Lot 443

International Watch Co.

Yacht Club II Quartz Jumbo

A heavy brilliant-set wristwatch with date

Launched in 1977, the Yacht Club II was designed by none other than Gerald Genta, one of the most legendary watch designers whose distinctive style can be found in many Swiss watches of the 1970s and is in many ways emblematic of the era. The Yacht Club II features an integrated bracelet and an angular case with a large, polished octagonal bezel and was created at the same time as the Nautilus, the Royal Oak and the Ingenieur SL, a period when Swiss watchmakers were redefining themselves in the face of the so-called quartz crisis and trying to satisfy the growing demand for the slimmest, highest quality steel watch possible.
The Yacht Club II was offered in four sizes and different materials: Jumbo, Midsize, Ladies Large and Ladies Small - steel, bicolour, gold and gold with diamonds, none of which were actually made in large numbers. Production of reference 3312 was discontinued again in 1984. The early Yacht Clubs II were powered by IWC automatic movements, but were soon replaced by quartz calibres.
The present Yacht Club II Jumbo, calibre 2250 Quartz is in excellent condition. The large, polished, octagonal bezel with 45 sparkling diamonds is particularly striking. The special 80s look makes the watch an eye-catcher on the wrist and a sought-after vintage classic among IWC collectors.