The International Watch Company, better known as IWC, is established as one of the elite luxury watch designers in the world and new releases are always highly anticipated. For 2017, the company unveiled new watches at the SIHH event at the beginning of the year, then introduced more at the Goodwood 75th Members Meeting.
In this blog post, we take a look at some of these new releases, which includes an overhaul of one of IWC’s signature collections, as well as the expansion of a collection that was introduced back in 2016.
1. IWC Da Vinci Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph
The big news emerging from IWC this year was an overhaul to the Da Vinci collection, which they revealed at SIHH 2017. The signature tonneau-shaped case has been replaced, with the company opting to revert to a classic round case, which was how the collection was initially established during the 1980s.
Serving as the revamped collection’s flagship model, the red gold Da Vinci Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph features a new caliber 89900 movement, a flyback chronograph, a retrograde date function on the left side of the dial and a hacking tourbillon. Visually, it is defined by the round shape, a skeletonized design and a 44mm case.
2. IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
Paying clear tribute to the iconic 1985 model of the same name, the new Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph utilizes the same caliber 89900 movement as the flagship model, combining it with IWC’s perpetual calendar function. Its case is slightly smaller than the Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph, measuring 43mm in diameter.
Available in a choice of red gold or steel, the watch features time display, day display, date display, month display and year display on the dial, as well as a moon phase indicator at the 12 o’clock position. All of the calendar functions are fully synchronized and can be set easily via the crown.
3. IWC Ingenieur Automatic Collection Update
The other major story from IWC this year has been the expansion of the Ingenieur collection, which was re-introduced in 2016 as a re-interpretation of the first Ingenieur collection from the 1950s. The first of these new models is the Ingenieur Automatic, which has a 40mm case, placing it on the smaller side of IWC men’s watches.
Aesthetically, the watch has a minimalist design and focuses on pure timekeeping function, without complications. Two stainless steel models are available, with the option of either a black dial and a steel bracelet, or a silver dial and a black leather strap. Buyers also have the option of a red gold version, with a black dial and a black leather strap. All versions use the caliber 35111 automatic movement, which has a 42 hour power reserve.
4. IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month
Finally, the Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month is a limited edition model, which is restricted to around 100 pieces. It represents a much more complicated version of the Ingenieur, making use of the manufacturer’s perpetual date and month display technology, with these sub-dials located at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions.
The timepiece features an 18k red gold case, which measures 45mm in diameter, in-keeping with IWC’s tendency to produce larger watches. Visually, it is completed with the presence of a silver plated dial and a black leather strap. Meanwhile, internally, the model is powered by the caliber 89800 movement.
