IWC Introduces the Curated Collection

Source: monochrome-watches.com

Historical Scope of the Collection

The Curated Collection focuses primarily on models from the late 1950s through the 1980s, a period of dynamic change for IWC. This era saw the consolidation of IWC’s reputation as a maker of precision tool watches, the introduction of bold design codes in the 1970s, and the pursuit of high complications during the mechanical revival of the 1980s.

Although pocket watches and certain historic Portugieser chronographs are not yet included, the selection illustrates the brand’s breadth, from military instruments to sports icons and innovative complications.

Restoration and Certification

Every watch admitted into the Curated programme undergoes a meticulous process of inspection and restoration. IWC’s watchmakers restore cases, bracelets and movements using period-correct methods and components whenever possible. The brand’s extensive archives provide authentic spare parts, ensuring that the watches remain true to their original construction.

Each piece is accompanied by an official IWC certificate of authenticity and provenance. A limited international warranty is included, extendable up to eight years upon registration, equivalent to that offered on new IWC watches. The programme also includes a sourcing service, enabling clients to request specific references which IWC may then locate, restore and certify.

Availability and Distribution

The Curated Collection will be available only in selected boutiques: Schaffhausen, London Battersea, The Dubai Mall and Tokyo Ginza. The controlled distribution underlines the emphasis on exclusivity and direct engagement with the brand.

Highlights of the First Release

Ingenieur SL Ref. 1832

Launched in 1976 and designed by Gérald Genta, the Ingenieur SL became one of the emblematic integrated-bracelet sports watches of its era. With its distinctive five-screw bezel and robust case construction, it was conceived as a luxury yet functional tool watch. The Ingenieur line already had roots in anti-magnetic technology, dating back to 1955 with the Ingenieur Ref. 666, designed for engineers and technicians exposed to magnetic fields. The SL refined this heritage with a bold aesthetic that has since become a cult classic.

Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 3750

Introduced in 1985, the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 3750 represented a breakthrough in mechanical watchmaking at a time when the industry was recovering from the quartz crisis. The model combined a chronograph with a perpetual calendar mechanically programmed for 500 years, designed by master watchmaker Kurt Klaus. The complication was notable for being user-friendly, as all indications could be adjusted through the crown without the need for separate pushers. This achievement helped re-establish IWC as a technical innovator in the world of haute horlogerie.

Mark 11 (1952)

The Mark 11 is one of the most celebrated military watches of the post-war period. Commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence, it was produced from 1948 and entered service in 1952 with the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth air forces. Its movement, the Calibre 89, was tested to chronometer standards and housed in a soft-iron inner cage for anti-magnetic protection. Legibility and durability were paramount, with a stark black dial, luminous Arabic numerals and a triangle at 12 o’clock. The Mark 11 became a benchmark for pilot’s watches and laid the foundation for IWC’s modern Pilot’s Watch collection.

Market and Cultural Position

By introducing the Curated Collection, IWC strengthens its presence in the fast-growing certified pre-owned market. Collectors gain access to watches with verified authenticity, professional restoration and official warranty coverage. The emphasis on historically significant references such as the Ingenieur SL, the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar and the Mark 11 ensures that the programme appeals not only to long-standing Paneristi-style brand enthusiasts but also to a wider community of horology connoisseurs.

The initiative underscores IWC’s dual role as both a contemporary manufacturer and a custodian of its own history. By offering these models in a curated and certified framework, the brand reinforces its commitment to authenticity and heritage while tapping into the cultural momentum that vintage watches continue to enjoy.

Conclusion

The launch of the IWC Curated Collection highlights how brands are redefining their relationship with collectors by integrating vintage watchmaking into the official retail environment. Combining faithful restoration, rigorous certification and a focus on historically significant references, IWC provides a new way for enthusiasts to engage with the brand’s legacy. For many collectors, the opportunity to acquire an officially certified Ingenieur SL, Da Vinci Ref. 3750 or Mark 11 represents not only a chance to own an iconic timepiece but also to participate in the preservation of watchmaking history.