IWC (International Watch Company) 70's / SCHAFFHAUSEN / Cal.8541b

Introducing the 1970 IWC "Schaffhausen."

IWC was founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones in Schaffhausen, a city in northern Switzerland.

The brand's origin lies in its aim to create highly accurate and durable watches by combining the rational production techniques developed in America at the time with the skilled craftsmanship passed down in Switzerland.

Since then, it has maintained its focus on practicality and robustness, rather than relying on elaborate decorations.
In the 1940s, under technical director Albert Pellaton, IWC developed its unique automatic winding mechanism, which evolved into one of the brand's iconic technologies.

In the Japanese vintage market, elegant watches with "SCHAFFHAUSEN" written on their dials are affectionately known as "Schaffhausen," named after the company's birthplace.

■ Dial and Case Design

The dial is a deep navy blue.
It features a sunray finish that radiates light from the center to the outer edge, displaying a rich gradation from vivid blue to calm deep blue depending on the angle.

Among IWC watches of that era, which often featured silver or white dials, this navy dial is a rare specification with limited distribution.

The hour markers are slender, three-dimensional applied bar indexes.
Their sharp, light-reflecting facets create a subtle presence against the deep blue.

The three-dimensional "IWC" logo is positioned at 12 o'clock.
Below it, "International Watch Co." and "SCHAFFHAUSEN" in script add a vintage touch to the refined dial.

The case has a cushion shape that evokes a hybrid between a round and square form.
It's a distinctive 1970s design, combining a soft, rounded outline with straight lugs and a powerful surface composition.

While appearing to have a comfortable volume from the front, the sides are finished with a smooth, thin line, making it a unique design that sits neatly on the wrist.

Furthermore, the crown is engraved with a fish motif, commonly known as the "fish crown."
This distinctive detail was used on waterproof IWC watches at the time, allowing you to feel the original charm not only from the case and dial but also from the finer details.

■ Movement

The movement is the automatic Cal.8541B.
It is one of IWC's signature in-house movements, tracing its lineage back to the Cal.85 series that appeared in the 1950s.

Its most distinctive feature is the "Pellaton automatic winding system" developed by Albert Pellaton.
This unique structure uses two pawls to transmit the rotor's motion to the mainspring, allowing it to wind regardless of the rotor's direction of rotation.

Not only can it efficiently convert even slight arm movements into power, but it also features a robust design with fewer components. It is a highly practical mechanism designed for long-term use and maintenance.

It vibrates at 19,800 beats per hour and has a power reserve of approximately 44 hours.
The date display includes a semi-quick-set mechanism, allowing the date to advance by moving the hands back and forth around midnight.

The rotor is engraved with "INTERNATIONAL WATCH CO. SWISS," revealing meticulous craftsmanship even in parts normally hidden inside the case.

■ Styling

Case size: 40.1mm (including lugs) / 37.9mm (including crown) / 11mm thick / 47g (including strap)

This model, with its deep navy dial paired with a black leather strap, is a perfect match for subdued colored outfits.

When worn with a white shirt and a gray or navy jacket, the blue of the dial adds a subtle splash of color to the cuffs, creating a refined and intellectual impression.
The stainless steel case and silver indexes catch the light, subtly yet elegantly enhancing the wrist.

For a casual look, we recommend muted outfits such as a charcoal gray knit or cardigan, or dark navy jeans.

The cushion case, characteristic of the 1970s, possesses a classical elegance while also offering a distinctive presence not found in typical round cases, making it suitable for both jacket styles and everyday wear.

It's a piece that allows you to enjoy the elegance and individuality unique to vintage IWC, without being overly formal and easily integrated into daily attire.

■ Condition

The condition is excellent, with no noticeable tarnishing or corrosion on the dial, and the navy color and all markings remain clear.

The case shows minor scratches and slight damage from age and use, primarily on the bezel, but there are no significant dents or chips that would severely detract from its appearance.
It is in a condition that shows a natural level of wear for a vintage watch, posing no issues for wear.

Some minor rust is visible on the movement, but it will be removed as much as possible during the overhaul, which includes disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment of all parts.

It is currently running well, and all functions are operating without problems.
We will deliver it in a condition ready for you to use with confidence after maintenance is completed.

■ To purchase with confidence

All watches handled by our store are inspected internally by a professional watchmaker upon arrival and are sold only after being confirmed as genuine, so you can use our service with confidence.

When you purchase a watch, we will attach a new leather strap from our store.
Please select your desired color from the order selection tab.
*For watches with original straps or metal bands, the leather strap will be sent separately as a spare and not attached.
We will also send a dedicated watch case at the time of shipping.

● Important information after purchasing an antique watch, please read carefully ●

At RESUME, when selling antique watches, we do not immediately hand them over upon receiving your order.
Instead, we request an overhaul (OH) from a specialized craftsman, and delivery will be made after the OH is completed. (This usually takes about 1-2 months.)

A professional craftsman, certified as a Class 1 watch repair technician, will completely disassemble the watch, replace consumable parts such as internal gaskets, clean, lubricate, and thoroughly overhaul it,
adjusting it to a daily rate of approximately ±1 minute.
Additionally, upon delivery, we will include our unique OH certificate detailing the work performed, along with photos of the disassembled and serviced movement.

Of course, due to the nature of the product being used, there is no absolute guarantee that it will never break. However, we take these measures to ensure that you can enjoy the watch's original performance and use it with peace of mind in the future.

When purchasing a product, a 1-year warranty period is provided depending on the model. Even for products outside the warranty period, we offer repair services for a fee.
Please feel free to contact us even if you do not have a repair shop nearby.