Lot #HB10-13 – IWC 3406 Tuning Fork Electronic Watch Cal 150 Vintage
Estimate: $1,300.00 – $1,500.00
Start Price: $700.00
Brand: IWC
Model: Electronic Tuning Fork
Reference: #3406 or #R3406 or # R 3406
Diameter: 37mm
Dial Color: Blue with painted markers
Case Material: Stainless steel
Bezel Material: Stainless steel
Case Back: Solid, screw down
Movement: Electronic movement with tuning fork, caliber 150
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Band: Brand new, unworn Tokki Project leather strap with a stainless steel Tokki Project tang buckle
Box: No
Papers / Warranty card: No
Accessories: N/A
Condition: Has a few very small specks of dust throughout on the crystal. The case back has some minor tool marks throughout which can be expected. The watch has superficial scratches due to normal wear and age. Overall condition is good. Running at the time of inspection, however not checked for accuracy nor water resistance/proofness. An overhaul is always recommended for used watches.
Special Notes: The first tuning fork prototype was developed in 1953 by Bulova. Vintage tuning fork electric watches have batteries that power the mainspring and vibrates at 300Hz and higher depending on the watch manufacturer and model. This makes the seconds hand sweep like an automatic watch instead of tick like a quartz watch. This watch features an interesting bi-directional quick date set which allows you to turn the crown forward or backward to quick change the date. Most quick set models only turn one direction. This watch also features hidden lugs and a screw down case back. Most of the other IWC Electronic Tuning Fork models have exposed lugs and snap back case covers.
Last Know Retail (approximate): NA
International Watch Company (IWC) was founded in 1868 by Florentine Ariosto Jones. Jones returned to the United States, and the company was taken over by The Rauschenbachs family from Schaffhausen. IWC made several important models early on such a pocket watch with a digital “Pallweber” display, the W.W.W. for the British Army, and the Swiss quartz movement Beta 21. Some iconic IWC models include the IWC Pilot, IWC Portugieser, IWC Da Vinci, IWC Ingenieur, IWC Portofino, and the IWC Aquatimer.
