IWC Schaffhausen has begun revealing some of their intended timepieces for this year’s SIHH 2017. And right off the bat they’ve dived into one of their most celebrated model lines, the “Da Vinci”.
There have been several of the “IWC Da Vinci” in different shapes, from round, to square, to tonneau. But, it seems the main inspiration for this 2017 edition was a round Da Vinci, originally manufactured back in 1985. It’s a revamped version, but still a pleasant return to the slicker, classic round case that caught the eye of many in the 1980’s. The IWC brand has clearly stated intentions to return to “classic proportions the brand stands for”.
First generation IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, circa 1990 * Image courtesy of: EiT
Currently the “IWC Da Vinci” was being manufactured with a tonneau case, similar to one they had previously used in their 1960’s models.
Previous tonneau shaped IWC Da Vinci * Image courtesy of: EiT
But, the brand had already decided to halt production and with this SIHH 2017 offering being unveiled, it seems they are completely reverting to the circle case shape in the foreseeable future for all “Da Vinci” models.
Image courtesy of: IWC
The 43mm case is made of and available in either 18k rose gold (Ref#: IW392101) or a stainless-steel (Ref#: IW392103) version. Its flyback function is operated by two push-buttons on the right side of the case. And its sapphire crystal case back with anti-reflective coating on both sides, allows to see the inner working of the mechanical movement.
Image courtesy of: IWC
Time is exhibited on a either a slate-colored dial or a silver-plated dial, both with Arabic numerals. There is also a black minute index railroad track circling around in the periphery of the dial. This is the first time IWC has issued a watch that combines a chronograph’s hour and minute counters with a Moonphase display in a single sub-dial. This sub-dial at the 12 o’clock position is colored a dark blue with white gold particles across to resemble a star-studded night sky.
Image courtesy of: IWC
The blue central chronograph hand allows times to be displayed with an accuracy of ¼ second. Also a valuable feature was designing the movement in a way that the chronograph can run continuously without reducing the power reserve. Also features a four digit display of the year, which is capable of displaying the correct year until 2299. After that a watchmaker would need to replace the two digit century slide with a new one, for the period of 2300-2599 and so on.
Image courtesy of: IWC
IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
This “IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph” (Ref#: IW392103) in Stainless Steel & (Ref#: IW392101) in 18k Rose Gold is powered by the all new in-house self-winding mechanical movement, IWC caliber 89630, which features a double-pawl winding system and 28,800 vph. Power reserve on this watch can last up to 68 hours, when fully wound; while water-resistance can reach up to 30 meters (98 feet). Mounted on the watch is a brown or black Santoni alligator strap, depending on the model and both are secured to the wrist by a deployment buckle.
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