Which vintage IWC to buy?

Hi all, I am thinking about getting a vintage Cal. 89 or 85 with Arabic numerals on the dial. I have some watches in mind and would like to ask a few questions about their originality, condition, and price.

The first watch is a 1951 steel watch in Cal.85 with Arabic numerals at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, with Twisted/Bombe lugs, priced at $1800. Movement number: 1229584, case number: 1227184. I noticed there are a few watches with thinner hands. I am wondering if the watch is in its original state. The crown does not seem to be original. I recall the fish crown was for waterproof watches? www.ebay.com/itm/255606511951

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The second watch is a rose gold 1960 watch with shark fin lugs in Cal. 89, with Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12. The watch is priced at $3300. Movement number: 1534239, case number: 1593219. www.ebay.com/itm/395287892121

The third watch is a yellow gold 1954 watch with ribbon lugs in Cal. 89, with Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12. The watch is priced at $2700. Movement number: 1328947, case number: 1341517. steelcitywatches.com/products/iwc-ribbon-lug-serviced-w-1yr-warranty-1

The forth watch is a 1950s yellow gold watch in Cal. 89 with Arabic numerals at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, with Teardrop-Classic lugs, priced at $3200. Movement number: 1280 , case number: 1296. Redial or not? www.ebay.com/itm/285654271852?itmmeta=01HXQBDZ7BET9KTBPPHSH5FB97&hash=item428252476c:g:pr8AAOSw8lFlpKBQ&itmprp=enc:AQAJAAAAwGvpLZOyZQbenO2GZerqDFrYcj2xE3wFT+1UpUyDBPMcBCt8ARJH5tY3uV+9nvZFBvqOhWP4KUAKRLUUM7DzdZclvAAhgNUvsc04xsS98eSqBD2qeMu4VAdKv+dOOPLX/PbPcnBRkbT4p3xKhUYDyKV6fJGkK0QcVbjsk+mhQiX/a6rYngZlxfA3bIXs0XV/PPF8UkJxnqVJG5r1ZBVvk14SN1lTt7kJPQee5QHZPD6t+DOVFmWdoku/hl5JRw7X2A==|tkp:Bk9SR-jzt-vtYw

The fifth watchis a 1952 rose gold watch in Cal. 89 with Arabic numerals at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, with Teardrop-Bombe lugs, priced at $3200. Movement number: 127, case number: 129. The swiss mark looks a bit off? Redial or not? timeanagram.com/en/collections/iwc/products/42556

Hi BRETLEEE and Thank You for assembling a beautiful selection of classic IWC watches for us to view.

That said, it would be really difficult for us to choose a watch for you. You will have to evaluate each one and decide which one suits you and your aesthetic taste. The Forum cannot be responsible for evaluating authenticity of the models you display.

I can offer the following advice:

Preparation is KEY:

• Know the Company, in this case IWC.
• Know what the Company made and when.
• Know the features of particular models.
• Study the scripts used for INTERNATIONAL WATCH COMPANY, SCHAFFHAUSEN. It has changed over time and varies from model to model.
• Narrow down the list of wants to particular models and research these models to the point that you know dial, lug, case, hand and crown variations.
• Now you are ready to shop and when you find something, a good evaluation of these features will give you the confidence to pull the trigger.

Forearmed is forewarned.

With the correct information Vintage collecting is fun!

Hi Mark,

Thank you so much for your detailed guidance! I'll definitely take your suggestions as I delve into the world of vintage IWC watches.

BL