IWC An Elegant Silhouette in the Glow of Dusk｜IWC 1940s Shaped Gentleman’s Watch｜Serviced, Only Watch Vintage

The 1940s were a decade of turbulence—and also a decade in which craftsmanship was refined through adversity. As the world underwent profound upheaval, the microcosm of watchmaking experienced its own transformation, marked by technical innovation and stylistic redefinition. It was during this historical tide that IWC completed its transition from a traditional pocket-watch manufacturer to a modern wristwatch brand, entering one of the most fertile periods in its history of craftsmanship and movement development.
The legendary IWC Cal. 89 was born during this very peak, establishing the engineering standards for which Schaffhausen would become renowned. In the eyes of today’s collectors, this era is rightly regarded as IWC’s golden age.
The shaped vintage IWC presented here is a representative creation from that golden decade of the 1940s. The aesthetic of the period favored clean lines, restrained proportions, and quiet confidence. Art Deco geometry left a lasting imprint on watch design, and this piece expresses that language with remarkable discipline. The crisp, rectangular case is framed by symmetrical curved metal accents above and below, while a single raised central ridge draws the eye inward. At first glance, it evokes the columns of a Roman temple—an exercise in minimal form that conveys poise and composure. It does not seek attention, yet it embodies the rare sense of order and integrity found amid a restless era, projecting a calm and grounded presence.
The dial continues this understated refinement. The silver-toned surface is finished with delicate radial brushing. Arabic numerals mark 12, 3, and 9 o’clock, while a small seconds sub-dial rests at 6. The layout is precise and balanced, and the handwritten-style logo is subdued and thoughtful, perfectly aligned with the overall character of the watch. Powering the piece is IWC’s in-house Cal. 62 manual-winding movement. Though display casebacks were not yet conceived at the time, the elegance of its bridge architecture and hand-finishing speaks eloquently of the watchmaking golden age.
Vintage watches often serve as miniature vessels of their time. This rectangular gold IWC, in particular, reflects the social elegance of upper society in the 1940s. At the height of the cocktail-watch era, such watches were commonly seen at twilight gatherings of the elite. Beneath soft lights at dusk, gentlemen would raise their glasses in conversation, the gold case catching a fleeting glimmer with each gesture—no words required, refinement fully understood.
This IWC 1940s rectangular gentleman’s watch retains its original period character in full. The movement has been carefully serviced by Nicky Sir, runs accurately, and is offered with a one-year service warranty from our atelier.
In stock at our workshop—viewing and try-on are most welcome.