IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Silver Dial Ref. IW375803, 2004–2006

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

The IWC Da Vinci line emerged in 1969 with the introduction of the very first IWC Da Vinci, equipped with the infamous Beta 21 quartz movement. However, the watch we have at hand is a very different kind of timepiece! The first significant evolution of the collection occurred in 1985 with what is undoubtedly the most famous version: the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 3750). This model was created under the technical guidance of Kurt Klaus, while Günter Blümlein served as CEO of IWC. The launch of this watch is quite significant, and the context warrants explanation. During the early 1980s, the Swiss watch industry faced massive changes. Interest in quality mechanical timepieces—ranging from simple three-hand watches to complex pieces—was limited to a small group of collectors and enthusiasts. Wearers of mechanical watches were rare and often perceived as “old-school” or “outdated.” While sales representatives from historic brands like IWC attempted to convey the beauty of mechanical movements and the dedication of watchmakers in crafting fine timepieces, clients were captivated by the slim and precise electronic quartz watches. At the Basel Watch Fair in 1985, a new watch was introduced that combined striking design with a complex perpetual calendar chronograph movement (the ancestor of the watch we have today): the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 3750). This watch, the first in the new Da Vinci collection, is the result of designer Hano Burtscher’s vision, featuring a round design with articulated swivel lugs. More importantly, this watch symbolizes the resurgence of complex mechanical movements. At the end of the 1970s, Kurt Klaus developed a perpetual calendar module that allowed all settings to be made via the crown, easily attachable to almost any movement—from a simple three-hander to a chronograph. Our watch is based on this design language and movement, featuring a nicely sized 41mm steel case with “mushroom” pushers. There is a lot to take in when looking at the dial: it features a white background with painted Arabic numeral hour markers, a 12-hour chronograph, a perpetual calendar displaying the day, date, month, and four-digit year, as well as a moonphase! All of this is protected by a sapphire crystal. The moonphase has a lovely sparkle, a little detail we truly appreciate. All settings can be adjusted using the crown at 3 o’clock—a very ingenious design! This lovely IWC comes on a Bulang & Sons strap and has been fully serviced by our watchmaker. Specifications: - IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar - Reference IW375803 - Dates to 2004–2006 - 41mm steel stepped case with swivel lugs and “mushroom” pushers - White/silver dial with day, date, month, and four-digit year display in English, with black Arabic numerals - Chronograph, perpetual calendar, and moonphase - Luminous hands - IWC Calibre C.79261 automatic movement - Bulang & Sons strap - Fully serviced by our watchmaker