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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Flying tourbillon pocket watch

International Watch Co. Flying Tourbillon Regulator

Partially verified

This 18K gold keyless hunting-cased pocket watch is a one-minute flying tourbillon regulator produced by International Watch Co. in 1993. The movement, Caliber 9820, features a carriage designed by Richard Habring, numbered 8. The watch is constructed with a four-body bassine polished gold case and includes a gold hinged glazed cuvette. The white dial displays Breguet numerals with an outer minute ring and a subsidiary seconds dial, complemented by gold Feuille hands. The nickel movement includes engraved bridges and contains 21 jewels. The mechanical system utilizes a straight-line lever escapement and a monometallic balance with a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. The flying tourbillon carriage is mounted on a large wheel, which is driven by an additional fifth wheel. Measuring 49 mm in diameter and 9.7 mm in thickness, the manufacturer labels this as the thinnest flying tourbillon pocket watch known.

Obverse and reverse views of the IWC flying tourbillon, showing the white dial and the engraved movement with exposed flying carriage.
Obverse and reverse views of the IWC flying tourbillon, showing the white dial and the engraved movement with exposed flying carriage. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Flying tourbillon pocket watch
Maker / attribution
International Watch Co, Schaffhausen
Reference
Cal. 9820
Catalogue / lot identifier
286
Source-reported date
1993
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
No. 8

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in an 18K gold hunting-style case. It is constructed as a four-body 'bassine' form with a polished finish. The design includes a hinged gold cuvette that features a glazed window, allowing for a direct view of the movement components while the back remains protected.

The dial is finished in white, presenting a clean backdrop for the black Breguet-style numerals. An outer track marks the minutes, while a subsidiary dial at the six o'clock position tracks seconds. The time is indicated by gold Feuille hands, maintaining a consistent aesthetic with the case material.

Evidence for this section
  • “18K gold hunting-cased”
  • “Four-body, "bassine", polished, gold hinged glazed cuvette.”
  • “White with Breguet numerals and outer minute ring, subsidiary seconds.”

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece is powered by the IWC Caliber 9820. The movement measures 16 lignes and is constructed from nickel with engraved bridge work. It incorporates 21 jewels and operates with a straight-line lever escapement. The balance system is monometallic and incorporates a self-compensating Breguet balance spring.

A key technical feature is the one-minute flying tourbillon. The carriage assembly is mounted on a large wheel which is engaged and driven by an additional fifth wheel, maintaining an equivalent diameter.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 9820”
  • “nickel with engraved bridges, 21 jewels, straight line lever escapement”
  • “the carriage mounted on a large wheel driven from an additional fifth wheel of the same diameter.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction house provides a condition report using a specific grading system, assigning the object an overall 'AAA Excellent' grade. However, specific components are graded separately, with the case and movement listed as '3 Good'.

The watch is signed by the manufacturer on both the dial and the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Signed on dial and case.”

Open research questions

  • What specific technical modifications differentiate the IWC Cal. 9820 from the base 98-series movements?
  • How many examples of the Richard Habring flying tourbillon carriage were produced for IWC in 1993?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for International Watch Co. Flying Tourbillon Regulator
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerInternational Watch Co, Schaffhausen“International Watch Co, Schaffhausen”
MovementCal. 9820“Cal. 9820”
Carriage MakerRichard Habring“carriage by Richard Habring”
Case material18K gold“18K gold hunting-cased”
Dimensions49 mm diameter, 9.7 mm thickness“Diam. 49 mm., thickness 9.7 mm.”
Movement details21 jewels, nickel construction with engraved bridges“nickel with engraved bridges, 21 jewels”

Visible details

  • White dial features black Breguet numeral hour markers
  • Engraved movement bridges visible through the open back
  • Hunting-case construction with hinged back and cuvette
  • Gold Feuille hands for hours and minutes

Research qualifications

  • Auction description recommends an overhaul at the buyer's expense
  • Unverified claim that this is the thinnest flying tourbillon pocket watch known

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

International Watch Co, Schaffhausen, Cal. 9820, carriage by Richard Habring No. 8, 1993.Very fine and rare 18K gold hunting-cased keyless very thin one-minute flying tourbillon regulator.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 40c68fb0fd

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.