2021 Wempe Iron Walker Automatic Chronometer WI100004
Ref: WI100004

Points of Mention

This watch is sold with its original Wempe box and paperwork. The watch comes paired on its original integrated stainless steel bracelet with polished and brushed surfaces secured by a signed folding clasp. The watch is from June 2021 and is sold in worn condition, however, overall as you can see the watch is in great condition. The watch comes with its original Manufacturer Warranty.

The Watch

Gerhard D. Wempe founded Wempe watches in 1878 in Elsfleth, Germany. Initially selling his watches from his Aunt's house. In 1894 he expanded to a second showroom in Oldenburg, Germany. Building on his success in 1903 he opened a shop in Hamburg, returning his profits into the business his son would deliver their watches by tram. Extending his reach in Hamburg he opened a further four branches. During the 1920s his son introduced a corporate identity throughout his stores, something unheard of at the time. They also began to service watches from other brands as a convenience to their customers. In 1923 their headquarters was set up in Hamburg popularly called “Gülden Gerd,” His next move in 1938 was to buy the Hamburger Chronometerwerke GmbH from shipbuilders based in Hamburg and Bremen. This move set them up to have their own competitive Chronometer Workshop.

In 1939, the Wempe company lost its independent status and was incorporated into the Ministry of Aviation and the Navy. By 1945, Hamburg lay in ruins, and the Wempe shops had also been destroyed. Hellmut Wempe joined the company at 18 in 1950 Herbert Wempe died in 1963 and Hellmut takes over. Continuing their expansion it was decided in 1980 that they should open a branch abroad and New York was chosen. Later further showrooms were opened in Paris, Vienna, London, and Madrid. Kim-Eva Wempe took over the business from her father Helmut in 2003 at the company's 125th Anniversary. In 2009 they opened Germany’s first Rolex-only boutique. In 2017, they opened Germany's largest jewellery store in Munich.

Here we have a 2021 Wempe Iron Walker Automatic Chronometer WI100004 with a 40mm stainless steel Tonneau case. Polished and brushed surfaces curve over your wrist towards the integrated bracelet. On the right side, a signed crown. A smooth polished bezel holds a flat sapphire crystal above a white dial. An outer minute track precisely printed with applied steel baton indexes with a strip of SuperLuminova marks the hours. At 3 o’clock a framed date window. Elegant sword hands complemented by a sweeping tapered second hand. Text is precisely printed at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock respectively. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with their Glashütte observatory embossed in the center. This is where their watches have been chronometer tested since 2005 when Wempe bought the observatory after it had fallen into ruin. Inside an Automatic Chronometer Automatic Chronometer ETA 2892-A2, 21 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour. Chronometer Certified and adjusted to five positions. The watch comes fitted on its original integrated stainless steel bracelet with polished and brushed surfaces secured by a signed folding clasp and comes with its Wempe presentation box and papers.

Personal Note