IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN PREMIERES INDIVIDUALISATION SERVICE FOR THE PORTUGIESER CHRONOGRAPH IN DUBAI AND SHANGHAI FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUES
Schaffhausen/Dubai/Shanghai, 13th March 2023: IWC Schaffhausen introduces an individualisation service for the Portugieser Chronograph in its flagship boutiques at the Dubai Mall and Shanghai Taikoo Hui Mall. Clients can try different combinations of case materials, unique dial colours, and straps to create their personal version of the iconic chronograph directly on their wrist. The individualised timepiece is then delivered after approximately three weeks.
A mechanical watch is much more than an instrument measuring time. It also underscores its owner’s lifestyle, values and preferences. For this reason, IWC has continuously expanded the possibilities for personalisation in recent years - for example, by offering a broad range of straps or bracelets as accessories to enhance versatility. With an individualisation service for the Portugieser Chronograph, one of its most iconic models, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer yet again breaks new ground and takes luxury watch personalisation to a whole new level.
“Our new individualisation service enables clients to become actively involved in the design process of their watch. They can assemble their favourite version of the Portugieser Chronograph using an attractive choice of case materials, dial colours, and straps. Unlike with an online configurator, different combinations of materials and colours can be tried out directly on the wrist, turning the individualisation process into an exciting and memorable experience,”
CLIENTS TO DESIGN THEIR OWN WATCH
The individualisation display is designed like a console. Two cases in stainless steel and 18-carat 5N gold are at its centre. Once clients have selected a case material, they can choose one of 16 dial colours that were developed exclusively for this service. The palette includes vibrant and distinct shades such as turquoise, indigo, aubergine, or ginger. Each dial is available either with rhodium-plated or gold-plated appliques and hands. The dial plaques attach magnetically to the cases, allowing customers to freely explore different combinations of materials and colours. Finally, the watch can be fitted with a strap of choice, ranging from colourful calfskin or alligator leather, leather alternatives such as TimberTex® and rubber straps to a high-grade stainless steel bracelet. Once a client has decided on a final configuration, their timepieces then undergoes the individualisation service and will be delivered after approximately three weeks. A small “I” in a circle, placed in the small seconds subcounter at 6 o'clock, identifies each chronograph as an individually configured version. The Portugieser Chronograph individualisation service is currently available exclusively in IWC's flagship boutiques at the Dubai Mall and Shanghai Taikoo Hui Mall. It will be launched in other flagship locations at a later stage.
IWC Schaffhausen is the Engineer of Watchmaking. In 1868, the American watchmaker and engineer Florentine Ariosto Jones established the ‘International Watch Company’ in Schaffhausen in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. By combining the best of human craftsmanship and creativity with cutting-edge industrial technology and processes, he laid the foundation for IWC’s unique engineering approach to watchmaking.
IWC’s distinctive and pure design is brought to life through collections ranging from elegant dress watches to sports and luxury sports watches, notably the Portugieser, Portofino, Pilot’s Watches and Ingenieur. Over its more than 150-year history, IWC has earned a reputation for creating professional instrument watches and functional complications, especially chronographs and calendars, which are ingenious, robust and easy to use.
A pioneer in the use of titanium and ceramic, IWC specializes in performance materials such as Ceratanium®. IWC’s advanced engineering division XPL develops technologies that enhance the durability of mechanical watches and extend their applications to environments with extreme conditions such as jet aviation and human spaceflight.
IWC is a leader in luxury watchmaking, crafting timepieces built to last for generations and continuously improving every aspect of how it manufactures, distributes and services its watches responsibly. Empowering the next generation of engineers, the brand also partners with organizations that work globally to support children and young people. IWC. EngineeredTM.