113rd Auction

2025/11/8

Lot 144

IWC / Intern. Watch Co.
Lemon

A timelessly elegant, large vintage wristwatch with legendary calibre 89 hand-wound movement

Sold

estimated
1.1002.500 €
Price realized
1.500 €
specific features
Case
18 K gold, push back.
Dial
Gilt, satin-finish.
Movement
Manual.
Case no.1173801
Cal.89
Diam.37 mm
Circa1946
Ctry.Switzerland


This vintage timepiece is distinguished by its striking, stepped bezel and down-turned, faceted lugs. When viewed from the side, they curve dramatically downwards to look like fangs. The dial is matt gold-plated. Due to its age, it has small traces of oxidation and has darkened. The colour now has a warm golden brown hue. Inside is the legendary calibre 89, which IWC used in the British Royal Air Force's Mark XI Pilot's Watch from 1948. They promised the highest possible reliability under toughest circumstances and protection against magnetic influences in the cockpit without corrupting the preciseness. The reliable manual wind calibre 89 was also used in expedition watches.