IWC

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Da Vinci Automatic

The Da Vinci Automatic of 1969: Some people see in it a design challenge, whilst others regard it as the ultimate expression of the avant-garde. The first watch from IWC to be named after the Renaissance genius proved to be a sensation at its premiere appearance at the trade fair in Basle, and in terms of its movement technology at any rate it heralded a revolution.

Equipped with the first series-produced Beta 21 quartz movement, which had been developed jointly by several renowned Swiss watch manufacturers, in 969/1970 it set new standards at least as regards accuracy. It measured time ten times more precisely than a tested chronometer movement. A relatively large quartz resonator stimulated an electromagnetic vibrator, which via fine ruby pawls drove a wheel with 250 teeth, which rotated faster than once a second. This oscillation transmission still bore some similarity to the then likewise successful tuning-fork watches, although the Beta 21 did not hum as noticeably. IWC had taken great pains to ensure that the first appearance of the new technology was particularly elegant. Opinions were however divided on this, for the triumphal march of the quartz movements with stepping motors, which were produced cheaply on an industrial scale shortly after that, threatened the existence of the traditional craft of watchmaking.

For this reason, in the end IWC decided against the “soulless” quartz, and with the second Da Vinci from 1985 it opted decisively for highly developed mechanical action. But the original watch from 1969, in its striking case with corners and edges, the long stroke markers and the unadorned bar hands, remains a piece of contemporary and design history, now being brought to life again as a vintage edition. A contemporary witness with great recognizability, today it is almost an exemplar of modernity once more. But to equip the Da Vinci Automatic with a quartz movement would have contravened IWC’s principles and technical requirements. It too is equipped with the IWC-manufactured 80111-calibre automatic movement, with the tried-and-tested Pellaton winding mechanism.

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