Overview
During the late 70s and early 80s, in the midst of the Quartz Crisis, IWC watchmaker Kurt Klaus set out on an ambitious mission to create a user-friendly and accessible perpetual calendar wristwatch. Together with Hano Burtscher, Klaus worked on a design that eliminated the need for pushers and leveraged the Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement fitted with a perpetual calendar module. The result would be the IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph reference 3750, released at Baselworld in 1985 to much admiration and fanfare.
Klaus’ achievement put IWC on the map as an innovator in mechanical watchmaking, and paved the way for additional advancements by the manufacturer over the next two decades. Among these were notable timepieces such as the Grande Complication, Portugieser Jubilee, Mark XII, and Doppelchronograph. In 1994, IWC’s watchmakers again revisited the perpetual calendar, this time taking the ingenuity of the Da Vinci and delivering a hand-wound version with the Romana reference 2050.
The Romana came in either yellow gold or platinum, and was yet another feat for IWC, this time being the slimmest perpetual calendar wristwatch ever made. The caliber 18651 inside was a mere 3.15 thick, and while certain concessions had to be made to support it, the watch still maintained a user-friendly experience via a single button pusher to advance all aspects of the calendar in unison. Even today, platinum perpetual calendars such as this are rarely seen, and this one is quite special given its ultra-thin case, hand-wound movement, and relatively affordable price point.
Specifications
Brand:
IWC
Model:
Romana Perpetual Calendar
Reference:
IW2050-007
Year:
1998
Case Number:
2583483
Case Material:
Platinum
Diameter:
36 mm
Lug Width:
18 mm
Thickness:
6.2 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
41.9 mm
Dial:
Silver
Lume:
None
Crystal:
Sapphire
Movement:
Hand-wound
Caliber:
IWC 18651
Bracelet/Strap:
IWC black alligator strap with signed platinum tang buckle
Max Wrist Size:
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The platinum case shows light signs of wear in the form of hairlines, faint scratches, and tiny nicks. The overall presentation feels nice and clean though. The lugs are thick with good definition at the edges. The bottom lug at 5 o'clock was repaired by IWC and shows a shallow dent on top near the case. It also exhibits signs of welding and oxidation on the inside corner where it meets the case. The caseback is in excellent condition with wonderful contrast between the circular brushing and polished edge. The backs of the lugs show signs of strap removal. The serial and hallmark engravings remain crisp and legible.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The silver dial and blued sword hands are in fantastic condition, with the latter showing micro signs of oxidation under a loupe. The sapphire crystal is squeaky clean and scratch-free.
Bracelet/Strap: The IWC black alligator strap shows light to moderate wear, and has plenty of life left to give. There is light creasing and staining to the leather backing and the back of the second leather loop has a small patch of residue. The IWC-signed platinum buckle has a few hairlines and tiny scuffs. The brand and hallmark engravings remains detailed and legible.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, and quickset push button are working as expected.
Service History: The watch underwent a full service by IWC that was completed on 04/22/2024.
