Goldarth's Review

Twenty years ago, IWC released a perpetual calendar timepiece named Da Vinci – for the mechanical genius who pioneered the Leonardic principle of continuing to improve that which already exists – which they regard as one of their most successful watches ever. This year, the Schaffhausen-based watchmaker has renewed the Da Vinci line with a new tonneau-shaped case, as well as mechanical internal workings that correspond to the previous Da Vinci watch. An Automatic, a Chronograph, and a Perpetual Calendar Special Edition “Kurt Klaus” have been released.

The Da Vinci Chronograph is the first member of the new range from IWC. This new range of watches bearing the most popular complication is available in white or rose gold, or stainless steel, with a special platinum edition limited to just 500 pieces. The chronograph caliber is newly-developed by IWC, and features a 68-hour power reserve, cased in a 43-mm case. A new pawl winding mechanism with a total of four pawls instead of two increases winding efficiency. Meanwhile, the flyback function of the chronograph movement allows aggregate time recording of hours and minutes via the analogue, two-hand display.

For fans of smaller, less mechanically-complex watches, the delicate Da Vinci Automatic comes in white gold, rose gold, and stainless steel variants, and measures just 35.6 mm across. A large date on a two-disc basis complements the automatic-winding mechanical movement, and you have an elegant watch for all wrists and all occasions.

Finally, the limited Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar “Kurt Klaus” comes 50 years after the original Da Vinci perpetual calendar set a new standard. Kurt Klaus was a gifted watchmaker who developed the original Da Vinci, and the new watch pays tribute to the man. The new edition is limited to just 600 watches. Featuring a superb perpetual calendar function whose accuracy is said to be true for over 500 years without adjustment, the watch even comes with an interchangeable century slide, which means that once the the slide is replaced at the end of 2100 by a slide with the numerals 22, 23, and 24, the watch really will be a virtually eternal calendar. With a 43 mm-diameter, tonneau-shaped case, this astonishing watch is available only in limited quantities: 500 in rose gold, 50 in platinum, and 50 in white gold.