That's a nice watch, and a few mm's wider than the average vintage piece of it's era. Can't shed any light on the Israel thing, but the caliber 89 is rightfully called the "working man's Patek" because it's not only accurate and pretty, it's also robust and durable. The watch in the picture, if solid 18ct, would sell in the neighborhood of $1200 - $1800 depending on whether or not it's been serviced and it's overall condition. Redials are damn hard to spot because they're so good. There are two more sought after styles of that basic watch - one like cicindela has and the ribbon, or shark fin, lug version that Todd (huntershooter), Will, (will E) and I have. They command a little more to a lot more. If you meant caliber 83 versus caliber 89, I'd choose the 89 - or it's subdial second fraternal twin the caliber 88. Don't pass on their automatics either. The Pellaton winding system was the model for many brands like Seiko, Cyma, and Longines. Vintage IWC watches are gaining in popularity and therefore in price. If you have your eye on one grab it.
Other brands to look at before they go ballistic (and blue chip vintage pieces will only appreciate as this hobby becomes mainstream) are as follows, in order of average selling price:
AP: This might sound like a joke because most of their watches are world class. Many forum members have no clue that AP makes watches OTHER THAN THE ROYAL OAK.
😲 That works for me because they're still a bargain. As vintage VC prices keep rising, so will AP prices.... just a few years behind.
JLC: No, I'm not making another joke. They aren't cheap but they haven't reached anywhere near their peak. People are starting to realize exactly how good this brand is.
Eterna: They were top of the heap in innovation back in the early years of the full rotor automatics. They're ball bearing hub set the standard for modern 360˚ rotor self winding systems. Get'em while they're cheap because the brand is just starting to make a comeback.
Tissot: Bargain Omegas. Enough said!
Benrus: Yes, Benrus. Can anyone name another brand that did so many cool complications in the 40's and 50's that can be had for under $350 a watch -
in mint condition???
I called Longines 6 years ago. Anyone wanna bet against me this time?
😜
Brands I just don't understand the attraction to, and crazy prices of:
Rolex: No way am I saying they're a bad watch, I just don't understand how a plain ss dive watch can fetch $60,000.
😕 The 6062 I get though.
Breitling: They're the exception that proves the rule about in-house calibers being where the money is at. How does a freakin' Venus chronograph powered watch cost so much simply because there's a white outline of wings on the dial?
