2 Discussions and CommentsMember since Oct. 13, 2010
Hong Kong
Hi. I recently stumbled into a nice Calibre 89 vintage watch from the '50s and wanted to pair an additional strap with it, preferably OEM IWC. I went to a local IWC boutique and was told that for this vintage piece, they want me to leave the watch with the service center and there's a possibility they will need to send it to Switzerland (!). I would therefore like to source my own, but have not had much luck after quickly googling online and searching on eVilBay. Could anyone here please help ...? Thanks. A sample picture of the watch as attached.
If you just need a strap, any authorized dealer, including a boutique, can order one. Your watch should have an inner lug width of 18mm and a width at the buckle of 16mm. Therefore, you need an 18/16 size strap for this watch.
Originally, straps for watches like this were somewhat generic, so in theory you don't need an "original" IWC strap, but of course having an IWC one is nice. There really should be no need to send the watch for servicing if all you need is a regular strap of a given size.
If you search the archives, there are a few strap charts with reference numbers. But also any authorized dealer should have a workbook of current models and some may have 18/16 size straps.
2 Discussions and CommentsMember since Oct. 13, 2010
Hong Kong
Michael, thanks for the prompt and helpful response. It's indeed a good idea to just place an order for a strap of specific size. The boutique was basically telling me because they aren't certain which strap should go with this vintage watch they want to send it to the service center, and if the local service center can't tell either, they would in turn want to ship it to Switzerland to confirm, which is really ridiculous overkill just to order a strap if you ask me! :p
Originally, straps for watches like this were somewhat generic, so in theory you don't need an "original" IWC strap, but of course having an IWC one is nice. There really should be no need to send the watch for servicing if all you need is a regular strap of a given size.
If you search the archives, there are a few strap charts with reference numbers. But also any authorized dealer should have a workbook of current models and some may have 18/16 size straps.
Good luck.
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 5 April, 2012 - 19:53
Best regards,
Jeff