IWC cal 89

vonrozen · Apr 17, 2012

Dear All,

a simple question to all of you :

Would you think that paying 400 £ for a IWC cal 89 watch (stainless steel) is a lot of money, average or a good bargain ? - see picture

ulackfocus · Apr 17, 2012

For the condition that it's in it, and probably in need of a service, it sounds like a decent price.

dsio · Apr 17, 2012

One of our mods (ULackfocus) is an IWC Cal 89 owner from memory so he can probably shed some light on it, the patina on the dial actually looks rather nice to me but I'm no expert.

Just out of interest, what brought you to an Omega forum for that IWC, its not a problem, in fact we absolutely love having owners of other interesting vintage pieces and there are quite a few Omega fans on here that own pieces like this, just curious as to how you came to find us? 😀

(edit: He beat me to posting by like 4 seconds.)

vonrozen · Apr 17, 2012

UKLackfocus, could you kindly expand what do you mean ? Is it a bargain or a price I would get it from a dealer. Is it a rare 89 or a common one ? Thank you

ulackfocus · Apr 17, 2012

That's cheap compared to what a dealer would ask, but a dealer would add in their investment with a service and probably a warranty. The caliber 89 is by no means rare. It is a very well built movement, called "the working man's Patek".

hoipolloi · Apr 20, 2012

Dennis, how about this one ? It's my only IWC

Best.

ulackfocus · Apr 20, 2012

NIce one Hoi. 👍 Looks like a late 40's or 50's version. Those willow leaf hands are a great match to the lugs. If you know the serial number of the case and movement you can enter them here and get the year it was assembled:

http://moeb.on-rev.com/dyIWC/dyIWC.irev

hoipolloi · Apr 21, 2012

Thanks Dennis.

It says

Summary
The movement is a calibre 89, dating from the year 1949.
The case was most probably produced resp. delivered around 1951.
Valid entry in "Index of Movement Numbers"
1949 1,181,201-1,196,800 c. 89 - 12lig. INCA S.C.
Valid entries in "Index of Case Numbers"
1950-1960 1,176,000-1,495,000 current IWC index compatible with old list from 2001
1950-1954 1,200,000-1,300,000 old IWC index compatible with new case index of 2002

dsio · Apr 21, 2012

So was the Cal 89 designed as a chonometer competition piece like the Omega 30T2 and Zenith 135 etc or was it more of an ultra-thin / compact design?

hoipolloi · Apr 21, 2012

Dennis said "the working man's Patek"and I think that's correct.

It's thinner and a bit smaller than the other two but I would leave the comments to guys with more knowledge than me

My 89 keeps time perfectly and I love the design of the movement. (easier for me to clean and oil). Comparing to the 30T2Rg and the 135, the 89 doesn't looks as nice but it runs flawlessly.

I love them all and don't mind if I have a few more.

dsio · Apr 21, 2012

They're all definitely stunning movements, I actually think that Cal 89 with its intricate, interlocking bridge arrangement is even more impressive to look at than the 30T2, simply stunning. Is that your Cal 135?

hoipolloi · Apr 21, 2012

yes, the Zenith is 135.

and I am lucky enough to own 2 of them.

😀

dsio · Apr 21, 2012

hoipolloi
yes, the Zenith is 135.

and I am lucky enough to own 2 of them.

😀

Oh wow that is clean, I've been poking around for these, not only can I not find out what they sell for, but I've never actually SEEN one go on ebay.

ulackfocus · Apr 21, 2012

Ashley, you don't want to know what an original clean Zenith 135 sells for nowadays. 😲

The 89 wasn't made to be a chronometer, just a good solid movement. IWC really overshot the target - it's an excellent movement. The ultra-thin derivative is the caliber 401. Got a '69 89 (left) and a '66 401 (right) myself:

Some of these watches wear quite large for their time. Subtract the fish eye effect of macro and it's still a substantial watch:

MacRulez4Ever · May 21, 2012

Maby you guys can help me regarding this watch.
What caliber, size and price for à watch like this. im thinking of buy this watch

Best Regards / J

ulackfocus · May 21, 2012

That does say AUTOMATIC on the dial, right? If so, it's powered by a Pellaton winding system caliber in the 85x(x) series. Another important movement for any collection. That's probably a 35 or 36 mm case and looks like a mid 50's watch (or thereabouts). If you stay under $1000 your safe, and better near $800 because it'll most likely need a service. Cleaned up & serviced I've seen the primo pieces like this sell for $1100 - $1500 regularly.

MacRulez4Ever · May 21, 2012

Ok Nice, the seller wants 750 usd for this watch. So thats not over prised then 😉

Tnx for the help !

ulackfocus · May 21, 2012

MacRulez4Ever
Ok Nice, the seller wants 750 usd for this watch. So thats not over prised then 😉

Tnx for the help !

No, that's a good deal. 5 years ago I bought a caliber 89 manual wind in similar shape from just a few years earlier (1947?) for that price.

MacRulez4Ever · May 24, 2012

I got the caliber now , its caliber 852 in the watch. Whats the difference between 853 and 852 ?

ulackfocus · May 24, 2012

MacRulez4Ever
Whats the difference between 853 and 852 ?

1. 😜