IWC…it could easily stand for "I Work Continuously…to make watches better" if one thinks of Kurt Klaus and his passion to build and invent superb, functional, maintainable watches. I still recall Mr. Klaus' saying about IWC's roots of "function precedes design" when we talked about the new Ingenieur. Will the new Da Vinci combine smooth working, superb mechanics, maintainability and a refreshing design?
Mr. Klaus started in January 1957 at IWC, so this year he has reached the 50th year milestone! What an achievement… I am very happy that IWC decided to dedicate some models to Mr. Klaus. Mr. Klaus is brilliant watch maker, a humble person, and a example to many. I'm sure everyone who has met him, concurs.
Please allow me to repeat some of his sayings during an interview:
"What I oppose against, is "change for the sake of change". Sometimes you see new technologies being introduced that do not contribute anything to making production easier, making the watch better or simpler, or making it easier to maintain. It is just different. For me, keeping things functional and simple does make sense. Changing something just to make something different does not."
"I am not a watch collector. I am intrigued by the micro-mechanics and mechanical improvement and design. I prefer technical features rather than the "look" and the rareness of a watch. I have one pocket watch and one wristwatch. The pocket watch was my project at the watch making school. I got the wristwatch from IWC for my 25 th anniversary".
And about the great moments in Mr. Klaus' watch life: "The first is the introduction of the Da Vinci. Back in the seventies/eighties the watch industry was in a crisis. Around 1976 I managed to produce a pocket watch with calendar and moon phase to prove that there was still room for high quality mechanical watches. It was not a perpetual yet. The 100 pieces made were quickly sold. This showed that there was indeed a future for mechanical watches and provided us with the motivation to continue. This evolved into the introduction of the Da Vinci with Perpetual Calendar in 1985. I believe this movement is still unique. From that moment on, IWC's name was established.
The other great moment happened six years ago when Mr. Blümlein asked me to continue working for IWC instead of retiring"
I am sure Leonardo Da Vinci would have been proud of Mr. Klaus.
2,241 Discussions and CommentsMember since Nov. 16, 2004
Da Vinci & Herr Klaus what a combination!
If the two gentlemen had got together back in the 15th century just think where we would be today. There have been few LE versions of watches I have got excited about, particularly those that are linked with sportsmen (Man Utd excepted). The Klaus LE would certainly have pride of place in my collection.
2,129 Discussions and CommentsMember since March 22, 2001
Mr. Klaus. He is truly a gentleman,
and I think it is just wonderful that IWC has chosen to honor him with this new watch. Think about how lucky we all are to have him with the company we enjoy so much for 50 years! Thank you Mr. Klaus, and Happy Anniversary!
600 Discussions and CommentsMember since Dec. 1, 2004
Hats off to Mr. Klaus for his..
50 years of doing what he loves. I respect his credos and they are reflected in the watches that IWC brings to market. He represents all the things that design/engineering types strive for in their field of endeavour and it is the same that drew me to IWC.
All the best to you, Mr. Klaus and thank you Peter for calling it to our attention.
37 Discussions and CommentsMember since April 15, 2005
Interesting and inspirational....
50 years is a real achievement. Mr. Klaus obviously is a master of his craft and he loves his work. We should all try to be like that whatever our occupation.
At first I was surprised when I read that he was not a collector and only owned two timepieces. Then I thought about it and it sort of made sense. He has most likely had input in pretty much everything IWC has created so in some way he "knows" them in a way that makes actual ownership unnecessary.
Will the new Da Vinci combine smooth working, superb mechanics, maintainability and a refreshing design?
Mr. Klaus started in January 1957 at IWC, so this year he has reached the 50th year milestone! What an achievement… I am very happy that IWC decided to dedicate some models to Mr. Klaus. Mr. Klaus is brilliant watch maker, a humble person, and a example to many. I'm sure everyone who has met him, concurs.
Please allow me to repeat some of his sayings during an interview:
"What I oppose against, is "change for the sake of change". Sometimes you see new technologies being introduced that do not contribute anything to making production easier, making the watch better or simpler, or making it easier to maintain. It is just different. For me, keeping things functional and simple does make sense. Changing something just to make something different does not."
"I am not a watch collector. I am intrigued by the micro-mechanics and mechanical improvement and design. I prefer technical features rather than the "look" and the rareness of a watch. I have one pocket watch and one wristwatch. The pocket watch was my project at the watch making school. I got the wristwatch from IWC for my 25 th anniversary".
And about the great moments in Mr. Klaus' watch life:
"The first is the introduction of the Da Vinci. Back in the seventies/eighties the watch industry was in a crisis. Around 1976 I managed to produce a pocket watch with calendar and moon phase to prove that there was still room for high quality mechanical watches. It was not a perpetual yet. The 100 pieces made were quickly sold. This showed that there was indeed a future for mechanical watches and provided us with the motivation to continue. This evolved into the introduction of the Da Vinci with Perpetual Calendar in 1985. I believe this movement is still unique. From that moment on, IWC's name was established.
The other great moment happened six years ago when Mr. Blümlein asked me to continue working for IWC instead of retiring"
I am sure Leonardo Da Vinci would have been proud of Mr. Klaus.
Mr Klaus: happy anniversary!
...good people to design, build, and market good products.
Regards,
Cliff
Last edited: 30 January, 2013 - 09:14
If the two gentlemen had got together back in the 15th century just think where we would be today. There have been few LE versions of watches I have got excited about, particularly those that are linked with sportsmen (Man Utd excepted). The Klaus LE would certainly have pride of place in my collection.
Last edited: 17 May, 2013 - 09:58
...with IWC, and the watch is in honor of his five decades of contribution to the company.
Regards,
Michael
Regards, Michael
mfriedberg@iwcforum.com
Last edited: 5 April, 2012 - 19:53
Greetings, Martijn
Last edited: 6 July, 2012 - 10:18
and I think it is just wonderful that IWC has chosen to honor him with this new watch.
Think about how lucky we all are to have him with the company we enjoy so much for 50 years!
Thank you Mr. Klaus, and Happy Anniversary!
Last edited: 15 February, 2011 - 20:21
50 years of doing what he loves. I respect his credos and they are reflected in the watches that IWC brings to market. He represents all the things that design/engineering types strive for in their field of endeavour and it is the same that drew me to IWC.
All the best to you, Mr. Klaus and thank you Peter for calling it to our attention.
Best,
Victor
Last edited: 28 February, 2012 - 01:23
50 years is a real achievement. Mr. Klaus obviously is a master of his craft and he loves his work. We should all try to be like that whatever our occupation.
At first I was surprised when I read that he was not a collector and only owned two timepieces. Then I thought about it and it sort of made sense. He has most likely had input in pretty much everything IWC has created so in some way he "knows" them in a way that makes actual ownership unnecessary.
I do wonder which model he does wear.
Thanks for a great post.
Scott
Thank you for a great post Peter.
Adrian.
Mr Klaus, if you read this: thanks for all the great work that you have done and still do!
Kind regards,
Cinq
Last edited: 30 May, 2012 - 20:59