IWC Calibre 89

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SKU AS02987
SKU AS02987

Why We Love it

Why We Love It

Every watch has a history, a hidden lineage that guides it and makes it into the interesting and desirable timepiece we are so often in search of today.  Sometimes the lineage is apparent, the bloodlines of icons that have resisted change for decades.  Other times, as is the case with this IWC, the horological DNA is hidden from view by an otherwise humble and reserved veneer. 

This piece is one of them.

This particular Calibre 89, is carefully wrapped in a 35mm steel case with fancy curved lugs, likely produced in the mid 1950s. The matte silver dial has taken on a light speckled patina that highlights the applied indices and matching steel-toned sword hands, is a perfect indication of the understated designs of the era and works to further conceal the legendary drivetrain inside.  

Every collector needs a dress watch on their collection, and we think we found just the one for you. Don't wait! Calibre 89's are known to fly off the shelf - especially when they come in the much rarer Steel cases!

The Story

The Calibre 89 movement is one of the more important drivetrains to come out of the post war years.  Standing firmly as the cornerstone of IWC's in-house workmanship, the Calibre 89 was a superlative creation, as accurate and reliable as it was beautiful. 

The Calibre 89 began its life inside the mind of Albert Pellaton, a movement designer that had cut his teeth at Vacheron Constantin and come to Schaffhausen as IWC's Technical Director in 1944.  For his first major project, Pellaton penned the Calibre 89, building on the skeleton of the Calibre 83, which had been IWC's workhorse movement since the early 1930s. 

While the Calibre 89 is most renowned for driving the Ministry of Defense's Mark XI pilot's watch, it made its way into a wide array of civilian-grade timekeepers, many of which sported the same spartan design language as their military brethren.  While we've offered a few of these late 1940s/early 50s gent's watches in steel, this is the first time we've found one in solid 18K gold, a rare expression of an otherwise buttoned-up watch.

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

IWC Calibre 89

IWC Calibre 89

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IWC Calibre 89

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