Found these long forgotten vintages in my father's drawer

[PaulSantori]

Yes, your very lucky!!! Enjoy!

[blok]

Thanx guys! :)

I'm wearing the IWC today for the first time and can't seem to take my eyes off of it. Trying not to stare too much while driving, though. ;)
Before I have it restored, I'd like to replace the leather strap while keeping the original IWC clasp. Will have to find a decent place where they will service all of them. Some people tend to be pretty careless while repairing watches over here where I live so I'll have to be careful where I take them for service. I wouldn't like something to happen to (one of) them.

Any idea on how much it might cost me to have them serviced?
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[~tc~]

Totally depends on if they need parts, but even a basic service will be a couple hundred bucks each.

[R.J.]

Just beautiful. I'm happy for you.

[blok]

Just wondering... if I take it to have it serviced, Ulackfocus mentioned price of the watch will increase. But what if they change the crystal, buckle (which is also a bit damaged), strap...? Isn't the watch going to lose on its value in that case? Or to put it simply: Is the price gonna go up only if they service it while keeping all the old parts?

Thanx!

[~tc~]

One of the people here far more experienced in collecting vintage watches than me can provide better insight, but my impression is that watch collecting does not place too high a value on "numbers matching all original". Condition and timekeeping are far more important, and replacing a heavily scratched or broken crystal will always increase the value, as will having the lubrication service performed (because the next guy won't have to).

[ulackfocus]

Like tc said, there are parts that are replaced under normal maintenance - mainsprings, crystals, etc. Use authentic and correct parts for any other necessary changes.

The whole "numbers matching" thing doesn't apply to most watches except some old pocketwatches. Other brands, like Rolex, have codes. The serial number will say when it was produced, and then the codes should all match to that time (ie: which quarter of the year).

[blok]

So basically if authorised IWC dealer here where I live for some reason doesn't (want to) service my watch and I go to some unauthorised person, he most likely won't be using authentic IWC parts and, therefore, the watch (although in better condition after service) will lose in value?

[a1watch]

Great watches, enjoy them

[ulackfocus]

So basically if authorised IWC dealer here where I live for some reason doesn't (want to) service my watch and I go to some unauthorised person, he most likely won't be using authentic IWC parts and, therefore, the watch (although in better condition after service) will lose in value?

No, you don't have to use an authorized IWC dealer. Parts for that watch are available, just not as easy to find as it is for most movements.