Help / Advice Needed on Da Vinci Chronographs

Greetings one and all!!!

Have just joined the forum as I have realised (duh!) that I will probably get some help here quicker than anywhere else (and that includes the UK IWC concierge who hasnt come back to me).

Have been a fan of the Da Vinci Chronograph since it was re-released circa 2007....Steel on leather....platinum way out of my league.

Anyway, can anyone advise or point me in the direction of a dialogue showing the changes in the models since the above Steel on Leather came out....

Initially started with 376403.....followed by 376413 which appears to have a pattern on the black dial. Currently shown as a model number 376421.....same pattern on the dial.

So, can anyone elaborate on the differences, especially between the 376413 and the 376421.

Also, I have been told by a jeweller in Terminal 5, that the Da Vinci Chronograph is no longer in production, finished 2013, and that I will be lucky to find one......AARRRRGGGGHHHHH after waiting all these years.

Anyway, quick google search has pointed me in the direction of the website Chrono24....some competitive prices there for watches supposedly brand new / unworn. Has anyone any experience / knowledge of some of the retailers advertising on this website.

Found one in Italy, which is not listed as an IWC AD (but according to their address and Google Street View) is only 50 yards away from an IWC AD.

Any reason not to buy from a retailer who isnt listed on the IWC website, as long as the box / papers are present? Can you call IWC with the serial number of the watch to check its legit prior to purchase?

All advice greatly received.

Currently rocking an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, Orange on Steel....love it! But have been drawn to the DV Chrono since it came out....gorgeous.

Jonathan

Hi Jonathan,

Welcome to the forum!

The 376413 has the Calibre 89360 movement, a very important in-house movement which took several years for IWC to develop and manufacture. Of several innovations – one of the most significant is it helps us read the hours and minutes of the chronograph quickly in one sub-dial. This allows for very balanced (handsome/uncluttered) chronographs with only two sub-dials on the vertical access in several IWC models.

[](s1164.photobucket.com/user/teeveetee9/media/tech_calibre-89360_large_zps8b025f02.jpg.html)
(Calibre 89360)

The 376421 has the Calibre 89361 movement, which has very minor modifications to the prior Calibre. From my understanding the most significant change is to the implementation and manufacturing process of the shock absorbing mechanism.

[](s1164.photobucket.com/user/teeveetee9/media/iwc-calibre-89361_zps597a7f03.jpg.html)
(Calibre 89361)

So in summary, the differences between the two models are very subtle and only to the movements of the watch (I note the 89361 also has 38 jewels instead of 40 with the 89360). The dials are cosmetically equivalent (and yes with the stunning guilloche over the 376403)

Now in regards to your questions about retailers – I’m afraid we are non-commercial here in this form so can’t comment on pricing or retailers. I will however say, ‘buy the seller’ even more than the watch itself – take your time to do thorough due diligence and at a minimum yes you must unequivocally purchase with box and papers.

In regards to your being drawn to a Da Vinci Chronograph… without hesitation I say GO FOR IT. It’s such a unique and bold watch … and as you say, simply gorgeous.

It is proudly my first ever IWC. Here in Ardoise:

[](s1164.photobucket.com/user/teeveetee9/media/P1030412-1.jpg.html)

May it also soon be your first IWC too. Good luck and do share photos when you have the beauty on your wrist.

Regards,
Thang

Chrono24 is not a bad place to buy watches and is safer than ebay where any old marriage model may appear and a load of fakes just to add to the pain. There is also an expression of buy the seller so in that sense check out their on line shop and inspect inspect and study the models available. A load of watches where they all say unworn or new in box would make me cautious. Are they polished like mad to make the stock look new? Also think about the logistics of getting the watch via post. Possibly easyjet would be a better bet and safer.
The DV line is not my choice at all. If you are in the London area then there are numerous authorised dealers to track one down. What you will not find are dealers discounting as they were 4 years ago. The DV line has been stopped as far as I know, as for the model number this may be due to changes like was pin buckle and now deployant buckle or the movement evolving whereby it becomes a new model. Apart from central London there are of course the various shopping centres near QE2 bridge and W London or alternatively ask the UK concierge to see if they know of any dealership who has one.
Two years after production I found a limited edition sitting next to its newer sibling in a dealership in Bluewater so wonders do happen.
By the way rules of the forum preclude us from recommending SH venues or commenting on their reputation.

Folks many thanks for the contributions, you have helped a lot.

I was just concerned with ensuring the watch i purchased was the latest one. I have a picture of the original 376403 on my old laptop, but from memory I would now summarise the evolution as follows:

IW376403
Calibre 89360
Black Strap with Black Stitching
Black Dial - No pattern
Slight creamy effect to the sub dials
Tonneau case seamed slightly more curved....(maybe memory is fooling me)

IW376413 (don't think I ever saw this first hand)
Calibre 89360
Black Strap with Black Stiching
Black Dial - Patterned
Unsure of colour changes to sub dials

IW376421
Calibre 89361
Black Strap with White Stitching
Black Dial - Pattered
Sub Dials look slightly less creamy more silver
Case - Chunkier, possibly slightly larger also

Not sure of the white stitching, am sure I will grow to love it.

Am I correct in assuming the serial number of the watch is inside the movement - I will be checking both this and the calibre when I inspect it.

I am flying to the Netherlands this Friday as I have now found and exchanged emails with a retailer listed as an AD on the IWC website.....so a pre-christmas trip to the continent for the girlfriend and I it is then!!!

At least I will get to inspect it in person (retailer didnt even want a deposit - wanted me to inspect it before buying)....and took it off Chrono24 straight away....what was it you said about buying the seller??!!!

The retailer also mentioned that he thinks the tonneau shape is being replaced in the next 16 months or so by a return to the circular Da Vinci's.....definitely want to get the tonneau!!

So once I have checked the calibre and serial against the warranty card and the model number listed on same, I will be bringing my loupe to check for any imperfections.....although they will have had it on display for at least a year apparently I would still expect it to be perfect.

Call me crazy, but my OCD would drive me mad if I got it home and then spotted something wrong with it.

I am sure / hope they will be giving it a quick buff in advance of my visit, although I am not sure what to look out for to see if it has been polished up many times before.....

Have to say, I am trying not to think about the purchase itself....even though I can afford it, sometimes I think i am mad for considering spending this much on a watch / timepiece....but I just keep telling myself that if i dont do it know i will regret it in a year / few years time.....anyway, if it goes the same way as my seamaster, it will be worth more in a few years anyway!!!

Hi, Jonathan, welcome to the forum!
Believe me, everyone here knows exactly how you feel :-)
But I´m sure you even will enjoy the act of purchasing and the anticipation is the best way to get you over the edge.
But what I have to tell you is that you are immedicable infected by the virus. Some here in the forum call it "Übervirus"

Like one forumer wrote before: Best you can do is take your dose of watches like the rest of us and accept it. One side effect...you will find your wallet gains and loses weight constantly.

The best you can do (to quote Fleek):
1. Constant staring of your watch when it is on your wrist
2. Taking photo of it anytime & anywhere
3. Checking out this forum daily or worst hourly or anytime it allow
4. After buying a new iwc watch and checking out the next one momentarily

… If you have, there is no cure for the virus.

:-)

And congrats to your upcoming purchase - you will love it! I hope you will share a few pics with us.

Best,
-Christian

ha ha, thanks!!!!

I am sad!!! havnt even got it yet and i am looking for matching cufflinks.....

Have a lovely pair in orange / burnt amber to match my omega planet ocean, only wear the cufflinks on special occasions......think i will need to source similar matching ones for the DV.

I see from a quick google search that IWC cufflinks are actually made for IWC by others......if this is incorrect, please let me know.

Yes, I will need to work out how to post pictures....

Jonathan, actually I asked for cufflinks directly in Schaffhausen 4 weeks ago. They told me that unfortunately they produce them anymore ... but maybe there is one or another Boutique where they have some lying around? If you find out anything better please let me know.
Best,
-Christian

Welcome to the forum. Just go for it. We look forward seeing nice pictures coming in soon.

Cheers Chris

Jonathan,

Am really excited for you! Yes a fine timepiece is expensive - but it's an investment... an investment into the collision of fine art, craftmenship and engineering on your wrist. It's rewarding yourself as acquiring one is an achievement. You can't really put a price on the smiles of contentment/pride every time you tell the time!

In regards your post:

• the cases are all the same not curvier / nor chunkier between models

• personally i think the white stitching visually 'connects' the strap better to the dial which also has hints of white. being a classy chornograph, the da vinci is versatile it can go a tad formal and a tad sporty. the white stitching subtly reflects this.

• both the serial and calibre you'll be able to (beautifully) see through the see-through case back

• i've heard many rumours myself regarding the demise of iwc's tonneau shaped. if this ends up being the case (pardon the pun) i think it's tragic as it's absolutely gorgeous. it just might be that us da vinci tonneau lovers will be know as vintage owners LOL.

• now in regards to matching cufflinks. you are far from sad, you're in the right place for us nuts who match belts, shoes, clothes to the beauties on our wrists. case it point note the greys below

Very excited for you, good luck and please do post pictures.

Regards,
Thang

[](s1164.photobucket.com/user/teeveetee9/media/greygreygrey2_zps4aee7f6a.jpg.html)

UPDATE

Well things didnt exactly go to plan.....

Apart from the fact our flight was cancelled on Friday afternoon due to the air traffic control failure at London.....we (girlfriend and I) managed to get rebooked on the first flight out Saturday morning. Took taxi straight to AD, looked at watch...alarm bells started goimg off. Watch looked right...detail on face, white stitching on strap, but the IW code on the barcode tag with it said IW376419...instead of IW376421.

Next I checked the Warranty card, it said IW376419 also....not good. Next I checked inside the back - 40 jewels instead of 38, so definitely not the latest calibre.

The AD who I had been corresponding with was dumbfounded.....says there was an error within his store that put the watch in his system as an IW376421.

He had all the A4 size IWC catalogues from the last few years, started going through them one by one.....IW376419 not mentioned in any of them. What it did show was that the IW376413 line went up to IW376418...don't know what that is about though (any ideas?)

So anyway, he was extremely embarassed, very apologetic (or if I am being cynical - pretending to be) but offered to pay for our flights etc as he knew the hassle we had had getting there. Anyway it is left with him to get me the authentic IW376421 in, for the same price he quoted me, and I will go back after Christmas to get it.

To be fair, I have just this moment checked Chrono24 were he had originally listed it, amongst other stock from his shop and he has not relisted it yet....will be interesting to see if it goes up as a IW376419 this time.

I will hold out hope that the one he gets in (if he gets one) will be brand new. He has told that IWC are not manuafacturing the DV Chrono's at the moment due to the economic downturn, so it is a case of whatever stock people are holding is it for the moment, unless IWC tool up again (which if rumours are correct that the tonneau shape is being replaced, is unlikely for the DV Chrono line).

So, we made the best of XXXXXX (not going to say where we were as that would indicate who the AD is.....and I will hold off until I see how the whole thing pans out - if he comes up with the goods I will sing his praises from the rooftops, if not...well, use your imagination!).

So dissappointing, but not giving up hope just yet...sigh - no Santa for me this year!!!

Jonathan, sorry to hear it was not to be (just yet).

Keep at it and I'm sure your efforts will pay off soon.

Good luck!

Regards,
Thang

Well thought I would provide an update and close this thread out.

Came back from the states after 3 weeks in February and the jeweller in Europe had some bad news.....the IWC representatives in his country (Netherlands) were unable to source the watch :(

During my time in the states I was in both NYC & Las Vegas....none of the shops I visited had a Da Vinci, including IWC boutiques in both NYC and Las Vegas. I was told by the boutique in NYC (Madison Ave I think) that there were 4 in a holding warehouse in Texas.....but of not use to me as A) We would have been left by the time they arrived and B) they would have been looking full retail.

In fairness to the retailer in Europe, they sent trough some compensation for the travel costs as it was their mistake.

However I will not give up on my quest to get the IW376421 and I do a have a query on warranty, but I will post that in a new thread. Many Thanks to all for their contributions.