IWC Destriero Scafusia Grande Complication

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Nicolas (amanico) takes readers on a nostalgic journey back to the IWC Destriero Scafusia, a groundbreaking Grande Complication from the 1990s. He highlights its historical significance as one of the first wristwatches to combine a tourbillon, minute repeater, perpetual calendar, and rattrapante chronograph, offering a detailed look at its impressive specifications and enduring legacy.

Here are some pictures I found on the net of a watch which made a lot of us dream.

I am one of them. When I saw the Destriero Scafusia in the metal, in Paris, more than 20 years ago, I was totally smitten.

The Destriero Scafusia is one of the first, if not the first ( that point I have to check as the Blancpain 1735 comes to my mind, as well as maybe Frank Muller ) Grande Complication wrist watch.

Credit picture: Antiquorum.

Here you have a Tourbillon, a Minute Repeater, a Perpetual Calendar AND a Rattrapante Chronograph.

Which qualifies it as a REAL Grande Complication!

IWC created a milestone, here, with this watch. It was created to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the brand, in 1993, and the last one was made on December 1999.

Credit picture: Watch Base.

Only 125 pieces in yellow gold, rose gold and platinum.

This is a big watch, but not that big compared to the Grande Complications of our days. The case is 42, 20 mm big, which is more than reasonable, indeed, but the height is important, around 18 mm.

As for the movement... Big surprise: It is an automatic, one, the Valjoux 7750, with 750 parts, 76 jewels and a power reserve of 44 hours.

Who said it was a pedestrian movement?

25 years after, the design seems a bit outdated, especially the case, but it remains a remarkable watch, a milestone in the Grande Complication category.

The only regret I have is to not have been able to listen to it... I would have loved to judge its minute repeater!

Best,

Nicolas.

Key Points from the Discussion

The IWC Destriero Scafusia, despite its numerous complications, is humorously noted for not having 'enough complications to be worn every day,' emphasizing its extreme complexity.
The Destriero Scafusia is a testament to Günther Blümlein's vision, who is considered one of the most important figures in the last 40 years of the watch industry, particularly for his role in reviving German watchmaking.
The watch's five-step case design, attributed to Gérald Genta, is highlighted as one of its best aesthetic features.
There is a common understanding that the Destriero Scafusia's base caliber is a modified Valjoux 7750, converted from automatic to manual wind, showcasing IWC's innovative engineering.

The Discussion

Arie - Mr Orange

Nov 19, 2018

depending on the time that is ;-)

crown comfort

Nov 19, 2018

I remember it was more like "ding" "ding" "ding".

zabreg1 Mr White

Nov 19, 2018

Too bad it doesn’t have enough complications to be worn every day.

Walter2

Nov 19, 2018

I think we also have to remember the great man behind this IWC, Günther Blümlein. This man is may be the most important Person of the watch industry of the last 40 years and he died 20 years ago. Without Blümlein, today we dont have the german watch industry.

NickO

Nov 19, 2018

But the final movement in the Destriero Scafusia is a manual wind. NickO

NickO

Nov 19, 2018

But my understanding is the Destriero Scafusia base caliber is indeed a Valjoux 7750 (automatic) that was modified to a manual wind. I am happy to stand corrected if I am wrong. NickO

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