SIHH 2017 – IWC Da Vinci Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph

15/01/2017 | By Xavier Markl | 2 min read |

As previously announced on Monochrome, the Schaffhausen-based manufacturer is revamping its Da Vinci collection in 2017 including a return to the original round case which popularised this collection in the 1980s (read our article here). The SIHH 2017 is just about to get underway and so IWC has finally unveiled all the new editions for this year, including this complex model combining a flying tourbillon with hacking mechanism, a chronograph and a retrograde date.

Among the novelties introduced in the frame of the re-launched collection at SIHH 2017, IWC has designed the new 89900 in-house movement housed in the Da Vinci Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph. Part of the 89xxx family, it is logically a flyback, column-wheel chronograph with vertical clutch and automatic winding. This version also features a retrograde date indication and a tourbillon regulator.

IWC opted for a one-minute flying tourbillon, which means that the regulator is cantilevered, being supported from the base plate only (there’s no tourbillon bridge on the upper side). It features a hacking second to allow precision setting. This means the watch can be stopped and restarted at a specific point in time. When the crown is pulled out to set the time, two levers grip the balance rim like a clamp and block the mechanism. This technically complex function is rare in tourbillon watches, though highly relevant as accuracy is the purpose of designing such regulators – in this respect, one may regret the absence of a seconds hand.

The pallet and escape wheel are made of diamond-coated silicon which ensures a 68-hour power reserve for a frequency of 28,800vph. The hour and minute chronograph indications are off-centered at 12 o’clock (as often is the case with IWC) while the central chronograph second hands allows precise reading of elapsed times. The retrograde date display is located on the left-hand side of the dial.

The new caliber 89900 ensures a balanced combination of the 3 complications on the clean, silver plated dial with applied Arabic numerals. The elegant round pink gold case is 44mm in diameter and 17mm high. The movable horns ensure that the superb brown alligator strap by Santoni fits comfortably around the wrist. The transparent case-back allows the wearer to discover the 89900 movement with its pink gold rotor.

Technical specifications – IWC Tourbillon rétrograde chronograph

Case: 44 mm diamater x 17 mm height – 18k pink gold – sapphire crystal on the front and on the back – water resistant to 30m
Movement: Calibre 89900 – automatic winding – 68h power – 28,800 vibrations/h – 42 jewels – hours, minutes, retrograde date, flyback chronograph, flying hacking minute tourbillon.
Strap: dark brown alligator leather strap by Santoni, pink gold folding buckle
Price: 112,000 Euro (subject to change).