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Now that I knew the exact reference and since IWC couldn’t tell me how many watches of this reference were made, I tried to find as many known examples as possible.
I discovered that the case of this watch with the so-called “devil’s horn” lugs is something rare for vintage IWC. Over the years I have personally come across a total of six pieces. I’m not sure if all of these cases were made by the same manufacturer, but I’m assuming so.
However, I discovered that these six watches are powered by three different movements: Caliber 88 (three), Caliber 89 (two), and Caliber 83 (one).
IWC reference 504 “Species” (photo courtesy of Koen Simon)
The dial is also something special. First of all, “gold-plated” dials [by which Koen means the printed gold-colored elements and not the entire dial, which, as we can see, is black –ed] are not common at IWC. It’s always a rarity to see one. Some elements on this dial are also rare, particularly the dot markers marking the five-minute intervals, combined with the Arabic numerals at 12, 3 and 9 o’clock. I’ve seen this combination on some 89 caliber and 88 caliber rifles; However, this is the first time I’ve seen it with a “gold-plated” dial.
The dial features two other rare features: the logo font and the Türler co-signature. This is the first time I have seen this combination in its entirety in an IWC. I have seen another Caliber 88 with the same dial layout (but with Roman numerals), same signature and almost same logo font, but this example has a different case.
My personal link to Türler
Even though I wasn’t necessarily looking for a watch with a Türler signature, it still gives me an additional emotional dimension.
As briefly mentioned in the introduction, my passion for watches began at the age of 12. I quickly became completely obsessed with watches.
After graduating from high school at the age of 15, I decided to take a train trip through Switzerland. I had an Interrail ticket, which meant I could take a certain number of train journeys within a certain number of days. I planned to visit Basel, Schaffhausen, Zurich, Lausanne and Geneva with the sole aim of visiting everything watch-related. Mainly watch shops and museums.
I remember visiting the Türler store when I was in Zurich and being greeted with warm hospitality despite my age. I explained my love of watches to the staff and had them show me the most spectacular watches over a good coffee. That being said, I remember that in the middle of the store was a very impressive clock with astronomical complications. Both the hospitality and this watch left a deep impression on me.
This remains a very treasured memory. It was the first time that I went on a trip lasting several weeks without my parents. It taught me that true passion is a fantastic tool and I enjoy meeting great people and fondly remember the joy it gave me getting to know them.
Every time I see the Türler signature, it reminds me of a young version of myself, ready to explore the world and pursue my passion. It was a real adventure. Somehow this watch seems like a belated reminder of this adventure. A nice reminder to stay young and adventurous.
Quick Facts IWC Reference 504 “Türler”
Case: 36mm 18k yellow gold
Movement: Hand-wound caliber 88, 2.5 Hz/18,000 vibrations per hour, 36 hour power reserve
Features: Hours minutes seconds
* This article was first published on February 18, 2022 at Why I Bought It: Collector Koen Simon And His IWC Reference 504 “Türler”.
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