IWC Peacock Cloisonné Enamel Dial

This is one of the few known IWC wristwatches with a cloisonné enamel dial that has been preserved in museum-quality condition. Due to its intricate dial, uniqueness and condition, this IWC is a work of watchmaking art and, in our opinion, belongs in a museum.

This vintage timepiece owes its exceptional, vibrant appearance to the ultra-rare cloisonné enamel dial, which features a peacock with open feathers on a blue background. Each cloisonné enamel dial is a unique handcrafted creation.

The silhouette of the peacock is created thanks to the gold wires and individual color fields, which were fired with enamel at approx. 750-800 °C and have the typical vibrant surface. Even the lettering "Internation Watch Co." is realized using the cloisonné technique. With their everlasting brilliance and rich colors, watches with such dials are among the most coveted and collectible timepieces of the 20th century.

In addition to its remarkable dial, the IWC impresses with its excellently preserved 18k yellow gold case. The delightful teardrop lugs are part of the tasteful design of the 1940s and 50s and are very stylish. On the wrist, the watch is the perfect size for an elegant timepiece with its 36mm diameter.

About Cloisonné enamel dials
Cloisonné (short for French émail cloisonné) is an artisanal technique for enamel work. Founded in 1868, Stern Freres specialized in the production of cloisonné enamel dials, which were supplied to renowned watch manufacturers such as Rolex, Omega, IWC, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. The production of these solid gold dials was extremely costly as they had to be individually made by an experienced craftsman. The artist created the outline of the desired motif by arranging thin gold wires on a dial. These partitions, called "cloisonne" in French, were filled with small amounts of enamel powder in the desired color. The dial was then fired in an oven at around 900 degrees Celsius, which melted the powder. Finally, it was polished by hand until a perfectly flat surface was created. These dials, handmade by famous enamel artists, can be considered unique works of art.

Condition report
Dial: perfectly preserved cloisonné enamel dial - champagne-colored outer ring with applied round hour markers - signed "International Watch Co. swiss".

Case: 18k yellow gold stepped case - 36mm - slight signs of wear - teardrop lugs - intact hallmarks from the back - correct engravings and intact serial number in the back.

Movement: IWC 89 manual-wound caliber - fresh service - values on the timegrapher: rate: -10s/day, amplitude: 256, beat error: 0.7.

Serial number: 1203xxx (1950)

Int.Exe.: 23277