IWC Grande Complication Ref. 3770
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1991
This IWC Grande Complication wristwatch, reference 3770, is a limited edition piece from a run of 50, identified as number 44. Produced circa 1991, the watch is encased in platinum with a diameter of 42.3 mm and features a screwed case-back secured by six screws.
The timepiece utilizes the self-winding Caliber 79091 movement, which incorporates over 659 individual parts to power ten horological complications, including a minute-repeater, an 1/8 second chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour recorders, and a secular perpetual calendar. The white dial displays the day, month, moon phases, and a millesimal year indicator. It is fitted with a black crocodile leather IWC strap and a platinum buckle.
The watch is presented as part of a set including the original fitted box, certificate of origin, and an instruction booklet. The auction description reports the watch was sold on July 17, 1992.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Grande complication wristwatch
- Caliber
- 79091
- Material
- platinum
- Reference
- 3770
- Sold date
- July 17, 1992
- Case diameter
- 42.3 mm
- Movement type
- Self-winding
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Limited Edition
- 44 / 50
- Maker / attribution
- International Watch Co.
Design
- Visible features
- • German language day and month indicators • Minute-repeater slide located at 9 o'clock • Millenial year aperture positioned at 7:30 • Case-back engraved with series information and serial number
- Case and Dial Construction
- The timepiece features a large, round-shaped platinum case measuring 42.3 mm in diameter. The construction utilizes an inclined bezel and a case-back secured by six screws. The watch includes a screwed-in winding crown and a minute-repeater slide mounted at the 9 o'clock position on the case flank. The white dial contains subsidiary dials for the 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph recorders at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions respectively. Subsidiary seconds are located at 9 o'clock. The dial displays the date of the month at 3 o'clock, with day and month indicators presented in German. An aperture for the moon phases is located at 12 o'clock, while a secular millesimal year indicator is visible through an aperture positioned at 7:30.
- Movement and Complications
- The watch is powered by the self-winding Caliber 79091. The mechanism comprises over 659 individual parts, designed to provide a high level of complexity in a user-friendly format suitable for daily wear. The complications include an 1/8 second chronograph, which is managed via two rectangular push-pieces, and a chiming minute-repeater that acts upon two steel gongs. The perpetual calendar is designed as a half-instantaneous system, calibrated to cover a period of 500 years. The automation of the movement is intended to support the functionality of the calendar and chronograph alongside the timekeeping functions.
- Provenance and Documentation
- This example is one of a limited series of 50 pieces, specifically identified as number 44. The watch is accompanied by an original fitted box, an outer box, and a certificate of origin. Additionally, the set includes an instruction booklet and a book written by Manfred Fritz titled “Grande Complication.” The auction house notes that the watch received servicing, with the associated service paper dated 2019. According to the provided documentation, the watch was originally sold on July 17, 1992.
Identification
- Reference
- 3770
- Serial number
- 2 552 044
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The auction house reports the watch was invoiced for service in 2019
- Research required: Source notes the perpetual calendar is calibrated for 500 years