235 IWC An extremely rare, fascinating, and very attractive, Da Vinci, split seconds, perpetual calendar, automatic wristwatch in platinum and diamonds, with diamond pavé and rubies indexes dial, and diamond bracelet, reference 3751.

Estimate: € 50.000 –⁠ 100.000

Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe may often receive the lion’s share of praise in haute joaillerie, but IWC’s Da Vinci from the 1980s quietly emerged as a masterpiece at the intersection of complications and couture. At the Baselworld of 1985 the original Da Vinci reference 3750 was released, a groundbraking new reference that set itself apart from traditional perpetual calendars. Displaying the day, date, month, leap year, and moon phase; rather than requiring a series of recessed pushers to set each function, the IWC Da Vinci allowed all adjustments to be made directly via the crown. This elegant and intuitive interface was virtually unheard of at the time and marked a turning point in the practical usability of perpetual calendars. At the heart of this innovation was the genius of Kurt Klaus, who managed to engineer the entire perpetual calendar module with fewer than 90 components—an astonishing feat of mechanical efficiency. In retrospect, many connoisseurs and historians credit this remarkable model with playing a pivotal role in IWC’s survival during the turbulent quartz crisis. To mark the tenth anniversary of the groundbreaking Da Vinci Ref. 3750, IWC introduced a particularly special evolution: the Ref. 3751, distinguished by the integration of a split-seconds chronograph, or rattrappante. This sophisticated addition was the work of a young Richard Habring—now celebrated for his eponymous independent brand Habring²—who had recently joined IWC as a promising talent. The Ref. 3751 was offered in gold as part of IWC’s mainline production, while a limited series was reserved for platinum, like the present example, lending the model added gravitas and exclusivity. A celestial feast, the present platinum reference 3571, is fully adorned from bezel to bracelet with brilliant-cut diamonds and punctuated by ruby indices across a glittering pavé dial. The four subregister for the day, date, month, perpetual year—and moonphase emerge with crystalline clarity against the frosted gem-set surface, while the red-accented chronograph hands provide a subtle vibrancy. Overall, the present timepeice, preserved in truly excellent overall condition and numbered 103 out of 500, is not just a grand complication, it is a glittering testament to IWC’s mastery of mechanical artistry and high jewellery, a shimmering icon for the discerning collector who values both technical marvel and visual opulence.

Condition Report

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