Collector's Notes
Perpetual calendars in platinum at this price point are rarely seen, and this one is quite special given its ultra-thin case, hand-wound movement, and innovative single button pusher that advances all aspects of the calendar in unison. This is especially handy for someone who rotates between a few pieces and doesn’t have the luxury of using an automatic winder.
Seeing @tahoma_watches feature this watch for sale on their stories earlier this year was enough to ignite my interest and spur me to action. After a pleasant and smooth transaction with one of the nicest and most passionate collector/dealers you’ll ever meet (thanks Vivek), I finally had both my first platinum watch, and my first perpetual calendar. Unfortunately, the honeymoon period was short-lived.
A few days into owning the watch, I foolishly carried it in my palm without a secure grip. Of course, the watch slipped out and fell onto hardwood floor. As I picked up the case and examined it, my heart sank — the lug at 4:30 was bent significantly inward. Surely it would cost thousands of dollars to fix. I figured my best option was to send it to IWC and see if they could repair it, so that’s what I did.
A few weeks later I got the quote from Switzerland and, as expected, they proposed a full movement service, but to my surprise the lug repair was listed as “complimentary”. I skeptically called the service rep to confirm the job would be thorough and was assured the watchmaker would do everything in their power to restore the piece. I agreed to the service, and 6 weeks later the watch was returned to me. To my relief the case was in fantastic shape! The lug wasn’t quite NOS condition (my knowing eyes can spot the subtle imperfections), but whoever worked on it got that bent mess straightened out rather nicely. Very impressive service coming out of Schaffhausen.
It wasn’t the journey I had anticipated when I first bought this watch, but now that I’ve got it back I’m more thankful than ever to be able to wear and enjoy such an amazing piece
Specifications
Brand:
IWC
Model:
Romana Perpetual Calendar
Reference:
IW2050-007
Year:
1998
Case Material:
Platinum
Diameter:
36 mm
Lug Width:
18 mm
Thickness:
6.2 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
41.9 mm
Dial:
Gray
Lume:
None
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Hand-wound
Caliber:
IWC 18651
Bracelet/Strap:
Molequin anthracite grained calfskin strap
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
