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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Automatic dress watch

IWC Automatic Dresswatch Ref. R810A

Partially verified

This IWC Automatic dress watch, reference R810A, dates to the second half of the 1960s. The watch features a 34mm stainless steel case paired with a silver-toned dial characterized by vertical brushing. The dial includes an applied IWC logo, black-printed details, and a date aperture at the 3 o’clock position. It is equipped with semi-sword hands that retain their original cream-coloured tritium luminous material. Powering the watch is an IWC automatic calibre 854/8541 movement. The exterior includes a fish-signed crown and a Portuguese import mark situated on the upper left lug. The watch is currently fitted with a leather strap featuring an original IWC pin buckle. The auction description reports that the movement has been fully serviced by their watchmaker.

Front view of the IWC Automatic dress watch on a leather strap.
Front view of the IWC Automatic dress watch on a leather strap. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Automatic dress watch
Maker / attribution
IWC Schaffhausen
Reference
R810A
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1960s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
184xxxx / 188xxxx

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 a 34mm stainless steel case, designed with what is described as elegant lugs and a press-in caseback. The winding crown is distinctively signed with a fish motif.

The dial surface has a vertical brushed finish in silver. It displays an applied IWC logo, black printed text, and hour markers. The date aperture is positioned at 3 o'clock. The semi-sword hands are fitted with what is described as the original cream-coloured tritium lume.

Evidence for this section
  • “34 mm steel case , fish signed crown”
  • “The silver dial is particularly charming, finished with a beautiful vertical brushing”
  • “The distinctive semi-sword hands retain their original cream-coloured tritium lume”

Movement

The timepiece is driven by the IWC automatic calibre 854/8541. This movement is identified by the manufacturer as part of one of their automatic movement families produced in Schaffhausen.

The auction description reports that the watch has undergone a full service by their watchmaker to ensure mechanical performance.

Evidence for this section
  • “Inside beats IWC's automatic calibre 854/8541”
  • “The movement has been fully serviced by our watchmaker”

Provenance and Markings

A notable detail on the case is a Portuguese import mark located on the upper left lug. This mark was applied as part of the Portuguese customs and assay system for goods entering the country during the 20th century.

The mark indicates that the watch was imported into Portugal at some point after its manufacture in Switzerland, serving as a record of its historical circulation.

Evidence for this section
  • “a Portuguese import marking on the upper left lug”
  • “The resulting punção was a small official punch applied to qualifying watches”
  • “that tiny mark on the lug is more than just an unusual case detail — it is a little piece of the watch's journey”

Open research questions

  • Confirm exact serial number range for R810A to narrow manufacturing date
  • Verify the specific assay marks used by the Portuguese Contrastaria system for 1960s watch imports

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for IWC Automatic Dresswatch Ref. R810A
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ReferenceR810A“Ref. R810A”
Case MaterialStainless steel“34mm stainless steel case”
MovementIWC Calibre 854/8541“automatic calibre 854/8541”
Case Diameter34 mm“34 mm steel case”
CrownFish-signed“fish signed crown”
DatingSecond half of the 1960s“dating to second half of the 1960’s”
FeaturesDate function“date function”

Visible details

  • Silver dial with vertical brushing
  • Applied IWC logo at 12 o'clock
  • Date window at 3 o'clock
  • Fish-signed winding crown

Research qualifications

  • The Portuguese import mark origin is attributed to historical customs procedures
  • The specific production date is indicated only by a range within the 1960s

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

Consulted source

IWC Automatic Dresswatch Silver dial ref R810A

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8cd3221e16

Terms in this record

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

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