IWC Schaffhausen Openly Seduces Women in 2017
Apart from the beauty of the products, the very fact that IWC introduces two models especially for women this year is a big step towards warming our hearts to a brand that has often flaunted its “toys for boys” attitude.
This isn’t the first time IWC has made watches with ladies in mind. Noteworthy from the recent past is the superb Portofino Automatic 37 mm model presented in 2014, and in particular the Moon Phase Reference IW4590 with diamonds on the case and dial. Splendid! (even without the diamonds). But the collection was presented as unisex.
In 2017, ladies have buying power and know more about watches. And with watch sales more often going down than up, we represent a whole new category to target. So it makes sense that IWC Schaffhausen is introducing two new models exclusively for us, from the all new redesigned Da Vinci collection that returns to its classic round case and harmonious proportions first seen in the 1980s.
And since the results are absolutely gorgeous, who cares why they were made, let’s have a look and be seduced!
Different versions of both models have been created in steel or 18K red gold, from straightforward to sparkle. Leather strap and metal bracelet versions exist; the leather straps are all in alligator from Santoni. And all the versions feature an engraving of the “Flower of Life” on the case back – a geometrical figure drawn by Leonardo da Vinci that represents his quest for mathematical rules for beauty and proportions.
The Da Vinci Automatic 36 features a round date window at 6 o’clock, recessed inner circle on the dial and a semi-circular crown. Harmony! Thanks to its moving horns, the lugs do not protrude and the strap is held comfortably to a slim wrist. The watches are water resistant to 3 bar, and equipped with Calibre 35111 for a power reserve of 42 hours.
Prices start at EUR5,650 for Ref: IW458312 in a polished stainless steel case, with rhodium-plated hands and appliques on a bold dark blue dial and matching strap, shown here:
The deliciously feminine version below, also in stainless steel, is bezel-set with 54 diamonds. A raspberry-coloured strap contrasts with the black displays on the silver-plated dial. Ref: IW458308, priced at EUR11,600.
The top-of-the line is the all 18K red gold version below, with diamond-set bezel and linked bracelet. Gold-plated hands and golden appliques harmonize with the silver-plated dial, highlighted with a blue seconds hand. Ref: IW458310 is priced at EUR40,200.
The second model is the Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 — the moon phase is one of the complications that ladies prefer. With the same harmonious case and lugs as the Da Vinci Automatic 36, and the same recessed inner circle on the dial, this model shows a moon phase display at 12 o’clock instead of a date at 6 o’clock. In three different versions, prices start at EUR6,850 for the stainless steel case with moon and stars in shimmering silver with a dark blue sky, dial elements and leather strap to match, Ref: IW459306.
A second version in stainless steel shines with 54 white diamonds on the bezel, toned down by a dark brown alligator strap and a silver-plated dial. Golden numerals and a blue seconds hand harmonize with the gold and blue moon phase display. Ref: IW459307 is priced at EUR14,800.
The third and final version of the Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 is the simply stunning Ref: IW459308, with an 18K red gold case and bronze colour alligator strap. The gold and blue moon phase is in perfect harmony with the overall appearance of this timepiece, priced at EUR17,600.
The moon phase display can be adjusted on these models with a correction button at 2 o’clock using the pin supplied with the watch. Also water-resistant to 3 bar, this model is powered by the 35800 calibre automatic movement with a power reserve of 42 hours.
