18k Yellow Gold IWC “Jumbo” Dress Watch Cal. 89

It is a pleasure to present you with one of vintage IWC’s best-kept secrets. Beneath its elegant, stepped gold case beats the legendary Cal. 89, the same movement family trusted inside the RAF-issued Mark XI military watches, proof that serious engineering can absolutely wear a tuxedo. 

In many ways, this is exactly what makes vintage IWC so compelling. The quality rivals the household giants of Geneva, the aesthetics remain timeless decades later, and somehow, it still manages to stay remarkably approachable.  

A discreet connoisseur’s watch with enough pedigree, craftsmanship, and confidence to punch far above its weight. 

Please refer to the unaltered high-resolution pictures to assess the condition of the timepiece.

MODEL / REFERENCE: IWC dress watch in solid 18k yellow gold, possibly dating from the late 1940s. Inventory Code: MRK-01.  

DIAL+HANDS: The horizontally brushed silver dial is preserved in practically mint condition, showcasing a clean and elegant layout with crisp black printing throughout.  

Its restrained design, paired with the applied gold baton indices, perfectly captures IWC’s mid-century sophistication. 

 The original gold stick hands remain in excellent condition and beautifully complement the warm tone of the case. 

CRYSTAL: Plexiglas crystal in very good overall condition, showing only light surface marks and hairline scratches that can be easily polished off. 

CASE: Crafted in solid 18k yellow gold, the elegant round case measures approximately 37mm in diameter and displays wonderfully balanced proportions on the wrist. The stepped bezel, fancy lugs and slim profile give it a refined and timeless appearance that feels just as relevant today as it did decades ago. The top bottom lug shows traces of soldering, indicative of previous restoration work. The surface appears to have been lightly polished in the past while still retaining strong lines, even lugs and crisp overall proportions.  Minor surface wear and light scratches are present throughout, commensurate with age and gentle use. 

CASEBACK: Snap-on yellow gold case back preserved in very good overall condition. The surface retains its original concentric brushed finish and displays light hairline scratches, commensurate with age and careful use. The inner side is numbered and retains the correct hallmarks, along with factory engravings. The hammerhead hallmark suggests that the case was manufactured by Wyss & Co, a Tramelan-based master casemaker.    

CROWN: Unsigned golden crown that appears to be a later replacement. It operates as it should. 

MOVEMENT: In-house manually wound IWC Cal. 89. This beautifully engineered calibre combines robustness, precision and elegant finishing. Featuring central seconds and hacking functionality, the movement is signed, clean and has been checked for proper timekeeping performance. It runs strongly and keeps accurate time. 

BRACELET: Satin finished 18k yellow gold brick bracelet that perfectly complements the elegant design of the case, despite being a later addition. Measuring 19cm, it remains in excellent overall condition with very minor scratches throughout and a comfortable, supple feel on the wrist. 

ACCESSORIES: Saffiano leather watch roll. 

WARRANTY: We guarantee the authenticity of the watch and provide a 12-month warranty covering its proper function. All guarantees are subject to our General Terms and Conditions. 

Please feel free to ask any questions; we’ll be glad to assist. Personal or virtual viewing is available by appointment.