As a prelude to SIHH 2017, IWC Schaffhausen has released new additions to its Da Vinci Collection. The Da Vinci Automatic 36 and the Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 were designed and built to suit the needs of women and these new additions also features a classic round case. The classic round profile can be traced back to 1985 when IWC first launched the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar, the inclusion of a round case shows how IWC is embracing the history of the collection.
Apart from the design of the case, the design team also took its design cues from the twin-frame bezel with its peripheral groove. In addition, the team also leveraged on the large Arabic numerals from the round Da Vinci along with the slim, lancet-shaped hands. Overall, we can see both watches being tailored for women given their shape and design and this resonates well with the direction that Franziska Gsell, IWC Chief Marketing Officer had for the collection. “With the new Da Vinci collection, we are consciously trying to anchor the brand in the minds of women, who account for a significant proportion of watch lovers,” explains Franziska Gsell.
The latest additions takes its design cues from past collections, stretching back to the 80’s. One of the more prominent elements of it is the round profile of the watch.
Da Vinci Automatic 36
The Da Vinci Automatic 36 offers four different versions of it, a diamond-set model in 18-carat red gold and three in stainless steel where one of three has a diamond-set bezel. One of the main design features for this model would be the moving horns, this features ensures that the lugs do not protrude and the strap is well fitted to the wrists. We like the simple and elegant design of the dial especially the inner circle within the dial.
One of the more interesting models released by IWC; a stainless steel version with diamond-set bezel.
The dial also features a date indicator at the 6 o’clock position, adding functional value to the watch. The watch case measures at 36 mm in diameter and is an excellent fit for a ladies’ watch. The watch is powered by the IWC automatic calibre 35111, operating at 28,800 bph and features a 42h power reserve which is pretty impressive. The case back of all Da Vinci Automatic 36 references comes with an engraving of the “Flower of Life”, a geometrical figures that is representative of Leonardo Da Vinci’s love for mathematical rules for beauty and proportions. These design elements are essential in giving meaning to the design of the watch as well as life to it.
IWC recognizes Leonardo da Vinci’s contribution to the common understanding of aesthetics during the Renaissance period with an engraving of the “Flower of Life”.
Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36
The next addition to this collection would be the Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36, featuring three different iterations; one in red gold with a bronze-coloured alligator leather strap, one in a stainless-steel case with 54 diamonds on the bezel and a dark brown alligator strap, and one in stainless steel with a dark blue alligator leather strap, all with silver-plated dials. The Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 has a pretty similar design to its twin, the Da Vinci Automatic 36 whereby they both feature a round case design and moving horns for good fit.
The main difference lies in the fact that this iteration features a Moon Phase and it does not have a date indicator on it. The Moon Phase version of the watch is being driven by IWC automatic caliber 35800, also operating at 28,800 bph with a power reserve of 42h. Likewise, this version also has the “Flower of Life” engraving on its case back, adding elegance to the watch.
These new additions to the Da Vinci collection shows how IWC embraces classic design elements, choosing the most functional ones to include into its new design. This gives the collection a good refresh while not losing elements that made the Da Vinci collection popular with its style and comfort it offers. The prices are currently unavailable and we expect more details to come as SIHH 2017 approaches soon.
1 Comment
What a ripoff!! Sgd 9K for a Sellita calibre? And deployant fawns all over it? Definitely the owners of this site are on the payroll of certain Swiss Brands.