Collection
Cazalea's retrospective on a decade with his IWC GST Titanium Perpetual Calendar Chronograph offers a unique long-term ownership perspective. His detailed account, complete with a photo archive, provides invaluable insights into the durability, serviceability, and enduring appeal of a specific timepiece. This post is a testament to the deep personal connection collectors can form with their watches over many years.
In 1985, the Da Vinci from IWC is the first chronograph to feature a perpetual calendar that is mechanically programmed for the next 500 years and can be set using only the crown. Another exclusive feature is the four-digit year display.
In the Fall of 1997, IWC introduced a new model line, called “GST”, which was an acronym for “gold, steel and titanium”. These models were shown at the Basel Fair in March 1998, and first in the 1998-9 catalog... One magazine, WatchTime, reports that IWC’s changes to the base movement were such that “you could almost describe it as a total revision….Nearly all critical components along the path from the escapement to the mainspring are removed from the movement and replaced with corresponding components from IWC’s own manufacture.”
How many of us can make such a post, in an era where we " eat " watches? Very interesting thoughts, my friend. I laughted a lot when I read your comments on the issue of your Watch, and the simple solution which was found by the man of the mountains. I hope you will have many other years with it! All the best, Nicolas
Cazalea, Thank you for sharing the saga of your wonderful IWC. After those 10 years, it's a beauty and a mechanical wonder. I have A LOT of respect for IWC watches and, in fact, I just added another to my meager set of watches. Another point that you made on your history was "He stared at the watch for about 8 hours pondering, then said "Someone put the hour hand 180 degrees off from where they should have!" He unscrewed the front crystal/bezel, swapped the hand around, and it's been running cor
Will it damage the watch to try to advance the century indicator to 22? Won't you need to get the watch serviced and upgraded before then? Should you order the replacement century now just to have it on hand? :-) Great watch and great post. Regards, Jon
Here\'s the spare part already in the box, hermetically sealed ... Along with 3 books, warranty card, polishing cloth, spare links and so on. Cazalea
I'm not easily surprised, but you and IWC have done it. I was, of course, just trying to be a little funny. It is so charming that they would think of a little detail like extending the calendar function an additional 300 years. With no productive work left for humans by that time, the year 2499, I'm sure there will be a cadre of people making watches in "the way of the ancients" purely for their personal satisfaction. At least, I hope there will be. I hope your watch is the treasured possession
Whirling, You reveal yourself as the consummate optimist........ ;) MTF
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