IWC “Calatrava” in Steel Cal. 89 (circa 1950s)

WHY WE CURATED IT:
Probably the oldest watch we’ve ever curated as it’s too good not to! A revered style of 1950s IWC when the brand aced the proportions and detailing of a dress icon. Collectors refer to these as IWC “Calatravas”, a nod to the Calatrava format from Patek Philippe, but at a ridiculous fraction of the cost. There are a myriad variations to this line, with one common thread being the legendary Calibre 89 within… the brainchild of IWC’s celebrated Technical Director Albert Pellaton who set out to create a new calibre for the future of IWC after its Schaffhausen facilities were destroyed in WWII. Cal. 89 served active duty in military and pilot watches as well, which speaks to the reliability and robustness of these movements. The stainless steel version we have here is ironically the scarcest in the rarity hierarchy, as most were encased in 18K yellow gold, followed by rose and white gold. This one gets beautiful alpha hands, pencil appliqué markers, the classic vintage IWC script logotype, recessed dot minute markers and a lovely mildly-domed warm silver dial. Wonderfully evocative on the wrist… elegant, understated, honest, pure and dependable. This one gets a huge nod from us! Serviced and warrantied.

CONDITION:
8.5/10, with some shallow hairlines and micro-nicks. Dial, hands and indices have minor and charming aging consistent with over 60 years of age. Crystal has minor marks with no impediment to a clear view of the open, expansive dial. Original unsigned crown. New aftermarket strap and buckle. Movement serviced with 6 months warranty and in good health for the age, with over-spec power reserve, moderate amplitude, low to moderate beat error and accurate to ±10 secs/day averaged from 6 timegrapher positions.

DIMENSIONS:
34.8mm width excl. crown
42.3mm length incl. lugs
10.0mm thickness
18mm lug width
Visual dial width ~30.5mm
Wrist in photos is 15.8cm in circumference

CRYSTAL:
Acrylic

CASE:
Steel

WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none, as per vintage watches

STRAP:
New aftermarket grained olive strap and aftermarket buckle (16 mm)

CALIBRE:
IWC Cal. 89, 3-hander manual winder

COMES WITH:
Watch, aftermarket strap and buckle

TERMS OF SALE:
Please read our “Terms of service” below. Thanks!