{"product_id":"iwc-c-97-pocket-watch","title":"IWC C.97 Pocket Watch (c. 1942)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"182\"\u003eThis rare war-era IWC C.97 is the kind of pocket watch that reminds you why collectors have begun looking beyond wristwatches and back toward the artistry of traditional watchmaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"bts2ok\" data-start=\"184\" data-end=\"211\"\u003eA NOTE FROM THE CURATOR\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"213\" data-end=\"705\"\u003ePocket watches have slowly become one of the most fascinating corners of vintage watch collecting. As collectors continue to appreciate movement finishing, mechanical architecture, and traditional craftsmanship on a deeper level, these oversized calibers offer something modern watches simply cannot replicate. The beauty of a large-format movement with its expansive bridges, deep engravings, and elegant proportions transforms the watch into something closer to a mechanical sculpture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"707\" data-end=\"1026\"\u003eThe IWC Calibre 97 is one of the standout examples of that era. Produced between 1930 and 1964 in relatively limited numbers, with the majority manufactured before the end of World War II, these early examples have become increasingly collectible among enthusiasts who appreciate classic Swiss pocket watch engineering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1028\" data-end=\"1452\"\u003eThis particular example houses a movement dating to 1938, while the case appears to date from approximately 1942, placing it firmly within the wartime production years. According to documented production figures, only approximately 16,200 examples of the Calibre 97 were produced in total, with the overwhelming majority manufactured between 1930 and 1946, making these earlier wartime movements especially desirable today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1454\" data-end=\"1793\"\u003eThe movement itself is beautifully executed in classic IWC fashion: clean, architectural, highly legible, and unmistakably purposeful. Combined with the streamlined case design and traditional 2-tone dial layout, it represents a wonderful example of mid-century Swiss pocket watch craftsmanship from one of the most respected manufactures in horology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"4m0k7b\" data-start=\"1795\" data-end=\"1826\"\u003eCONDITION REPORT \u0026amp; CONTENTS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1828\" data-end=\"1907\"\u003eThis IWC C.97 pocket watch is presented in overall excellent vintage condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1909\" data-end=\"2067\"\u003eThe case presents beautifully overall and remains crisp, and free of any major damage or notable imperfections. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2069\" data-end=\"2403\"\u003eThe dial shows honest age and character throughout, with some spotting and pitting visible across portions of the surface. Most notably, there is a visible blemish within the seconds sub-dial area (please refer to photos for details). Despite these signs of age, the dial retains strong vintage charm and remains highly attractive overall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2527\"\u003eThe hands are in good overall condition, showing some expected aging and minor blemishing consistent with the watch’s age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2529\" data-end=\"2587\"\u003eThe movement is clean and presents in excellent condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2589\" data-end=\"2802\"\u003eService history is unknown. The watch winds smoothly and is currently running well, though a service may be considered at the buyer’s discretion for long-term optimization and more precise timekeeping performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1ivfhe0\" data-start=\"2804\" data-end=\"2822\"\u003eSPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2824\" data-end=\"3306\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"we94s4\" data-start=\"2824\" data-end=\"2836\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e IWC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ifw59u\" data-start=\"2837\" data-end=\"2858\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel: \u003c\/strong\u003ePocket Watch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"gakgts\" data-start=\"2859\" data-end=\"2885\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement: \u003c\/strong\u003eIWC Calibre 97\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"179fmm5\" data-start=\"2886\" data-end=\"2907\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement Year: \u003c\/strong\u003e1938\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"rzbarx\" data-start=\"2908\" data-end=\"2933\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase Year: \u003c\/strong\u003e1942\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"4xmucp\" data-start=\"2975\" data-end=\"3028\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Estimated Production: \u003c\/strong\u003eApprox. 16,200 examples\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1bi27lx\" data-start=\"3029\" data-end=\"3066\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCountry of Manufacture: \u003c\/strong\u003eSwitzerland\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"noxi7w\" data-start=\"3067\" data-end=\"3084\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinding: \u003c\/strong\u003eManual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"11vscsh\" data-start=\"3085\" data-end=\"3114\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTime Display:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small seconds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"29fj3z\" data-start=\"3115\" data-end=\"3135\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase Material: \u003c\/strong\u003eStainless Steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"zsrloz\" data-start=\"3136\" data-end=\"3156\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase Diameter: \u003c\/strong\u003e45.2mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"j9zgxi\" data-start=\"3157\" data-end=\"3173\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThickness: \u003c\/strong\u003e10.4mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1cfmluq\" data-start=\"3174\" data-end=\"3188\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acrylic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"IWC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45136565403830,"sku":null,"price":2650.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7011\/4230\/files\/DSC5921.jpg?v=1779325903","url":"https:\/\/thisiswatchable.com\/products\/iwc-c-97-pocket-watch","provider":"Watchable Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}