The Laings Journal

Creating Pure Beauty - the Return of the IWC Da Vinci Collection

IWC

The new Da Vinci collection from IWC comes with one simple statement – creating pure beauty.

Revisiting an iconic design from the 1980s, the latest collection returns to the original, classic round case, but comes with a range of new introductions – including new movements and designs that tailor for both men and women.

The new Da Vinci models represent harmony and pure design, paying tribute to their namesake whilst embracing the collection’s heritage.

While the harmonious round case and rounded crowns are all hallmarks of the early non-quartz based Da Vinci, the twin frame bezel has been slightly updated, as well as newly designed movable horns and curved lugs to assure a more comfortable fit for straps and bracelets to taper around the wrists, thus making the latest IWC Da Vinci collection a beautifully comfortable wear.

Until recently, the modern IWC Da Vinci collection of the Swiss Schaffhausen was tonneau shaped much in part thanks to the original tour de force – the 1969 hexagonal Da Vinci watch and a symbol of the manufacture’s (then) crowning achievement as the first wristwatch powered by a quartz movement completely and exclusively produced in Switzerland, the Beta 21.

The collection was so named, of course, for the legendary artist and engineer Leonardo da Vinci as an allegory of IWC’s thirst for knowledge and innovation with the aesthetic trappings of classic elegance. Thus, the historical figure embodied what the Swiss Schaffhausen had envisioned for the collection.

At the Basel Watch Fair in 1985, IWC unveiled the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar which, unlike other perpetual calendars of the day, hardly required any adjustments for the next 514 years up till 2499 and even then, the high complication known for its myriad of pushers was simplified by the Swiss Schaffhausen for setting by crown only – a revolutionary mechanism developed by the master watchmaker Kurt Klaus, which set the stage for IWC to become the latest newcomer into the highest ranks of haute horlogerie.

For us the Da Vinci collection was one of the highlights of this year’s SIHH, and we are delighted to now stock a selection of beautiful and inventive models.

The Da Vinci Automatic 36 and Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase have a rounded, more feminine finish, and case backs engraved with the Flower of Life, a source of fascination and inspiration in Leonardo Da Vinci’s search for the mathematics of beauty, which also represents the design approach for this watch. The Moon Phase model offers the perfect timepiece for devotees of both beauty and watchmaking, with an exquisite night sky represented on the dial. These models are powered by the mechanical 35800-calibre automatic movement with 42 hour power reserve.
The Da Vinci Automatic is suited to both male and female wrists alike. It is characterised by its minimalist design that offers pure elegance and classic simplicity. The clean dial pairs with the harmonious contours of the case, with options of stainless steel bracelet or black alligator strap, both attached to the shaped moving lugs and fitted with the new folding butterfly clasp.
The Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph combines dual counters of the mechanical chronograph and moon phase on a single sub dial for a stunning effect and an incredible first for IWC. Not only is it a beautiful watch, it is also incredibly precise in both moon phase depiction and calendar. The act of combining perpetual moonphase display on a subdial within a subdial elevates the IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph into something quintessentially haute horlogerie.
IWC presents a special edition in partnership with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation for the eleventh time, this year in the Da Vinci collection. The theme of this year’s drawing competition was “Time Well Spent”, with the winning drawing, by 12-year-old Hou Ye from Shanghai, engraved on the case back. As with previous editions, the dial is blue – the colour of hope – and proceeds will go towards the foundation’s work with 1.5 million disadvantaged children around the world.

The new IWC Da Vinci models are in store and online now, so pop in and see us or get in touch to find out more.