Why We Love It

Sometimes, a watch shouldn't be the center of attention. Sometimes what it needs to be is refined, unobtrusive, and perhaps even subtle. 

With its soft spoken wrist presence, this 1950s IWC Calibre .89 is an exceptionally easy wearing dress watch. What many collectors often overlook is the fact that within this unassuming case beats the the same heart of another horological heavy hitter --the Ministry Of Defense's MK XI pilot's watch-- and regardless of its outer skin, this is a movement that will get us excited every time one walks in the door!

Sized at 36mm in diameter and just a hint over 9mm thick, this beauty lays gently on the wrist and slides effortlessly under the cuff. Applied Arabic 'Explorer' numerals match the soft tone of the silver satin dial and rhodium plated sword hands.

Elegant, understated, and yes - even subtle - the Calibre .89 offers everything a time only dress watch ought to be.

The Story

While IWC is perhaps known best amongst watch connoisseurs for its military watches and aviator's chronographs, the manufacturer’s oeuvre is by no means restricted to those areas.

From the 1930s to 1950s, IWC released a spate of simple yet elegant dress watches. Driven by a spirit of functionality over form, they rank as some of the most interesting—and elegant—watches of the pre- and post-war period. While many of these watches are powered by IWC’s superlative manually-wound movements, like the Calibre 83 and 89, the manufacture also fitted them with automatic movements designed by the great Albert Pellaton.

Combining elegant looks with equally imposing interiors, these dress watches are a testament to IWC’s versatility and timelessness.