IWC

The Reference 5441 was a limited addition from 1993 to celebrate IWC’s 125th anniversary. There were 250 platinum, 500 rose gold and 1000 stainless steel versions made. The first 100 platinum versions came in a special collectors‘ edition consisting of three watches in all three metals. Here are the specs:

• Case Diameter: 42 mm
• Case Thickness: 9.8mm
• Movement: Manual-wind IWC Caliber 9828 (pocket watch movement)
• Power Reserve: Approximately 54 hours
• Dial: Silver or white with applied gold Arabic numerals, leaf hands, small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock
• Crystal: Plexiglass (acrylic) for the front (vintage style), sapphire display back
• Water Resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)

I owned the stainless version originally and liked it so much that around ten years ago, I had the opportunity to purchase the collectors’ set in all three metals, new in the box, from Germany. I had IWC fully service them before having them shipped to me as they were then over 20 years old. 

In reviewing Emmanuel’s recent wonderful post about the Grand Seiko reissues of the First Grand Seiko from 1960, the classic good looks of all those reissues strongly reminded me of the same classic looks of the 5441, which I haven’t taken out of the safe in quite a long a while.

I am wearing the stainless version today and now fondly recall why I felt so taken with this reference so many years ago.

I can’t think of many watches more classic and classy than the 5441. And since I happen to prefer a larger watch, the 42mm size is icing on the proverbial cake. 

Would love to hear your opinions about this watch. 

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