A Rare Survivor from the Golden Era of Watchmaking

Elegant, oversized, and nearly impossible to find — this 1938 IWC “Hermet” is a remarkable artifact of pre-war watchmaking. With its large-for-the-time 36.5mm case and patented dust- and moisture-resistant construction, the Hermet was decades ahead in both form and function.

Cased in solid 14k yellow gold — a clear indication it was made for the U.S. market — this piece features an untouched golden dial with soft, even patina and crisp Arabic numerals. The crown sits partially recessed into the case, a subtle technical flourish that helped protect the Caliber 83 inside — one of IWC’s most revered manual movements.

Preserved in truly exceptional condition, this Hermet balances rugged ingenuity with 1930s elegance. It’s the kind of watch that quietly tells stories — of engineering milestones, collector rarity, and timeless design.

- wrist size in our picture is 18cm circumference -

DIAL:

• original never touched golden colored dial in good condition
• developed patina throughout the dial 
• original hands & crown
  

STRAP & BUCKLE:

• dark brown  GOLDAMMER Kardinal leather strap fitting up to 21 cm wrist size / 2 mm thick
• gold plated GOLDAMMER buckle

CASE:

• excellent overall condition, showing minor traces of use
  
• 3- body 14k yellow gold case with snap-on case back from case maker Les Fils de Jules Blum
• 36.5 mm (without crown) / 43 mm (lug-to-lug) / 20 mm (between lugs) / 8.5 mm thick
• Year: 1938
• total weight: 43 g

MOVEMENT:

• International Watch Co Cal. 83
• 16 jewels, 18000 A/h, 41 hours power reserve
• professionally serviced in 12/2024
• +5 sec/d / 300°

BOX & PAPERS:

• GOLDAMMER certificate of authenticity & service documentation card
• GOLDAMMER box

GOLDAMMER REFERENCE: #635