A Rare Survivor from the Golden Era of Watchmaking
Elegant, oversized, and nearly impossible to find — this 1938 IWC “Hermet” is a remarkable artifact of pre-war watchmaking. With its large-for-the-time 36.5mm case and patented dust- and moisture-resistant construction, the Hermet was decades ahead in both form and function.
Cased in solid 14k yellow gold — a clear indication it was made for the U.S. market — this piece features an untouched golden dial with soft, even patina and crisp Arabic numerals. The crown sits partially recessed into the case, a subtle technical flourish that helped protect the Caliber 83 inside — one of IWC’s most revered manual movements.
Preserved in truly exceptional condition, this Hermet balances rugged ingenuity with 1930s elegance. It’s the kind of watch that quietly tells stories — of engineering milestones, collector rarity, and timeless design.
- wrist size in our picture is 18cm circumference -
DIAL:
- original never touched golden colored dial in good condition
- developed patina throughout the dial
- original hands & crown
STRAP & BUCKLE:
CASE:
- excellent overall condition, showing minor traces of use
- 3- body 14k yellow gold case with snap-on case back from case maker Les Fils de Jules Blum
- 36.5 mm (without crown) / 43 mm (lug-to-lug) / 20 mm (between lugs) / 8.5 mm thick
- Year: 1938
- total weight: 43 g
MOVEMENT:
- International Watch Co Cal. 83
- 16 jewels, 18000 A/h, 41 hours power reserve
- professionally serviced in 12/2024
- +5 sec/d / 300°
BOX & PAPERS:
-
GOLDAMMER certificate of authenticity & service documentation card
- GOLDAMMER box
GOLDAMMER REFERENCE: #635