SIHH 2017 – IWC Da Vinci Automatic 40mm

As Brice has already mentioned in our first Pre-SIHH 2017 coverage introducing the IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, IWC has established a tradition of revamping an entire collection each year. We’ve seen this practice happening over the past 4 years and this year is no different. It’s time for the Da Vinci collection to get an update, and one of the new models is this IWC Da Vinci 40mm Automatic. Farewell to the tonneau case, welcome to the round case. Farewell to the modern interpretation of the Da Vinci, welcome to the inspired-by-the-original Da Vinci.

The original Da Vinci by IWC was designed by Hano Butscher with the idea supposedly coming from Leonardo Da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus, which you would have already read about in the first article about the new collection. The original creation from 1985 is almost completely replicated, and not in a bad way might I add, by the 2017 collection, at least in terms of aesthetics. A round case and articulated lugs are the most noticeable design elements but there is more. The elegant dials and noble materials complete the classic look and feel.

The IWC Da Vinci Automatic comes in a 40mm wide steel case, and is intended as a unisex timepiece and a classic, corner stone option. In terms of design, you get elements of the very first models from the eighties but also some styling from the IWC Da Vinci SL Automatic from the nineties, like the twin-frame bezel and peripheral groove. You can debate about whether the size of the watch is classic or not, as most watches considered truly classic top out at 37mm or 38mm, but still that would be nitpicking I think. A watch made by IWC measuring 40mm is a good move, compared to the very large options we’ve seen in past years. The articulated lugs undoubtedly help a lot with securing a snug fit on the wrist of both men and women so I am guessing it will be very comfortable while wearing.

Inside the three-handed IWC Da Vinci Automatic ticks the 35111 calibre, capable of keeping your watch running for 42 hours. This movement is a familiar one, as it is also used in the IWC Portofino and the IWC Pilot’s Watch 36mm. It is based on a Sellita SW-300 movement. Two dial colors will be available, a slate-colored dial on steel multi-link bracelet or a silver-plated dial on a black alligator leather strap by Santoni. The bracelet is secured on your wrist with a triple-folding-buckle, the leather strap with a traditional pin-buckle. Price: 5,700 Euro (leather strap), 6,550 Euro (steel bracelet). iwc.com.