IWCDa Vinci

Numbered 240 of 500, this limited edition IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar is a one-owner example and was purchased new in 2011. It’s accompanied by the presentation box with an engraved plaque, warranty papers, replacement century slide and booklets. Also included is an IWC dedicated special edition of Frank Zollner’s XL monograph ‘The Complete Paintings and Drawings of Leonardo Da Vinci’ published by Taschen (cellophaned and unopened; 44 x 29 cms). The watch shows some light signs of wear, and its condition is within the bounds of the seller’s ‘A’ grading.

The 43mm tonneau-shaped case is crafted from rose gold and, with its polished finish, has a substantial presence on the wrist. The dial is intricately finished with guilloche and displays a plethora of complications, including a chronograph, perpetual calendar (with a four digit year display) and moonphase, laid out in four sub-registers. These are provided by the calibre 79261, based on the long-running Valjoux 77 and modified by IWC. The perpetual calendar system designed by Kurt Klaus, to whom the watch is dedicated, is grafted to the movement. The caseback has a portrait engraving of the revered watchmaker alongside the watch’s unique build number. 

A factory brown alligator strap with contrast stitching accompanies the watch on a signed rose gold deployant clasp.

Somewhat of a cult favourite amongst IWC collectors, the Da Vinci line has been an important launching pad for some of the brand’s key innovations. Starting life in 1969 with a hexagonal case and quartz movement, the Da Vinci captured the world’s attention in the mid-1980s by introducing a perpetual calendar version, developed by Kurt Klaus. Released amid the quartz crisis, it helped put mechanical wristwatches back on the map.

Automatic, self-winding with 44 hours power reserve and 3 bar water resistance

Ingeniously, the perpetual calendar is mechanically programmed for all leap years until 2499, whilst all displays (day, date, month, year and moonphase) can be set via the central crown

Convex sapphire glass, antireflective coating on both sides

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