IWC Schaffhausen Square Ref.582.379, 1970s

— The aesthetics of the square —

Since 1868, IWC has pursued a solid, unshowy kind of watchmaking in Schaffhausen. Here a cushion-square case reconciles straight lines with curves, under a silver-grey dial of considerable calm. Modern, in a way that has not dated.

At its centre is calibre 3254, a slim automatic from a line good enough to have been used by the very top of the industry.

— A first-rate bloodline —

Calibre 3254 descends from Jaeger-LeCoultre's celebrated calibre 889 — the same family trusted by Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin and others at that level. It runs on 34 jewels and is adjusted in five positions. The fish mark engraved on the crown is the period signature for IWC's water-resistant construction.

— Made to disappear under a cuff —

A slim movement makes an exceptionally thin, well-drawn case possible. It slides under a shirt cuff without fuss and adds a little quiet quality to whatever the day requires.