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Lot #4973

IWC Da Vinci Split Second Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 3751 Platinum

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Introduction

First released in 1969, the IWC Da Vinci began life as an integral part of IWC’s attempt to maintain relevance in the rapidly evolving world of horology following the launch of the world’s first quartz timepiece, Seiko’s Astron model. With its integrated bracelet and thin hexagonal-shaped case, it also foreshadowed the future of luxury watchmaking whereby the AP Royal Oak, Patek Philippe Nautilus, and Vacheron Constantin 222 would become intensely popular. However, the Da Vinci quickly evolved and became IWC’s medium to demonstrate their highest level of watchmaking excellence, a vehicle to showcase their innovation. As such, in 1985 IWC decided to challenge the quartz movement’s dominance and release a movement that flew in the face of what was ‘in’ and it was Kurt Klaus’ ingenious perpetual calendar movement, the IWC cal. 79261 based on the iconic Valjoux cal. 7750 chronograph movement. With that movement in hand, IWC wanted to create a special watch for their very special movement, and so they created the IWC Da Vinci ref. IW3750 and launched it in Baselworld 1985.

Featuring a perpetual calendar and chronograph function thanks to the automatic cal. 79621, which is hidden beneath a white dial, the ref. 3750 was one of the most accessible high-complication watches on the market at the time, and so IWC managed to sell 100 units at the event, out of the 500 they had planned to make. Boasting a stunning double-stepped case, the ref. 3750 was a resounding success as it blended traditional sensibilities with modern aesthetics. Indeed, the ref. 3750 was such a success for IWC that in 1995 to celebrate its 10 year anniversary they launched the watch that we have here, the ref. 3751, which features the same case construction and dial design but with one change, a split-second chronograph, as hinted by the inclusion of a new pusher at 10 o’clock and a second central chronograph hand in red that hides underneath the permanently visible blued central chronograph hand. Inspired by its iconic predecessor and a step up in terms of how complicated it is, the ref. 3751 is the apex of neo-vintage IWC offerings.

Loupe This Scorecard

Grade

M 8.5

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$10,000 – $15,000

The Details

Brand

IWC

Dimensions

39mm

Model

Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Split-Second Chronograph

Movement

Automatic IWC cal. 79251

Reference

IW3751

Bracelet

Leather strap

Year

Circa 1995

Condition

Excellent

Material

Platinum

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Silver

THE DIAL
THE DIAL

Housing a bright silver dial, the ref. 3751's display is clear, legible and entirely monochromatic, with four sunken subdials housing its chronograph and perpetual calendar inscriptions. Additionally, it also features a digital year indicator at 7:30 as another point of differentiation from other complicated watches from the time.

THE CONSTRUCTION
THE CONSTRUCTION

One of just 500 platinum examples produced, the ref. IW3751 features a stepped case with articulating lugs, making its construction a fittingly complex housing for one of IWC's most advanced movements ever at the time.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
TIMING MACHINE READOUT

This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.

Condition

Watch is in overall very good condition. The platinum case shows scratches and small nicks across the surfaces. The case back displays some scratches while retaining well-defined engravings. All hallmarks remain crisp. The floating lugs retain crisp hallmarks and show some scratches and small nicks. The dial is near mint, with slight discoloration visible to some of the lume plots. The hands remain clean. There is noticeable chip on the edge of the crystal near the 6 o'clock. It is fitted with a brown crocodile strap and a platinum IWC pin buckle showing light surface scuffs.

Please note that the chronograph function has been tested and appears to be functioning, but the perpetual calendar mechanism has not been tested.

Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.

Our Perspective

A mechanical marvel that showcases IWC's technical prowess, the IW3751 is perhaps still one of IWC's most impressive timepieces. With its perpetual calendar function combined with its rattrapante chronograph, the IW3751 provides its wearer with true watchmaking delight that is only then made all the better with its unique construction that exemplifies traditional aesthetics.

Justin Gruenberg

Co-founder