Many high-end watchmakers, including IWC, incorporate serial numbers into their timepieces. These serial numbers serve multiple functions, with the primary one being to provide the manufacturer with meticulous oversight and the means to uniquely identify each watch produced in their factory.
You have the option to check IWC watch serial numbers and cross-reference them with a list to estimate their production year. While some watch brands provide an “extract from the archives” service for historical information, IWC takes a different approach. Instead of an archive extract, IWC offers a Certificate of Authenticity. To obtain this certificate, your watch must undergo an examination by the watchmakers at the IWC Schaffhausen headquarters. The certificate will include details about your watch, such as its type, case, movement, and sometimes additional information about its features. This process ensures authenticity and provides valuable insights into your IWC timepiece.
Authenticating an IWC watch involves scrutinizing several key details to distinguish it from potential fakes. Here are some pointers to help you identify the authenticity of an IWC timepiece:
Dial
Check the font weight and spacing between letters on the dial. Authentic IWC watches maintain consistent font thickness and letter spacing. Fakes often exhibit inconsistencies in these elements.
Genuine IWC Portuguese watches typically have three ticks between the seconds’ markers, representing the movement’s three ticks per second.
Pay attention to the sub-dial details. In some fake IWC watches, the blue color on the chronograph’s sub-dial may appear painted, while genuine ones display higher quality.
Examine the marker at 6 o’clock. On a real IWC, it should have an oval shape, while fakes may feature a perfect circle.
Sub-dials
IWC watches, like the Rolex Daytona, feature sub-dials. Authenticity can be assessed by examining these sub-dials.
Observe the design of the sub-dials. Fakes may differ in design, including variations in the shade of red on the small seconds’ hand at 9 o’clock.
Ensure that the sub-dials are appropriately spaced and connected with the side pushers. Authentic IWC watches maintain a mechanical link between the side buttons and the sub-dial features.
Day & Date
Scrutinize the font and thickness of the day and date indicators. IWC replicas may not perfectly replicate the font and thickness of genuine IWC watches.
Comparing your watch with reference pictures from the official IWC website or trusted dealers can help ensure accurate authentication.
Reflections
Authentic IWC watches typically feature an anti-reflective coating on the dial, reducing light and shadow reflections.
By attentively examining these aspects and referring to official IWC resources, you can confidently authenticate your IWC watch, whether it’s a Portofino, Pilot, or Portuguese model.
The serial number can be located on the case, case back, or the movement of the watch.
It may be engraved on the external surface of the case back or on the internal side of the case back. If it’s on the inside, you would need to open the watch to access the serial number.
Alternatively, the serial number can be found at the back of your IWC Int. Ltd. warranty card. It is a 7 digit number.
All luxury watches, including those made by IWC, come with serial numbers. These serial numbers serve as unique identifiers and are typically located in various places on the watch, with different formats used by manufacturers. In recent times, some watchmakers have transitioned to using random serial numbers for increased privacy and secrecy, but in the past, sequential serial numbers were common.
The list below can be used to cross-reference the serial number on your IWC watch with the date of production. This list will show the dates for vintage IWC watches, however, serial numbers are approximate so contact IWC for further information of your timepiece.
1875: 7,000
1877: 25,000
1879: 50,000
1880 – 1886: 0 – 10,000
1886 – 1890: 10,001 – 50,000
1890 – 1899: 100,000 – 200,000
1899 – 1903: 200,001 – 300,000
1903 – 1907: 300,001 – 400,000
1907 – 1913: 400,001 – 600,000
1910 – 1915: 463,601 – 620,800
1914 – 1924: 600,001 – 800,000
1924 – 1929: 800,001 – 900,000
1929: 919,500
1930: 929,000
1931: 937,500
1932: 938,000
1933: 939,000
1934: 940,000
1935 – 1940: 940,001 – 1,013,200
1941: 1,039,000
1942: 1,062,000
1943: 1,078,000
1944: 1,092,000
1945: 1,106,000
1945 – 1950: 1,092,401 – 1,200,400
1950 – 1955: 1,200,401 – 1,335,400
1956: 1,399,000
1957: 1,436,000
1958: 1,460,000
1959: 1,513,000
1960 – 1965: 1,513,001 – 1,778,800
1965: 1,796,000
1966: 1,820,000
1967: 1,888,900
1968: 1,905,000
1969: 1,970,000
1970 – 1975: 1,970,201 – 2,275,000
If you’re unsure of the year or authenticity of your IWC watch, you can always call on BQ Watches for a professional IWC appraisal.
If you’re looking to add a beautiful IWC Watch to your collection, BQ Watches is the place to go. We have an incredible inventory of vintage and modern IWC timepieces for you to choose from. If you already have a IWC, but you can’t decipher the serial number, feel free to send it to us for an appraisal. Our team of experts can help you determine the approximate year of your watch.
If you’re not in the market for a IWC, we have an extensive inventory of pre-owned watches like Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philip, Bremont, Audemars, Breitling, Omega, Tudor, Panerai, and many others. We also offer comprehensive sourcing services if you’re looking for something specific.
Once you know what luxury watch service you’re needing, simply fill out our contact form and let us know. A member of our team will reach out shortly to assist you.
