IWC - Schaffhausen Caliber 89 - No reserve price - 1285322 - Men - 1950-1959

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This exceptional mid-century timepiece from International Watch Co. Schaffhausen embodies the golden era of Swiss watchmaking, offering collectors a pure expression of timeless design. Driven by what is widely considered one of the finest manual-winding movements ever produced, this classic dress watch pairs mechanical excellence with a beautifully aged aesthetic. The elegant proportions and sophisticated dial layout speak to IWC’s unwavering commitment to understated luxury and precision engineering. Brand: IWC Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 89 Dial: Creamy eggshell with applied Arabic numerals and dart indices, displaying visible edge spotting and honest vintage patina Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1950s Condition: Good vintage condition presenting honest wear and character-rich age Dial and Hands The dial presents a classic mid-century configuration, featuring a creamy eggshell base adorned with elegant applied silver-tone Arabic numerals at the primary quarters and faceted dart indices for the remaining hours. A delicate outer minute track composed of applied pearl-like dot markers frames the dial perfectly. The typography features the highly desirable cursive script reading International Watch Co Schaffhausen. Sweeping across the dial are beautifully preserved silver-tone alpha hands and a slender central seconds hand. The dial exhibits clear, age-consistent patina, most notably characterized by scattered fine spotting across the surface and more concentrated oxidation and moisture marks along the outer perimeter, particularly between the seven and nine o'clock positions. This honest aging adds distinct vintage character without compromising the legibility or historical charm of the timepiece. Case and Crystal The 35 millimeter stainless steel case, stamped Staybrite Steel on the inner caseback, features a smooth polished bezel and elegantly elongated, gently curved lugs. The transition between the polished and brushed surfaces remains visible, with the case showing normal, honest signs of wear, including light surface scratches and minor handling marks consistent with decades of careful use. The caseback is a snap-on design, revealing beautiful engine-turned perlage on its interior alongside crisp factory engravings and the historic Probus Scafusia hallmark. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that provides a warm, distortion-free view of the dial beneath and remains in very clean condition. Movement Beating at the heart of this timepiece is the legendary IWC Caliber 89, a manual-winding movement celebrated by collectors for its robust architecture and refined finishing. The rhodium-plated movement features beautifully executed bridges, exposed winding wheels, and is clearly engraved with the International Watch Co signature and the serial number 1285322. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher indicates a current performance of -26 to -30 s/d. Strap The watch is paired with a period-correct premium dark brown leather strap, featuring contrasting heavy stitching that perfectly complements the vintage aesthetic of the dial and case. The strap shows light handling but remains supple and ready for daily wear. Condition This timepiece is preserved in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case retains strong lines with moderate surface wear, while the dial displays clear, honest patina and localized edge spotting that confirms its originality and age. The movement is remarkably clean visually and functions beautifully. Dimensions The case measures a classic 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, providing an elegant and historically accurate presence on the wrist. Remarks A vintage IWC powered by the Caliber 89 is a foundational piece for any serious collection. The combination of the cursive script dial, the applied dot minute track, and the sheer mechanical pedigree of the movement makes this an incredibly appealing acquisition for enthusiasts of pure mid-century horology. History Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, the International Watch Company in Schaffhausen was built on the premise of combining advanced American production techniques with unparalleled Swiss craftsmanship. By the mid-twentieth century, IWC had established itself as a premier manufacturer of robust, highly accurate timepieces. The introduction of the Caliber 89 in 1946, designed by the legendary Albert Pellaton, cemented the brand's reputation for creating movements of extraordinary durability and precision, famously utilized in the Mark XI pilot watches and the brand's most elegant dress models alike. / Second Vintage SKU: IWC-IIW-0002