The IWC Grande Complication, launched in 1990, is dubbed as "one of the smallest and easiest to operate complicated mechanical wristwatches ever built", has a total of 659 mechanical parts and features 21 functions and displays. Drawing on the experience and knowledge of the watchmakers at the IWC workshops in Schaffhausen, this masterpiece took seven years to develop This is an unworn one owner watch that has been stored in a climate controlled safe.
This timepiece is extremely rare because it has a platinum bracelet. Although no exact public records on the how many were sold according to our sources only 1-2 sell on platinum bracelet every 10 years.
This Grande Complication IW3770 was produced from 1990-2010. Production is 50 numbered watches per year.
This watch is from 2004 and is serial number 03/50.
History
IWC introduced its first ‘Grande Complication’ wristwatch at the 1990 Basel watch fair. Building upon the platform that Kurt Klaus’ perpetual calendar module had provided them, IWC went ahead and added a minute repeater to the already complex movement. The case measured 42.2mm across at a height of 16.3mm, making it of considerable size – especially at the time of introduction. Reference IW3770 is part of the second generation of Grande Complication’s, being distinguished by the updated dial design and ‘dauphine’ hands.
The Details
IWC’s Grande Complication 3770 Platinum / Black / English (IW3770-17 (aka: 3770-17, IW377017)) was originally released in 1990 – 2010. This watch features a automatic movement beating at a frequency of 28800 bph (4 Hz) to provide a 44-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The Case
The platinum case measures 42.2mm in diameter and roughly 16.3mm thick, with 22mm lug width. The round case is paired with a black color dial with dauphine-shaped hands, and a stick / dot hour markers and minute track, covered by a sapphire glass. IWC’s Grande Complication model IW3770-17 is water resistant up to 10 meters (33 ft). A solid caseback is over the back of the watch case.
The Bracelet
The platinum bracelet measures 22mm in width and will accommodate a wrist size up to 196mm - 7.75 inches.
The Movement
The Grande Complication IW3770-17 movement is a powered by caliber 79091 made by IWC. The 75-jewel automatic movement is mm in diameter. Its balance wheel oscillates at 28800 semi-oscillations per hour or 4 Hz. This movement offers a 44-hour power reserve.
Fun side story
Our partner once sold the same model, exactly like the one we're showing to a special client. The client requested a platinum bracelet to be added, so arrangements were made to send the watch IWC Switzerland for the customization. The client emphasized that if they weren't pleased with the bracelet, they wouldn't keep the watch.
Upon receiving the customized watch, the client tried it on in their office. After giving it a slight shake and examining it, they looked up with a smile and confirmed they loved it.
Additional Details
The watch boasts a 42.2mm diameter, but it wears impressively larger on the wrist. For precise measurements, the distance from the minute repeater lever to the crown is 49.22mm, while the distance from the minute repeater lever to the chronograph pusher measures 47.55mm.