277 IWC Very Rare and Attractive, Yacht Club II, Automatic Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Diamond-set Bezel, With Extract from the Archives and Service, Reference 9129
Estimate: €10,000 – 20,000
Sold (Premium)€14,300
Model: Yacht Club II
Reference: 9129
Case Material: Yellow Gold and Diamonds
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1979
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3254
Case N°: 2241958
Dimensions: 38 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Extract from the Archives and Service
In 1868, the visionary American engineer and watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones founded the International Watch Company (IWC) with a groundbreaking vision: to seamlessly blend Swiss craftsmanship with cutting-edge engineering technology from the U.S. Fast forward to the 1970s, a pivotal era in watch design, when IWC sought the collaboration of the legendary watch designer Gerald Genta. Renowned for his distinctive style that left an indelible mark on Swiss watches of the ’70s, Genta crafted his iteration of the IWC Yacht Club, a design that shared the stage with his iconic creations for Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The IWC Yacht Club II Ref. 9129, produced in the latter half of the 1970s, specifically in 1979, stands as a beacon of rarity in the watch collector’s realm. Uniquely configured, this timepiece is a treasure in very nice conditions, showcasing sharp angles and fully crafted in resplendent yellow gold. The screw-back case and solid gold bracelet add to the robust elegance of this rare find. The champagne dial, adorned with baton hour indexes, harmonizes seamlessly with the yellow-gold composition. A discreet date window at 3 o’clock adds practicality without compromising the watch’s aesthetic allure. The true rarity lies in the bezel, unusually embellished with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds, each marking the hours with captivating brilliance. It’s essential to note that the present watch stands as the automatic iteration of the Yacht Club II, propelled by the caliber 3254. This extraordinary watch is accompanied by an IWC service and an extract from the archives, confirming its material, movement, and sale in 1979 in Muscat. A true collector’s gem, the IWC Yacht Club II Ref. 9129 is a timeless embodiment of innovation, craftsmanship, and the artistic vision of two horological pioneers—Florentine Ariosto Jones and Gerald Genta.