Vintage IWC Schaffhausen Watch Yellow Gold 18k Tear Drop — Caliber 83 (1946-1948)
Only 1 available
Payment by bank transfer: -3%
Shipping from Europe — taxes and customs duties are the buyer's responsibility outside the EU
Lifetime authenticity guarantee
Serviced movement & 1 year warranty
International shipping
Photo taken on a 17.5 cm wrist
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An IWC Schaffhausen with tear drop lugs — Post-war watchmaking elegance
This vintage IWC Schaffhausen, produced between 1946 and 1948, is a witness piece from the golden age of classical Swiss watchmaking. Founded in Schaffhausen in 1868 by the American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC established itself as one of the most respected Swiss manufactures, combining precise engineering with understated aesthetics. This late-1940s piece embodies that philosophy: a classic dress watch, designed to last.
The round case in 18-carat yellow gold measures 36mm, a generous diameter for the period and particularly sought-after today on the vintage watch market. But what truly distinguishes this IWC are its "tear drop" lugs (teardrops) — broad, curved, and sculpted from the solid, they extend into a rounded point from the case in a decidedly elegant movement. This visual signature, characteristic of IWC pieces produced between the late 1930s and the early 1950s, is highly sought after by vintage watch collectors. It gives the piece a sculptural presence and an immediately recognizable character.
The light champagne dial, original, presents an elegant and balanced composition: an applied gold Arabic "12", applied indices combining small diamond markers (squares) and gold batons, a raised minute track punctuated with small golden dots, and a guilloché small seconds at 6 o'clock with concentric finishing. The gold dauphine hands, slender and tapered, complete this aesthetic of a classic Swiss dress watch. The "International Watch C° Schaffhausen" signature at 12 o'clock is applied with finesse.
Driven by the celebrated IWC calibre 83, a hand-wound mechanical movement produced between 1939 and the early 1950s, this watch offers exceptional Swiss horological mechanics. Calibre 83 is one of the most respected movements in IWC history, prized by collectors for its precision, robustness, and refined finishing. A vintage men's or women's watch in an ideal dress format, fitted on a black alligator strap. A piece selected and serviced by Atelier Victor. Fast and secure international shipping.
Three points to note about this piece
- Case in 18-carat yellow gold with sculptural "tear drop" lugs — a visual signature of IWC pieces produced between 1939 and the early 1950s, highly sought after by collectors.
- Impeccable original champagne dial, with mixed indices (diamonds and batons), applied gold 12 numeral, and guilloché small seconds at 6 o'clock.
- Hand-wound IWC calibre 83: one of the most respected movements produced by the Schaffhausen manufacture, prized for its precision and robustness.
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Technical specifications
- Brand: IWC (International Watch Company Schaffhausen)
- Estimated year: 1946-1948
- Origin: Switzerland (Swiss Made)
- Movement: Hand-wound mechanical movement, IWC calibre 83
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds at 6 o'clock
- Case: 18-carat yellow gold (18-carat yellow gold caseback)
- Lugs: Tear drop, sculpted from the solid
- Dimensions: 36mm (37.8mm with crown)
- Lug to lug: 45mm
- Thickness: 9mm
- Lug width: 18mm
- Crown: Knurled gold, original
- Dial: Light champagne with applied gold indexes and guilloché small seconds, original
- Hands: Gold dauphine, original
- Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
- Bracelet: Black alligator leather, not original
- Buckle: Buckle, not original
Condition and warranty
- Overall condition: Magnificent condition. Impeccable original champagne dial, 18k yellow gold case with a deep polish and very slight micro-scratches from use consistent with its age.
- Water resistance: Not water-resistant (vintage watch)
- Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
- Movement: Serviced movement, 1-year guarantee
- Included: Atelier Victor invoice, protective case
- Not included: Original box and papers
Frequently asked questions
-
Is this IWC Schaffhausen authentic?
Yes, each IWC watch is authenticated by our team of expert watchmakers. The 18-carat gold case is verified by hallmark, and the calibre 83 movement is inspected open. Authenticity is guaranteed for life. -
What are tear drop lugs and why are they sought after?
Tear drop lugs are a stylistic signature of IWC pieces produced between the late 1930s and the early 1950s. Sculpted from the case itself, they taper into a graceful point and give the watch a unique sculptural character. This design is particularly sought after by collectors, as it visually defines the production of IWC's golden age. -
Is this watch suitable for a man or a woman?
With its 36mm diameter, this IWC is a dress watch that suits both masculine wrists and feminine wrists that prefer classic proportions. At the time of production, this was in fact considered a large diameter. -
Is the calibre 83 reliable despite its age?
Yes, the IWC calibre 83 is one of the most respected movements in classic Swiss watchmaking. Robust, precise, and easy to maintain, it was produced between 1939 and the early 1950s. Our example has been serviced by our watchmaker and is guaranteed for 1 year. -
What is the international delivery time?
Dispatch within 48 hours, worldwide delivery in 3 to 5 days, insurance included.
Mechanical warranty — 1 year
Each watch is inspected by our watchmakers before shipping. In case of a mechanism malfunction during the first year, we cover the repair.
Authenticity warranty — lifetime
If a watch turns out to be non-authentic, we will take it back and refund you in full. Without time limit.
What is not covered
- Exposure to water or humidity
- Shocks, impacts, or vibrations
- Consumable parts (strap, Crystal, crown, pushers)
- Battery replacement (quartz movements)
- Opening or disassembly of the watch by a third party
- Improper use
The accuracy of vintage watches varies according to the model, movement, and year of production. A request for accuracy improvement deemed within acceptable tolerances cannot be covered by the warranty.
Shipping fees
After-sales service is free. Shipping fees outside the United Arab Emirates remain the responsibility of the customer.
Authentication Process
Each watch is examined by our partner watchmakers before being offered for sale: verification of authenticity, checking the conformity of the components, identification of any modification or replacement of original parts.
If any element has been replaced during the life of the watch (dial, hands, crown, Crystal, strap), we systematically indicate it in the product sheet. You buy knowing the exact history of your piece.
Certificate of Authenticity
Your Atelier Victor invoice serves as a certificate of authenticity: it attests to the origin and conformity of the piece, and is covered by our lifetime authenticity guarantee — if a piece sold by Atelier Victor were found to be non-authentic, it would be fully refunded, with no time limit.
We accept several payment methods:
- Bank card (Visa, Mastercard — American Express not accepted)
- Bank transfer (AED, EUR, USD)
- Cryptocurrency (USDT, USDC)
- PayPal
Other currencies accepted upon request. Exchange fees of approximately 3% may apply.
A 3% discount is granted for any payment by bank transfer starting from €1,000.
Does the strap not suit you? Add the strap of your choice to your order: we will fit it to your watch before shipment, at no fitting charge.
International Shipping
Shipped within 48 to 72 business hours by DHL Express or an equivalent carrier depending on the destination. Delivery in 2 to 6 business days. Each shipment is insured and delivered against signature.
- Free delivery from €1,000 of purchase, as well as on the Jewelry Atelier Victor
- Tracking number sent as soon as the shipment is dispatched
- For certain destinations, delivery may be made to a secure collection point in order to guarantee the integrity of the shipment
Pickup in Dubai
Hand delivery by appointment in Downtown, Dubai. Make an appointment.
Taxes and Customs
The shipping origin is indicated on each product sheet. If the delivery country differs from the shipping country, customs duties and taxes may apply upon receipt, at the buyer's expense. In exceptional situations, customs checks may extend the delivery time, regardless of our wishes and those of the carrier.
For full details, please consult our shipping policy.
FINAL SALES
All sales are final: no return, exchange, or cancellation is accepted after order confirmation. Each piece is authenticated, inspected, and described in detail before being offered for sale.
BEFORE PURCHASE
Our advisors remain at your disposal for any questions and can send you additional photographs or videos upon simple request, by email or on WhatsApp.
NON-CONFORMING ITEM
In the exceptional case of an item that does not match its listing, please notify us within 72 hours: it will be eligible for a refund or an exchange. If the parcel shows damage upon delivery, it should be refused or its opening filmed continuously.
For full details, please consult our return policy.
A piece selected by Atelier Victor
Authenticated, checked, and photographed by us. As all sales are final, our team remains available 7 days a week on WhatsApp to answer your questions, share additional photos or a video of the piece in hand — so that your choice can be made with complete peace of mind.
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