IWC Cal.412 Ref. 4109
| House | IWC |
| Category | Timepieces |
| Era | 1970s/1980s |
The IWC Reference 4109, a classic small wristwatch from the 1970s, exudes timeless elegance with its durable Calibre 412 movement and hand-wound precision.
Offered in 18K yellow gold or stainless steel, the watch features a sunray dial with dark steel baton hands.
It showcases meticulous Swiss craftsmanship, the design reflects the era's refined high utility aesthetics, with a sleek, ultra-thin profile and a nylon/sailcloth strap or mesh bracelet, making it a treasured piece for collectors and a testament to this era of IWC's under-the-radar minimalism.
A Tribute to Utilitarian Craftsmanship
Nestled in the annals of horological history, the International Watch Co. AG (IWC, or IWC Schaffhausen) Reference 4109 is a testament to classic craftsmanship and enduring design. Its design is reminiscent of the IWC Yacht Club. This watch, with its stainless steel constitution and the venerable Calibre 412, harks back to the late 1960s into the 1970s. It a period renowned for its refined, utilitarian aesthetics and the genesis of some of today’s iconic watch designs.
The Heartbeat of Precision: Calibre 412
The IWC Reference 4109, equipped with the handwinding Calibre 412—a nuanced variant of the robust IWC 41 series—embodies Swiss precision and durability. The Calibre 412, with a frequency of 19,800 A/h and a power reserve of 40 hours, is a testament to meticulous watchmaking, featuring 17 jewels and dimensions of 13.50 x 17.30 x 3.50mm. Its compact yet robust build, complete with a balance staff U1568 and stem W1267, ensures reliable timekeeping within a refined profile. The mainspring, measuring 1.15 x 7.0 x 0.08mm with a T-brace, and the proportionate hands sized at 1.05 x 0.60mm,
Elegance in Form: Case and Dial
The case of the Reference 4109 is offered in two luxurious variations: a solid 18K gold case and a robust stainless steel case. The dimensions, approximately 24mm in width without the crown and a lug-to-lug measurement of 26mm, are suggestive of a time when watches were worn as subtle complements to one’s attire, rather than overt statements. The lug width stands at 12mm, accommodating a strap that adds to the watch's elegance.
Radiance of Time
The dial of the Reference 4109 is a work of art in itself. Available in "Gilt Sunray" or "Silvered Sunray", it catches and plays with light. This effect is achieved through meticulous radial brushing—a technique that demands a steady hand. The golden or silver hues lend a timeless charm to the watch, a charm that is accentuated by the black steel baton hands
Leather and Mesh
The straps found on reference 4109 are seen in black nylon/sailcloth, complementing the golden or silver tones of the dial, while variants also come with an IWC leather or mesh bracelet, adaptable across seasons. Though splash-resistant, it is a piece to be worn with care.
Legacy of a Small Timepiece
In the lineage of IWC’s creations, the Reference 4109 is a nod to the brand’s heritage of crafting elegant, minimalist timepieces—a lineage that, while largely not currently present in their contemporary catalog, lives on.
