Our remarks

IWC Vintage Aquatimer – Reference 812AD – Stainless Steel – Black Tritium Dial – Circa 1969 – Rare

Offered for sale is the highly collectible IWC Vintage Aquatimer, reference 812AD, manufactured circa 1969 and presented in very good vintage condition. Introduced during the golden era of professional dive watches, the Aquatimer established International Watch Co. Schaffhausen as a serious contender in the field of underwater timekeeping, combining robust engineering with the understated elegance for which IWC has long been renowned.

This rare reference features the original black tritium dial with luminous tritium hour markers and hands, displaying the warm, even patina that collectors highly value. The clean, highly legible dial is complemented by the distinctive internal rotating dive bezel, operated via the second crown at 2 o'clock—a hallmark of the early Aquatimer models. Together, these elements create one of the most recognizable and sought-after vintage dive watch designs produced by IWC.

The stainless steel case measures approximately 37 mm in diameter and offers a balanced, functional design that remains remarkably contemporary more than five decades after its introduction. Its twin-crown construction not only enhances the watch's distinctive appearance but also protects the internal timing bezel from accidental movement, a significant technical innovation for professional diving watches of its era. The Submariner plate on the back is missing.

Powering the watch is the IWC manufacture Calibre 8541B, an exceptionally robust automatic movement featuring the renowned Pellaton winding system, one of the most respected automatic winding mechanisms in Swiss watchmaking. Celebrated for its reliability, durability, and engineering excellence, the movement reflects IWC's longstanding commitment to technical innovation and precision.

Produced during a relatively short period, the reference 812AD has become one of the most desirable vintage Aquatimer models among collectors. Original examples retaining their correct tritium dial and authentic vintage components are increasingly difficult to find, making this reference an important addition to any serious collection of classic sports watches.

This example dates to approximately 1969 and represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of IWC's most iconic vintage tool watches. Its combination of historical significance, timeless design, and mechanical excellence ensures its enduring appeal among collectors worldwide.

This reference 812AD features:

- Stainless steel case

- Original black tritium dial

- Internal rotating dive bezel

- Twin-crown configuration

- Automatic IWC Calibre 8541B with Pellaton winding system

- Circa 1969

- Rare collector's reference

"With its original tritium dial, innovative internal rotating bezel, and legendary Pellaton movement, the IWC Aquatimer Ref. 812AD stands as one of the most important and collectible vintage dive watches ever produced by the Schaffhausen manufacture."