1940 IWC Pre Hermet 14k Black Gilt – A Rare Survivor from the Golden Era of Watchmaking

Elegant, oversized, and nearly impossible to find — this 1940 IWC Pre “Hermet” is a remarkable artifact from the golden age of Swiss horology. With a large-for-its-time 36.5 mm solid 14k yellow gold case, it was designed with both innovation and aesthetics in mind.

The Hermet name reflects its patented dust- and moisture-resistant construction, a technical advancement well ahead of its era and our model seems to be a Pre Version of the 1938-40 release Hermet. The gilt dial, untouched and evenly aged, radiates vintage warmth with crisp Arabic numerals and original hands, framed by a partially recessed crown — a discreet nod to the thoughtful engineering within.

Originally made for the U.S. market, this watch features a case by Les Fils de Jules Blum, and houses the IWC Caliber 83, recently serviced and running strong. Few watches from the pre-war era combine design, rarity, and preservation quite like this one.

A collector’s time capsule — built with purpose, worn with elegance.

- wrist size in our picture is 18cm circumference -

DIAL:

• original never touched gilt dial in good condition
• developed slight and even patina throughout the dial 
• original hands & crown
  

STRAP & BUCKLE:

• black GOLDAMMER KARDINAL Alligator Embossed Leather Watch Strap / 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) / 42 mm (lug-to-lug) / 17 mm (between lugs) / 9.5 mm thick
• Year: 1940
• total weight: 43 g

MOVEMENT:

• International Watch Co. Cal. 83 - manual
• 17 jewels, 18000 A/h, 44 hours power reserve
  
• professionally serviced in 11/2025
• +25 sec/d / 330°

BOX & PAPERS:

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

GOLDAMMER REFERENCE: #1292