IWC Aquatimer 1812 Gay-Frères Bracelet

This IWC Aquatimer Reference 1812 from the 1970s impresses with its striking, high-contrast dial, excellent overall condition, and original IWC stainless steel bracelet by Gay Frères. A fascinating example of one of IWC's most significant early diving watches.

From the very beginning, the IWC Aquatimer stood apart from the classic diving watches of its era, not only technically but also visually. The history of the IWC Aquatimer began in 1967, when the Schaffhausen manufacture introduced its first professional diving watch. At a time when recreational diving was becoming increasingly popular, IWC developed a robust and reliable wristwatch specifically designed for underwater use.

The black dial of this Aquatimer is preserved in exceptional condition. The applied hour markers with their characteristic luminous inserts, broad hands, and fine white lettering ensure excellent legibility. Particularly appealing is the natural, slightly warm patina of the original Tritium luminous material. The black date wheel with white numerals blends harmoniously into the overall design. The dial is surrounded by the distinctive silver-colored internal rotating bezel, featuring a black minute scale and large numerals at 15, 30, and 45 minutes.

The stainless steel case was manufactured by the renowned Swiss case maker Ervin Piquerez S.A. (EPSA) and is based on its patented Super Compressor construction. Characteristic features include the two large crowns on the right side of the case, one of which operates the internal rotating bezel. Particularly pleasing are the still clearly visible original engravings on the outer caseback, featuring the inscription "IWC Aquatimer Waterproof 20 ATU" and the characteristic stylized submarine motif. On many surviving examples, these engravings have become heavily worn or have disappeared entirely after decades of use.

Another highlight is the original IWC stainless steel bracelet manufactured by the renowned Swiss company Gay Frères. Original Gay Frères bracelets are highly sought-after features of early IWC sports watches among collectors today.

Inside beats the high-quality automatic IWC Caliber 8541B, equipped with the famous Pellaton winding system. Developed by Albert Pellaton, this mechanism ranks among the most important technical achievements of the Schaffhausen manufacture and is renowned for its robustness and reliability.

An attractive early Aquatimer and a distinctive classic from the history of professional Swiss diving watches.

Condition Report
Dial: Flawless matte black surface - original, color-matching Tritium luminous material on the hour markers and hands - signed with: "International Watch Co Schaffhausen", "Aquatimer Automatic" and "T SWISS T".

Case: Excellent condition - minor signs of wear - clearly legible original engravings on the caseback - crisp, well-preserved case edges - original crowns with the IWC fish logo.

Movement: Automatic, IWC Caliber 8541B - timegrapher results: rate: +8 s/day, amplitude: 319°, beat error: 0.5 ms.

Bracelet: Original IWC stainless steel bracelet by Gay Frères in very good condition - original folding clasp with IWC logo - adjustable length between 18.3 and 20.4 cm (7.20–8.03 inches).

Case number: 1937xxx

Int.Exe.: 41243