Nicolas (amanico) takes readers on a nostalgic journey back to the IWC Destriero Scafusia, a groundbreaking Grande Complication from the 1990s. He highlights its historical significance as one of the first wristwatches to combine a tourbillon, minute repeater, perpetual calendar, and rattrapante chronograph, offering a detailed look at its impressive specifications and enduring legacy.
Here are some pictures I found on the net of a watch which made a lot of us dream.
I am one of them. When I saw the Destriero Scafusia in the metal, in Paris, more than 20 years ago, I was totally smitten.
The Destriero Scafusia is one of the first, if not the first ( that point I have to check as the Blancpain 1735 comes to my mind, as well as maybe Frank Muller ) Grande Complication wrist watch.
Credit picture: Antiquorum.
Here you have a Tourbillon, a Minute Repeater, a Perpetual Calendar AND a Rattrapante Chronograph.
Which qualifies it as a REAL Grande Complication!
IWC created a milestone, here, with this watch. It was created to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the brand, in 1993, and the last one was made on December 1999.
Credit picture: Watch Base.
Only 125 pieces in yellow gold, rose gold and platinum.
This is a big watch, but not that big compared to the Grande Complications of our days. The case is 42, 20 mm big, which is more than reasonable, indeed, but the height is important, around 18 mm.
As for the movement... Big surprise: It is an automatic, one, the Valjoux 7750, with 750 parts, 76 jewels and a power reserve of 44 hours.
Who said it was a pedestrian movement?
25 years after, the design seems a bit outdated, especially the case, but it remains a remarkable watch, a milestone in the Grande Complication category.
The only regret I have is to not have been able to listen to it... I would have loved to judge its minute repeater!
Best,
Nicolas.
