There aren't many original Genta designs integrated in steel above 36mm. The names you'll know: Nautilus, Royal Oak, and Ingenieur. But one gets left out: the 38mm Yacht Club II Jumbo. The YCII is one of the most cohesive and refined integrated cases ever penned, yet, still today, only is really discussed between expert watch lovers. The YCII underpinned IWC's late '70s strategy, to offer beautiful designs and let its clients choose between an IWC-engineered automatic or quartz version. The YCII was considerably thinner than any Ingenieur or Polo SL, it wears like a tight metal cuff. Arguably, we'd dare to call it the last great Genta sleeper.
This was the second design penned by Genta after the 1832. It was available in 30, 34, and this 38mm, automatic or quartz, with varied dials. The low and wide stance is unlike pretty much anything else, emphasized by the wide bezel which is one piece finished in both a flat radial brushing and high polish outer bevel. With many sheer high polish planes at various slightly altered angles and few transitions, the wrist presence reminds of stealth aircraft like the faceted wafer-thin F-117 Nighthawk. The long lugs can actually take a strap, but the design is made on this thin H-link bracelet with flat rectangular centers. Every design element here reinforces the delicate thinness and almost fractal planes.
Its black dial is textured in a very subtle randomized vertical graining, quite a bit more subtle than most textures. It almost feels like a natural stone surface in this anthracite grey. Even the hands reinforce the case design theme, two pancaked, angled planes and a flat channeled center in tritium. Indices vary between generations, but this 3312 features applied long steel indices with tritium dot outers.
In period, this IWC 2250 quartz calibre retailed at a 40% premium over the mechanical offering. In the late '70s, quartz was the high-tech segment and still commanded premiums, this movement even features perlage. Today, that's been reversed. However, these early quartz pieces are now a much more approachable proposition, offering no-nonsense constant timekeeping and the same integrated, vintage wrist presence. Arguably, there may be no more elegantly designed quartz watch in the world.
