IWC Cal.89 “Calatrava” In Steel

IWC has long been known for its pursuit of beauty through simplicity, and this piece is a perfect example of that philosophy. It could be the ideal dress watch. Although the 35mm case might seem small by contemporary standards, the proportions between the case and dial are meticulously balanced. The elegant case design is reminiscent of the Calatrava model by Patek Philippe. This model features a three-body case construction that gives it a sleek profile when viewed from the side, making it discreetly visible under a shirt or jacket cuff. The dial’s beautifully aged eggshell hue adds distinct character to the watch. Simple steel baton indexes and dauphine hands provide gentle accents, while the center seconds hand captures the wearer’s attention. The watch is powered by IWC’s esteemed caliber 89, a movement known for its simplicity, reliability, and robust performance. Introduced in the late 1940s with the IWC Mark XI models commissioned by the British Ministry of Defense, this caliber was used well into the 1970s. Its decades of reliable performance led IWC to develop several modern movements based on this caliber, continuing its legacy today.