IWC | AN ELEGANT LADY'S PLATINUM, DIAMOND AND EMERALD-SET BRACELET WATCH WITH CONCEALED DIALCASE 1344073 CIRCA 1940

• cal. 431 manual winding movement, 18 jewels • silvered dial, applied baton indexes • platinum square case, hinged case cover set with pear-shaped diamonds and emeralds, snap-on case back • dial and movement signed • with a platinum and marquise-cut diamond and emerald-set bracelet and clasp

The movement in working condition at the time of cataloguing, however a service is recommended. The dial with signs of tarnishing, however it is normal for it's age. Emerald with typical natural inclusions. The case back with minor signs of wear, otherwise the watch is very attractive with beautifully set diamond and emeralds to the case and bracelet. The bracelet lies nice and flat and is in very good overall condition, * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's expense. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

When one thinks of IWC, one stands amazed at their widely popular classic timepieces in military, aviation, and sports. However, very little is known about IWC’s vintage ladies watches, particularly in the 1940s where military and pilot watches were of the mainstream. In the 1940s during the Post World War II period, Platinum was becoming an increasingly scarce precious metal and as a result was reserved for only the companies most exquisite timepieces. During this pivotal timeframce, IWC produced some of the most beautiful and sought after private commissions of their era. At this time Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels and many other jewelry firms began competing for the mainstream attention in the ladies marketplace and attempted to produce the most prominent and unique ladies timepieces as a means to separate their company from one another.

It is rather rare to find examples of IWC ladies wristwatches from such as the present lot, since they are mostly commissioned pieces requested by important clients during this period. The movement of the present lot is manufactured by IWC, and the bracelet is mounted by jewellers is set with glittering emeralds and diamonds. On the case, the diamond and emerald-set cluster cover is set with 11 pear-shaped emeralds and their total weight reaching approximately 6.0 carats. Accompanying the lavishing case is a magnificent platinum bracelet featuring 53 emeralds, weighting approximately 5.0 carats and alternating with 53 marquise-cut diamonds, weighting approximately 5.50 carats. Unusual and opulent, the alternating pattern of diamond and emerald along the bracelet creates an unforgettable dazzling piece on wrist.