IWC 18K Yellow Gold Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar MoonPhase Chronograph Ref IW3750

During the early 1980s, as the quartz crisis loomed, IWC’s head-watchmaker Kurt Klaus embarked on an innovative endeavor. He aimed to translate the intricacies of the Gregorian calendar into a mechanical wristwatch format. His magnum opus, the perpetual calendar, was ingeniously fashioned with around 80 parts, presenting the date, day, month, a four-digit year, and the moon phase. This groundbreaking design accurately recognized month lengths and even incorporated leap days. Notably, its moon phase display would only deviate by a single day after 577.5 years. Each of these displays was synchronized, with adjustments made seamlessly through the crown. Some models even boasted a century slide, forecasting the date until 2499, and merely requiring tweaks for certain centurial leap years.

In 1985, this innovation was encapsulated in the Da Vinci ref. 9252 and ref. 3750. Transcending conventional norms, these timepieces integrated the complex pocket watch-inspired calendar, adjustable exclusively via the crown. Gaining widespread acclaim, this module soon became the most extensively sold perpetual calendar mechanism. It graced not only the Da Vinci series but also diversified into other IWC collections like the Novecento, GST, Pilot’s Chronograph, and even extended to select JLC models, such as the Master Ultra-Thin Perpetual.

This mechanism also formed the cornerstone for IWC’s esteemed Grande Complication and the illustrious Destriero Scafusia. The Da Vinci model, merging sophistication with innovation, quickly became a paragon of watch design, firmly establishing its legacy within IWC’s pantheon.

Stephen Forsey, a luminary in the world of horology, once opined that the original IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 3750, from 1985, would be among the 12 “Watches Of The Post-Quartz Era That Would Make It Into A Horological Museum, 500 Years From Now.”

For collectors, a Da Vinci watch on offer, especially featuring its rare gold bracelet, is in pristine condition. This timepiece promises to be a magnificent addition to any discerning watch collection. However, given its age, a service might be advisable to ensure it continues to perform at its peak.

This IWC 18K Yellow Gold Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar MoonPhase Chronograph Ref:IW3750. It is in good condition with signs of wear. Watch only.