IWC Il Destriero Scafusia IW1868: Reference Guide

quattro · 2025-05-30T14:41:16Z

Explore the IWC Il Destriero Scafusia Ref. IW1868, a 1993 grand complication. Discover its perpetual calendar, tourbillon, minute repeater, and split-second chronograph.

quattro

WPS member · IWC forum

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Emmanuel, known as 'quattro' on WatchProSite, brings to light a horological 'beast' often overlooked: the IWC Il Destriero Scafusia Ref. IW1868. This article delves into Emmanuel's detailed exploration of this 1993 grand complication, celebrating its 125th anniversary significance and the legendary watchmakers behind its creation. His post serves as a vital resource for understanding a pivotal moment in IWC's history and its enduring impact on haute horlogerie.

After the Breguet Marine Royale Alarm yesterday and the Hautlence Vortex Bronze this morning, here's another "beast" not often highlighted.

Presented in 1993 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the manufacture in Schaffhausen, the IWC Il Destriero Scafusia ('The Warhorse of Schaffhausen'), ref. IW1868 comprises:

a perpetual calendar (in German in the particular example below, ref. IW1868-01)
a flying tourbillon
a minute repeater
a split-second chronograph

The watchmakers who collaborated on this piece are no less than:

perpetual calendar: Kurt Klaus, best known for “Operation Eternity” and inventing the genius crown-operated perpetual calendar
tourbillon and split second chronograph: Richard Habring, founder of Habring2
minute repeater: Robert Greubel (cofounder of Greubel Forsey), Giulio Papi and Dominique Renaud (cofounders of Renaud & Papi)
design: Hanno Burtscher, designer of the Da Vinci
production: Lothar Schmidt, who later would take over Sinn

Exact case dimensions are unclear online: diameter is 42-43 mm and thickness is 17-18 mm. Calibre 1868 is based on the Valjoux 7750.

This particular example is in yellow gold and was sold as lot 322 at Dorotheum in 2023.

Best, Emmanuel

Below: the Il Destriero side-by-side to the Da Vinci Tourbillon, ref. IW3752-03 (English calendar)

credit: the eclecticum & Dorotheum

Key Points from the Discussion

The Il Destriero Scafusia's movement, based on the Valjoux 7750, is considered by some to be more aesthetically pleasing than the dial, especially in the platinum variant, despite the watch's substantial size.
The Il Destriero Scafusia remains a favorite among collectors, with its surreal technical complexity making a lasting impression since its original catalog debut.
The yellow gold variant's dial design is reminiscent of the Patek Philippe Ref. 5001T Sky Moon Tourbillon, a comparison that highlights its complex aesthetic.
The platinum version of the Il Destriero Scafusia is highly regarded, with its silver dial offering excellent legibility, embodying the definition of a 'Grand Complication'.
The Il Destriero Scafusia's combination of complications, especially considering its 1993 release, positioned it uniquely in the market, pushing the boundaries of what was considered a 'Grand Complication' at the time.
The platinum version of the Il Destriero Scafusia is presented as a visual reference, showcasing its distinct aesthetic compared to the yellow gold model.

The Discussion

amanico

May 30, 2025

Here is the platinum version. Credit: Watchbase.

dedestexhes

May 30, 2025

Despite all the fantastic technical watches today, I think that this one is one of my favorites. I still remember having received the catalog with this watch in it. Surreal at that time and somehow still today! Thx for sharing, Dirk

ZSHSZ

May 30, 2025

I even like the color gold version with the silver dial due to its great legibility, but the platinum is top! This is the definition of “Grand Complication” in my books. Amazing what they were able to create from a 7750…

ZSHSZ

May 30, 2025

True, but in a world where a perpetual calendar chronograph(Patek), is called GC we can “settle” for this, let alone the time when it was released, few if any, played in this game.

Goh

May 30, 2025

though the bezel looks a bit wide. The box looks great too.

quattro

May 30, 2025

remind me of Patek ref. 5001T (Sky Moon Tourbillon, which I've shown here) and I like it personally. And, yes, the box is lovely! Best, Emmanuel

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IWC Il Destriero Scafusia IW1868: Reference Guide

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