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
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.)
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
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".
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
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
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?
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.
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?
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.
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:
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
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.
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.