The history of this IWC Novecento Quantième Perpétuel
The House of IWC Schaffhausen has forged its legend on technical instruments and pilots' watches. However, at the end of the 1980s, the Manufacture took up a major watchmaking challenge by presenting the Novecento, a term meaning the twentieth century in Italian. This model was a response to the desire to offer a rectangular dress watch incorporating an absolute complication. Master watchmaker Kurt Klaus, famous for his rethinking of the perpetual calendar adjustable by the crown alone on the legendary Da Vinci model in 1985, succeeded in miniaturising its complex module. Fitting a mechanism designed for a round space into a case with lines inspired by the Art Deco era was a real feat. The reference 3545 thus embodies a fascinating duality between refined aesthetics and high-flying mechanical mastery.
Case, calibre and bracelet of this Novecento
The rectangular case in 18-carat yellow gold is distinguished by its double-step flanks and fully polished finishes. Its measured dimensions of 26.5 mm wide by 31.5 mm long offer a subtle presence on the wrist, reinforced by a remarkable thickness of 8.8 mm. Protected by a flat sapphire crystal, the eggshell-coloured dial has an absolutely clear layout. The perpetual calendar indications, displayed here in Italian, are spread across finely azure sub-counters, complemented by a 2-digit year window and a poetic moon phase on a deep blue disc. Elegant leaf-shaped blued steel hands pointing to painted Roman numerals tower over the whole. A grooved onion-type crown completes this classic timepiece. At the heart of this timepiece beats the calibre 32062, a self-winding mechanical movement combining a prestige base with the exclusive IWC module. Comprising 33 jewels and oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it has a power reserve of 40 hours. The watch is fitted with a black alligator leather strap fastened with a yellow gold pin buckle signed by IWC. Water resistance is guaranteed to 30 metres.
Why this IWC watch
The appeal of this piece lies in its rare combination of complications in a rectangular format. Perpetual modules are traditionally round, so incorporating them into a shaped watch requires superior engineering. Collectors particularly appreciate the Italian date discs, a linguistic detail that adds undeniable charm to this neo-vintage edition. In today's market, acquiring a perpetual calendar of this magnitude designed by the illustrious Kurt Klaus represents an exceptional opportunity to incorporate a prestigious fragment of the history of Swiss Haute Horlogerie into one's collection. Its understated elegance is equally suited to formal wear as it is to an intimate appreciation of its timeless mechanics.
Delivered contents and condition
This historic timepiece comes with a matte black The Swiss Collector presentation case. The watch is in good overall condition, having been worn with care. Its yellow gold case shows some external signs of wear, such as light micro-scratches and wear marks, which testify to its authenticity without altering its superb geometry. Fully functional, it has been rigorously tested by our partner watchmakers. Professional polishing can be carried out by our craftsmen at the buyer's request to restore it to its original lustre.
Guarantee and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this piece. We offer a 24-month mechanical warranty. We accept returns within 10 days according to our conditions. As the leading second-hand retailer in Switzerland and with the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for onsite fitting and collection or fully secure international shipping.
* Good condition - watch already worn. Some signs of wear (micro scratches, wear marks...). Fully functional and tested by our partner watchmakers.
