First time IWC fan: vintage cal 89 18K dial authenticity and condition query

Hi ! I am completely new to the world of vintage IWC ( before I have focused
on Omega only) and have been offered this beautiful cal 89 in 18K.

The problem for me is that (to my totally novice eye) I cannot determine with
complete certainty whether it is truly an original dial or not.

I did research on the internet and everything about the dial looks authentic
although my only "concern" is the Schaffhausen font (should it not be
cursive?)

From my very limited knowledge so far the case, crown and movement are
authentic and condition is good (please correct me if you feel differently)

The movement number dates it to about 1949 and the case number about 1950?

Before I consider buying it I felt it was vital to present your forum with the
hope of getting expert advice!

Best regards

Neal

Beautiful watch and perfect Cal 89.
The dial looks good to me and SCHAFFHAUSEN should be block capitals, sometimes
upright and sometimes leaning to the right.

Now the task is to find out who PINKIE was. I had an uncle Pinkie who owned
the first IWC I ever saw. A gold case Cal 85x with black dial. (As memory
serves, but I last saw the watch in the 1970s, so I may be mistaken)

Sadly it was lost.....

Hi Mark,

Thank you for your reply and glad to hear from IWC experts about this
beatiful piece!

Somebody on another forum sugested the scipt on "Schaffhausen" is too thick
but I have a very useful reference (see attached)

This watch falls in the era "1947 to at least 1953 mostly fancy jumbo golden
cases like Bombay etc" from the movement number and case number.

and the script on the dial of my watch matches well with the first (top)
reference from that era. What do you think?

The asking price for this one is $1300 US. Do you think it is a good price
based on the condition of the dial, case and movement?

Maybe it is your uncle? The watch is in South Africa.

The asking price for this one is $1300 US. Do you think it is a good price
based on the condition of the dial, case and movement?

Good sharing.

Hi Mark

I would also like to your thoughts on the engraving- is it an issue for
collectability and value? It's quite deep.

Although I would like the watch as a family heirloom and to enjoy it

Regards

Neal

$1300 is well in the ballpark for a gold Cal 89. We generally don't discuss
values here but with the info you have, you can check online sales and get an
idea of what comparable watches sell for.

The engraving will hurt the value to some extent. It is repairable by an
experienced Jeweller or casemaker, but will be expensive. Schaffhausen could
restore the case and add a new engraving that would suit your family.

From the numbers, the movement dates from 1949, the case was most
probably produced and delivered around 1951.

Now! The South African part is interesting....

My uncle was indeed from SA, I was a teenager when I last saw it in the
1970s!!!

I'm actually in SA on vacation right now :o)

Neal, as Mark F points out, the engraving is not too serious an issue here.
Whilst it does distract from the value it's negligible and adds a story to the
watch.

The movement as far as I can see is in relatively good condition following a
restoration - there was previous water/moisture damage that has been cleaned
up
quiet well.

Dial and hands are original.

Hi Mark,

Yes the South African story is indeed very interesting!

The watch is in South Africa.

Is it possible that it could really have been your uncle's watch?

The coincidence is incredible but I do not believe this is my late uncle's
watch.

I have spent the day thinking about it and discussing with family and I'm
convinced that Watch was a 1960s gold model with dauphine hands and black
dial.