IWC Calibre 89 Steel

Why We Love It

There's no denying that we are strongly drawn towards rugged, function-first watches around the Analog/Shift offices. From aviation chronographs to rugged divers and all manner of obscure purpose-built instruments, it might seem at times we don't have the right amount of appreciation for the simpler things in the world of vintage horology.

The truth of the matter is, we love watches, and whether they were originally intended for submarine warfare, alpine adventuring, or the cocktail hour at the hotel bar, great design is great design - and although they don't seem to have the same level of representation in our online collection, we assure you that every member of our team has at least one proper dress watch.

This piece, a svelte 35mm steel IWC dresser with a crisp black dial and slim profile, checks all the boxes for proper formal wear. Powered by the world-class Calibre .89 manual wind movement, it is not only beautiful but historically significant.

Imagine slipping this on under the cuff of a tuxedo or paired up with some elegant jewelry and an evening gown and heading out for a classy night on the town. Applied indices and simple, non-luminous pencil hands keep it simple, because not all timepieces are meant to scream from your wrist - some are meant to whisper. 

The Story

While IWC is known best among watch connoisseurs for its military watches—like the Mark XI—or aviation-inspired chronographs like this one, the manufacture’s abilities are by no means restricted to those areas.

For every sturdy, robust military watch or no-nonsense chronograph, there are scores of elegant dress watches whose simple exteriors belie the intricate workings within.

During World War II, IWC was busy fulfilling military contracts, as one of twelve manufacturers to supply watches to the British troops—the W.W.W. or Watch Wristlet Waterproof, known to watch collectors as the Dirty Dozen. However, once peace settled in, the military contracts dried up. IWC, like many watch manufactures, found itself having to refocus production as civilian tastes shifted away from the spartan military watches that had dominated the war years.

IWC, always known for being on the forefront of technical innovations, had made great strides in developing movements that were resistant to shock and magnetic interference. The best-known among these was the Calibre 89—designed by master calibrist Albert Pellaton—which powered the Mark XI pilot’s watch. Not wanting to eschew the lessons learned during the war, IWC chose to base their triumphant reentry into the civilian market on its proven movement. 

The civilian watches that IWC built around the Calibre 89 were constructed from various materials, from stainless steel to 18k solid gold

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.

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.