IWC Caliber 85 – The First Pellaton Automatic Movement

The IWC Caliber 85 is a historically significant automatic mechanical movement, introduced by IWC Schaffhausen in 1950. It was the first movement to feature the Pellaton winding system, a revolutionary mechanism developed by IWC’s Technical Director Albert Pellaton, which remains a defining feature of IWC’s automatic calibers to this day.

This movement laid the foundation for the 85x series, including later calibers such as 852, 853, and 854. It was mainly used in early post-war automatic watches, including the early Ingenieur prototypes and automatic dress watches.

Key Specifications – IWC Caliber 85

Movement Highlights

1. Pellaton Winding System (Debut)

• Utilizes a pawl and cam system rather than reversing gears.

• Allows efficient winding in both directions with less wear.

• Known for quiet operation and high durability.

2. Solid Construction

• The Cal. 85 is built to last, with a strong plate structure and a compact layout.

• It features a three-quarter mainplate, offering rigidity and ease of service.

3. Simple Timekeeping

• This early generation is time-only, with no date or complication.

• Small seconds at 6 o’clock or center seconds, depending on case and dial configuration.

Historical Significance

• First IWC automatic movement made completely in-house.

• The foundation of IWC’s modern mechanical movement lineage.

• Marked a major milestone in post-WWII Swiss watchmaking with its technical innovation.

Watches Using Cal. 85

• Early IWC automatic dress watches (often with minimal dials and gold or steel cases).

• Some pre-Ingenieur prototypes before Ref. 666 series launched.

• Rare examples still surface with Cal. 85 signed movements and matching serials from 1950–1953.

Collectibility and Legacy

• Highly sought after by collectors due to:

  • Its mechanical significance

  • Being the first Pellaton-equipped caliber

  • Rarity in modern circulation

• Most examples are now vintage collector’s items, especially those with original dials, crowns, and unpolished cases.

Conclusion

The IWC Caliber 85 is a cornerstone in IWC’s mechanical heritage, introducing the enduring Pellaton winding system and marking the brand’s entry into modern automatic watchmaking. Though produced for only a short period, its influence shaped decades of IWC engineering, and it remains a milestone caliber for collectors and enthusiasts.