Condition Report – IWC Golf Club Ref. 1830 “Genta Design”
There’s something timeless about a watch that wears its decades with grace—and this IWC Golf Club, Reference 1830, is a quiet testament to that enduring charm. Designed in the 1970s and attributed to the legendary Gérald Genta, this piece strikes a compelling balance between sporty elegance and restrained mid-century modernism. Its condition reflects a life lived with intention, not excess—gently worn, but never abused.
Case
Housed in a softly brushed stainless steel case measuring 35mm x 41mm, the watch retains its original sculptural contours. The signature Genta-style geometry is intact, with the broad cushion profile flowing seamlessly into short, angular lugs. Light surface marks are visible under close inspection, consistent with age, but no dents or over-polishing—an important note for collectors seeking sharp edges and authentic lines. The polished bevels and brushed planes remain well defined, exuding a quiet confidence rather than overt flash.
Dial
The black tritium dial is the star of the show. Its griffe (sunburst) finish still catches the light with surprising vitality, revealing a silken texture that plays between charcoal and jet depending on angle. The original white tritium hands and indices have aged gracefully, developing the faintest ivory tone. While the old tritium no longer glows with youthful vigor, it still comes to life for a brief moment when exposed to light—a ghostly flicker that nods to a different horological era. There are no blemishes or spotting, only the light, uniform patina one hopes to find in a well-preserved vintage piece.
Movement
Ticking within is IWC’s robust automatic movement, beating with a steady cadence that reminds us why this brand’s internals remain so highly regarded among collectors. The watch winds smoothly, sets crisply, and keeps excellent time—a testament to both the original engineering and a careful life lived. Though the movement hasn’t been recently serviced by us, its performance is stable and reliable, a mechanical heart that continues to beat true.
Crystal
The sapphire crystal, likely a sympathetic replacement over the years, is clean and clear, offering a distortion-free view of the dial beneath. It subtly elevates the watch’s everyday wearability without compromising its vintage character.
Strap
Paired with a supple calfskin leather strap, this Golf Club has shed its original bracelet in favor of a warmer, more contemporary tactile experience. The current strap complements the dial’s monochromatic palette, while offering a casual sophistication that invites daily wear.
Final Thoughts
This IWC Golf Club is not a museum piece—it’s better than that. It’s the kind of watch you want to wear, a quietly compelling companion that rewards those who notice the details. With its Genta lineage, refined proportions, and an honest vintage patina, it doesn’t shout to announce its pedigree. It simply is—authentic, enduring, and confident in its understated excellence.
We’ve tested the watch to ensure proper functioning. On average, it runs 7 seconds per day, with an amplitude of 260 degrees and a beat error of 0.0ms. These results, obtained using one of our instruments, indicate good performance, but please note that we cannot guarantee precision, accuracy, or waterproofness.
The price includes Swiss VAT of 8.1%, which can be directly deducted for export, and the shipping cost comes with full worldwide insurance. Please note that the customer will be responsible for paying any customs duties in their country.
If you desire a complete service, we can provide it at an additional cost, with a warranty of at least one year for precision and accuracy (not for waterproofness).
