strong markers carrying a black line down the centre — gives the watch a presence out of proportion to its size.

— A 1967 Pellaton movement —

At its heart is the historic calibre 854, dated to 1967 by the case back stamping. Its Pellaton winding system is known for outstanding efficiency and toughness, and present-day watchmakers still call it one of the best automatics ever built.

— Original, down to the details —

The fish mark on the crown was the period sign of good water resistance, and the fact that this small detail survives cleanly is the best evidence that the watch has been looked after.

The case edges are still sharp, and the contrast of hairline and polished surfaces states its quality without raising its voice.

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