IWC
Reference IW3770-01 Grande Complication | A limited edition platinum automatic minute repeating perpetual calendar chronograph with moon phases, Circa 1993
Lot Closed
March 12, 04:09 PM GMT
Estimate
60,000 - 120,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: white, Day and Date in German
Caliber: cal. 79091 automatic, 75 jewels
Case: platinum, screw down case back
Case number: 2’554’039, 39/50
Closure: platinum IWC buckle
Size: 42 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: IWC presentation box with outer packaging, International Guarantee card (undated), Certificate book dated October 1993, booklets, and Grande Complication book
Only the most complex timepieces are bestowed with the prestigious title of 'Grande Complication,' and the present watch is exemplary of such distinction. IWC introduced its first 'Grande Complication' wristwatch at the 1990 Basel watch fair. Leveraging Kurt Klaus' perpetual calendar module, IWC incorporated a minute repeater into the already intricate movement. The case measured 42.2mm, a considerable size—especially at the time of its introduction. This particular lot from 1993 is limited to just 50 watches, making it one of IWC's most exclusive timepieces. Comprising 659 meticulously crafted mechanical parts, the watch includes a perpetual calendar for the next 500 days, a moon phase display made of polished goldstone, a chronograph function, and a year display, rendering it an absolute tour de force. Completing the timepiece is its exceptional minute repeater, designed by Renaud & Papi, which beautifully chimes on two gongs.