Can someone help identify this watch?

I just inherited this vintage IWC and know nothing about it. I'm also wondering if I can add a black strap rather than the gold mesh. Any insight would be helpful!

Thanks!

forums.watchuseek.com/attachments/f350/516699d1316329886-vintage-1955-iwc-gold-watch-advice-needed-watch.jpg

ES29 -

Welcome. Your watch appears to be a Caliber 89 in an 18k gold case with "ribbon lugs". I am not sure what the reference number is. It's likely from early 1960s. The serial number on the back, or inside of the case back will tell use the exact year it was made.

You can easily put a black strap on this watch. Just measure the distance between the lugs (likely 16 or 18mm) and buy a black strap. You can remove the gold mesh by carefully depressing the springbars. I would recommend going to a jeweler and buy the strap there and they will quickly (5 minutes) be able to replace it for you.

Thanks Ardoise. Do you know if it's possible to purchase this type of strap from IWC? Or would it be easier to source a generic brand. I'd like to keep the watch as "original" as possible.

Hi ES29
As Ardoise said,It is a Cal 89 dating from late 1950s to early 60s. Ref no is likely 521.

It would be great to fit the watch with either a black or brown (I like brown straps with gold watches) leather IWC strap. You can get these at AD and Boutiques where there is a much wider selection. You will also be able to buy an IWC tang buckle too. Use the store locator on the Website to locate one nearest to you.
It's a beautiful watch

I have noticed a strange occurrence. That style of mesh bracelet has been appearing frequently on The Forum of late. Many old watches are surfacing, which is a good thing.

Hi Mark,

That's very helpful! I appreciate all of the info and will look into whether the boutique in Toronto has a brown leather IWC strap.

Hi ES29
Are you near or in Toronto?
Please email me

Hi ES29

Thanks for the email - Here's your watch.
[](s1335.photobucket.com/user/regnimelf3717/media/IWC/D5707601-E2D5-4318-AEB6-2659D1E60B2E_zpsncpcuuus.jpg.html)
With your permission, I would like to repeat what you told me, because it's a really interesting story.

It's a real beauty and has some deep family connections. As you told me it was purchased by your grandfather in Germany in the late 1940's or early 1950's after WWII. He brought it to Canada and gave it to your father around 40 years ago but he never wore it.

So as an heirloom it has lots of family value.

The Cal 89 is a very nice IWC with a very good movement that was in production from 1946 to 1976 so they really got it right. It is a fairly common watch as it was in production for so long. At least equal to if maybe superior to say Omega Seamasters of the day.

Not being worn for 40 years it would definitely benefit from a lube service as the oils would have dried up and I would not recommend letting it run for too long on dry bearings. I would say it's definitely worth a strap and a tune up as the piece is in really good condition and needs no other restoration type work as everything is correct on this one.