In 1990, IWC released their first "Grande Complication" wristwatch at the Basel watch fair. It was a follow-up to their successful perpetual calendar module created by Kurt Klaus. To make the watch even more impressive, they added a minute repeater. At the time, the watch was considered quite large with a 42.2mm case and 16.3mm height. The reference IW9270-45 is part of the second generation of this collection, featuring a revamped dial and elegant "dauphine" hands.