When the replica IWC made the revamped Da Vinci collection their main focus at SIHH 2017, it’s fair to state that there was a little bit of confusion – if not downright consternation – among the replica watch loving faithful. Coming off two straight years of strong, masculine product – the Portugieser and the Pilot’s – the dressy Da Vinci was an absolute change of pace with it’s feminine demeanour and fancy articulated lugs.
If you’re on the fence about the Da Vinci collection as a whole, take a look at this limited-edition Chronograph Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation”. Even though the words ‘chronograph’ and ‘sport’ are in the (rather wordy) model name, this is far from your typical sports chrono. As a matter of fact, it’s pretty much the opposite. Refined, elegant and devastatingly handsome, the 42mm-wide by 14.5mm-thick steel case is all polished curves, notably on the lugs and the flyback chronograph’s rounded pushers. The dial is a real beauty: a rich starburst blue that’s a trademark of IWC’s Laureus editions, with applied silver Arabic numerals, matching hands and the odd red detail. 
The chronograph features stacked hours and minutes totalisers at 12, and running seconds at six, a pleasantly symmetrical design somewhat marred by the square date window intersecting the seconds track. The Calibre 89361 movement is hidden behind a solid caseback, engraved with a drawing by 12-year-old Hou Ye from Shangahi, who won a prize run by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. A black Santoni strap adds the final touch of class.
As for me, this chronograph is the strongest male design from the replica IWC Da Vinci collection – beautiful without being delicate, functional without sacrificing style.