I recently listened to the latest episode of The Business of Watches by Hodinkee.
The interviewee was the CEO of Pamigiani F., which I think is an amazing brand and the Tonda is one of the most elegant designed watches today.
But as the interview advanced and he made the case about the Tonda design and their approach of Private Luxury versus Quiet Luxury (today’s trend), I was constantly thinking about my IWC GST ref. 3756-03.
For the 16 years I’ve had it, the feeling of this watch has been pretty much that one of a quiet, low-key, almost stealth über watch.
The elegance of the case and bracelet integration, its discrete titanium materiality and the black dial with all those complications is barely highlighted by the yellow accents of the indices.
I’ve worn that watch in every kind of situation, from public transport (Mexico City’s), road cycling (a little bit risky I know) to formal occasions, and it always blends in.
Last but not least, the watch design is not a recognizable/eye catching piece, it being discontinued, it even doesn’t have a contemporary presence like the Ingenieur for example, so I would say its only penalty would be its case height, where the Tonda or other similar hide better under the cuff. But other than that… it’s an understated, elegant, famous and historical K. Klaus movement design, with Porsche Design and G. Genta heritage in a complicated innovative piece of watchmaking art.
Cheers!
H.