Since its introduction in 1998, the Portugieser Chronograph has brought a touch of sporty elegance to IWC Schaffhausen’s Portugieser collection. With its two vertically arranged subdials and an inner flange with a quarter-second scale, the chronograph has established itself as one of the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s most recognizable and popular watch designs. IWC now presents a creative reimagining of this timeless classic: the first all-black version crafted from Ceratanium^®.

Limited to 1,500 pieces, the Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium^® (Ref. IW371631) features a 41-millimetre case, crown and pushers crafted from Ceratanium^®. Developed by IWC, this advanced material combines the lightness and robustness of titanium with a hardness and scratch-resistance similar to that of ceramic. Another characteristic of Ceratanium^®, which is based on a special titanium alloy and fired at high temperatures in a kiln, is its distinctive, dark and metallic finish. The all-black design of the chronograph is further enhanced with a black dial, black appliques and black hands. The applied Arabic numerals, indices and quarter-second scale are discreet elevations against the background of the black dial. A black rubber strap with a square pattern complements the monolithic look of this watch. 
 

ROBUST AND RELIABLE CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT 

The Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium^® is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre, a mechanical chronograph movement engineered with a focus on robustness, reliability and longevity. The column-wheel control mechanism for the chronograph function provides clearly defined phases in the switching sequence and offers distinct tactile feedback when the buttons are pressed. The movement features an automatic doublepawl winding system, which reliably builds up a power reserve of 46 hours in the mainspring.

IWC Schaffhausen has a tradition of welcoming the Chinese Lunar New Year with special editions across its collections. In continuation of this, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer launches a limited edition of its Portugieser Automatic 42 to welcome the Year of the Horse, which begins on 17^th February 2026. A symbol of strength, energy and freedom, the horse is seen as a bringer of success and good fortune. People born in a Year of the Horse are said to be active, independent and hardworking. They enjoy being in motion and often show a love for adventure. The Year of the Horse is, therefore, typically associated with progress, the rise of new opportunities and the courage to move forward and pursue new goals in life with confidence. 

The Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse (Ref. IW501709) features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42 millimetres. The case construction with a more slender side profile and box-shaped sapphire crystals on the front and back lends the watch an even more refined and elegant appearance. The burgundy dial, inspired by the auspicious red tones widely used in Lunar New Year celebrations, features the characteristic and well-balanced Portugieser design. The characteristic dial layout with the small seconds at 9 o’clock and thepower reserve display at 3 o’clock dates back to the first Portugieser Automatic (Ref. 5000) from 2000. Golden hands, Roman numerals and appliques complement the rich burgundy-coloured dial. An additional detail is the small date window, which has been discreetly placed at the 6 o’clock position.

IN-HOUSE MOVEMENT FEATURING A ROTOR IN THE SHAPE OF A HORSE

Inside the case, the IWC-manufactured 52011 calibre is at work. Its efficient Pellaton winding system features components made of virtually wear-free ceramic. Using movements of the rotor in both directions, it builds up a power reserve of 168 hours (7 days) in two barrels. A highlight is the gold-plated rotor, visible through the sapphire glass case back, and crafted in the shape of a galloping horse to pay tribute to the Lunar New Year. The Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse is delivered with a choice of two straps for added versatility: a black alligator leather strap and an additional burgundy alligator leather strap. Both straps can be fitted with the stainless steel folding clasp that is delivered with the watch.

In 2024, IWC Schaffhausen introduced new design codes to its Portugieser collection, including a range of new signature colours. Called Horizon Blue, Dune, Obsidian and Silver Moon, these colours reflect the eternal cycle of day and night and the constant flow of time. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer now presents a new model with three complications featuring an Obsidian-coloured dial. 

Limited to 100 pieces, the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph (Ref. IW394009) features a case, pushers and crown meticulously crafted from 18-carat Armor Gold^®. Thanks to an improved microstructure, this material boasts significantly better hardness values than conventional gold alloys. The Obsidian-coloured dial is manufactured in a complex process comprising 60 individual steps. Fifteen layers of transparent lacquer give it an incredible optical depth and an almost three-dimensional effect. The dial is complemented by gold-plated hands and solid gold appliques. The watch is fitted with a black alligator leather strap from the Italian leather artisan Santoni with an 18-carat Armor Gold^® folding clasp.

A STATE-OF-THE-ART FLYING MINUTE TOURBILLON 

The tourbillon is one of the most spectacular complications in fine watchmaking, both for the complexity of its design and its striking visual appeal. This intricate mechanism places the pallet lever and the escape wheel inside a small cage that rotates around its axis once every minute. The continuous rotation reduces the effects of gravity on the watch’s oscillating system and contributes to a more precise rate. Weighing only 0.675 grams in total, the flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock consists of 56 individual parts. With the integrated tourbillon stop, it can be brought to a complete halt and the time set with down-to-the-second accuracy. The pallet lever and the escape wheel are made of silicone and coated using IWC’s proprietary Diamond Shell^® technology. This special coating reduces friction and improves the flow of energy in the movement, contributing to the generous power reserve of 68 hours.

RETROGRADE DATE DISPLAY AND FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH 

In addition to the flying minute tourbillon, the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph also features a retrograde date display located at 9 o’clock on the dial. A small hand points to the current date on an arch-shaped scale ranging from the 1st to the 31st. After reaching the end of the month, the hand will jump back to the starting position. The third complication is the f lyback chronograph, displaying the stopped hours and minutes combined in a totaliser at 12 o’clock. The flyback chronograph enables very rapid restarting of the chronograph function while it is running. When the chronograph button is pushed, the chronograph hands will immediately reset to zero and start a new timing. 

The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre, a highly sophisticated automatic movement comprising a total of 375 individual parts. Elaborately decorated with Geneva stripes and circular graining, the movement can be observed through the sapphire glass case back. The oscillating mass of the automatic winding system is crafted from solid gold.

On the opening day of Watches and Wonders in Geneva, supermodel and IWC Brand Ambassador Gisele Bündchen visited IWC Schaffhausen at its booth. Upon her arrival, she was greeted by Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, and Franziska Gsell, CMO of IWC Schaffhausen. 
 

This year at Watches and Wonders, IWC launches its new Portugieser collection. With the introduction of new design codes and complications, IWC once again showcases its expertise in fine watchmaking. 
 

During her visit, Gisele, who will be part of the Portugieser campaign, toured the booth which this year is designed with the theme of “A Tribute to Eternity”. Reminiscent of the endless cycle of day and night, the booth showcases the new colours, Silver Moon, Horizon Blue, Dune and Obsidian. Each of which is uniquely reminiscent of the journey from dusk till dawn.
 

“It is a pleasure to be here with IWC at Watches and Wonders and see the beautiful new Portugieser collection,” states Gisele. Commenting on what “A Tribute to Eternity” means to her, she continued “Time is a special gift and using it wisely impacts what we leave behind for future generations. I chose to use my time to focus on my family, love, learning, health, and friendships.”

On the special occasion, Gisele wore the new Portugieser Chronograph (ref. IW371626) in Horizon Blue. The blue dial is intricately crafted and finished with 15 transparent layers, giving it a captivating visual depth. It is fitted with a gradient light blue calfstrap from Santoni and powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre. Horizon Blue draws its inspiration from the serene yet vibrant blue hues of the early afternoon sky. When paired with the white-gold case, it gives the watch an underlying sense of lightness. This combination of colour and material gives the watch an elegant and refined look, making it a perfect choice for everyday use. Gisele explained what particularly draws her to the Horizon blue colour, “One thing that is important to me about selecting a watch is that it matches my personal style and is versatile. The Horizon Blue sparks a sense of the peace and calm when I wear it. As we all are busy with work and families, we need to remember time is precious and we must take a moment for ourselves.”
 

In 2022, IWC welcomed the Brazilian supermodel and philanthropist Gisele as a brand ambassador. The relationship was formed in recognition of the remarkable synergy of shared values and ambitions between the two. Throughout her career, she has become one of the most successful and recognisable supermodels in the world. Not only because she has been photographed by some of the most legendary photographers and walked the runways of the biggest fashion houses but also because of her work within sustainability. Gisele has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environmental Program since 2009. She has also been honoured by renowned academic institutions such as Harvard University for her longstanding commitment to key environmental issues.

Translating the irregular calendar into a mechanical program for a wristwatch remains one of the most challenging engineering feats in fine watchmaking. The Gregorian calendar, which is used across most continents and cultures today, divides the year into twelve months with 28, 30 or 31 days. Years that are divisible by four count as leap years, meaning that a 29th day must be added at the end of February. However, an additional correction is needed to keep the calendar in sync with the actual solar year: only those centurial years that can be divided by 400 are leap years, all others are common years. This means that 2000 and 2400 are leap years, while 2100, 2200 and 2300, for example, are common years. A traditional perpetual calendar, however, is only programmed for a four-year cycle, in which three common years are always followed by a leap year. By design, it will interpret the year 2100 as a leap year and need a correction. The same will happen again in 2200 and 2300. As a result, a perpetual calendar will need three corrections over a period of 400  years. A secular perpetual calendar like the Portugieser Eternal Calendar (Ref. IW505701), on the other hand, is mechanically programmed to take these complex nuances into account. It will calculate the leap year correctly until at least the year 3999, as it has not yet been officially decided whether the year 4000 will be a leap year or not.

THE 400-YEARS GEAR SKIPS THREE LEAP YEARS IN FOUR CENTURIES 

The Portugieser Eternal Calendar is based on the same modular and synchronised design as the existing perpetual calendar. All its displays can be advanced using the crown. However, while the perpetual calendar is programmed for a four-year cycle, the Portugieser Eternal Calendar features an additional mechanism. Every four years at the end of February, a new module informs the calendar about whether the leap year takes place or not. This so-called 400-years gear completes only one revolution every four centuries. It contains three indentations, which cause the calendar to skip three leap years over that period. This module is designed with impressive efficiency and technical elegance and consists of only eight parts, underscoring IWC Schaffhausen’s engineering approach to fine watchmaking.

MOON PHASE WITH A CALCULATED ACCURACY OF 45 MILLION YEARS

Since the introduction of the perpetual calendar almost four decades ago, IWC has also taken great strides to continuously improve the accuracy of its moon phase displays. While the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (Ref. IW3750) from 1985 featured a moon phase precision of 122 years, the first Portugieser Perpetual Calendar (Ref. IW5021) from 2003 impressed with a moon phase accuracy of 577.5 years. IWC’s engineers have now taken on the challenge to develop a new moon phase display with unprecedented precision. 
 

The difficulty in displaying the moon phase on the dial of a watch lies in the fact that the moon does not follow a daily rhythm in its orbit around the Earth. A cycle from new moon to new moon – one lunation – does not last 30 days, but rather 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 2.88 seconds. The duration of one calendar month must therefore be reduced as close as possible to one lunar cycle. This is achieved by placing a reduction gear between the base movement and the moon phase disc. The key to high precision lies in the quantity of wheels used, their proportions and the number of teeth they have. IWC’s engineers have now used a special computer program to simulate more than 22 trillion different combinations. For the Portugieser Eternal Calendar, they came up with a new reduction gear train using three intermediate wheels. Mathematically, the display will only deviate from the moon’s orbit by one day after 45 million years. Another challenge consisted in integrating this new gear train into the confined space of the eternal calendar module. 
 

The moon phase is displayed on the dial using the characteristic Double Moon™ indication, which shows the moon as seen from the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The display consists of two super-imposed discs. A celestial disc with two small circular openings rotates above an immobile lower disc with two dots. This negative representation gives the impression that two small moons are waxing or waning. Here, the lower disc is made of titanium and decorated with a Guilloché pattern. The upper disc is made of glass.

INTRICATELY CRAFTED GLASS DIAL AND DOUBLE BOX-GLASS

The Portugieser Eternal Calendar features an intricately finished platinum case with polished and brushed surfaces. Another highlight is the glass dial, which is manufactured in a complex process. In the first step, the underside of the dial is frosted and lacquered in white. The subdials are machined and polished separately and subsequently fixed onto the dial. In the next step, the printing is applied, and the appliques are mounted by hand. The depth of the glass lends the print and appliques a floaty lightness. The numerals and the characteristic Portugieser minute scale are printed on a white lacquered flange sitting between the glass dial and the front glass. The box-glass sapphire crystals are machined and polished in an elaborate process. The Portugieser Eternal Calendar is fitted with a black alligator leather strap from the Italian leather artisan Santoni with a platinum folding clasp.

IWC-MANUFACTURED 52640 CALIBRE WITH SEVEN DAY POWER RESERVE 

At work inside the platinum case is the newly developed IWC-manufactured 52640 calibre. The high-end calibre features a highly efficient Pellaton winding system. Using movements of the rotor in both directions, it reliably builds up a power reserve of seven days (168 hours) in the two barrels. Parts of the winding system that are subject to extremely high stresses are manufactured using virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. The movement has been elaborately finished with circular graining and Geneva stripes and can be admired through the box-shaped sapphire glass case back.

The Portugieser stands out not only because of its pure and timeless design. The collection is also a testament to IWC Schaffhausen’s comprehensive expertise in fine watchmaking. Over the years, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has presented many Portugieser watches with high complications, ranging from different versions of its perpetual calendar and tourbillons to the astronomical displays of the Portugieser Sidérale Scafusia – to this day the most complicated watch ever made by IWC Schaffhausen. With its unique engineering approach to fine watchmaking, IWC develops complications that are ingenious, highly robust and reliable, and technically elegant in their design.
 

Adding to its legacy of high complications, IWC presents the Portugieser Hand-Wound Tourbillon Day & Night (Ref. IW545901) with a polished and brushed 18-carat Armor Gold^® case, gold-plated hands, and gold appliques. Thanks to its improved microstructure, Armor Gold^® is significantly harder and more wearresistant than conventional 5N gold. The Obsidian black and highly polished dial radiates a tremendous depth and creates a beautiful contrast. The watch is fitted with a finely crafted curved black alligator leather strap from Santoni, a renowned Italian manufacturer of luxury shoes and leather accessories. The flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock is one of the most sophisticated complications in watchmaking. Assembling and finetuning this delicate mechanism is a task reserved for the most experienced master watchmakers at IWC Schaffhausen. The tourbillon places the balance wheel and pallet lever inside a small cage that rotates around its axis once every minute. This constant rotation reduces the influence of gravity on the oscillating system of the watch, thereby increasing its accuracy. As the tourbillon cage is stopped and accelerated several times per second, its total weight must be as low as possible. Although the mechanism consists of 56 individual parts, it only weighs 0.675 grams in total. The pallet lever and escape wheel are made of silicon and treated with a special diamond coating. This Diamond Shell^® technology reduces friction and improves the flow of energy in the movement, contributing to the high power reserve of 84 hours. Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the mechanism can be brought to a complete stop and the watch set with down-to-the-second accuracy.

A UNIQUE WAY TO SHOW THE ENDLESS CYCLE OF DAY AND NIGHT 

Another highlight can be found at 9 o’clock: the 24-hour indication in the shape of a small planet. The globe has a dark and a bright side and rotates around its axis once every 24 hours, offering a captivating visualisation of whether it is currently day or night. The idea for this special day and night concept came from former watchmaker trainee Loris Spitzer and is a testament to the success of IWC’s trainee program and the culture of curiosity and innovation that the company fosters. The day and night indication is integrated into the newly developed IWCmanufactured 81925 calibre. As the movement is handwound and has no oscillating mass, the small globe is visible from the front and back. The gold-plated base plate is partly skeletonised to offer an unimpeded view of the barrel and other components. The movement is elaborately finished with circular Geneva stripes and can be admired through the sapphire glass case back.

Over the last two decades, the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar has established itself as a key pillar of the collection. Originally developed by IWC Schaffhausen’s former Head Watchmaker Kurt Klaus in the 1980s, the perpetual calendar complication has been continuously improved and perfected over the years. The first Portugieser with a perpetual calendar was launched in 2003. The moon phase display was enhanced with a larger reduction gear by taking advantage of the more generous case dimensions, increasing its accuracy from 122 to 577.5 years. Another innovation was the patented Double Moon™ display, which shows the moon phase as seen from the Northern and Southern hemispheres. IWC Schaffhausen has now completely reworked and refined this model and presents four new versions. 
 

The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 (Ref. IW503703) features an 18-carat white gold case, a Horizon Blue dial, and rhodium-plated hands and appliques. It is fitted with a gradient light-blue calfskin strap from Santoni. The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 (Ref. IW503704) has an 18-carat white gold case, a Dune coloured dial, and gold-plated hands, and gold appliques. It is combined with a black alligator leather strap from Santoni. The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 (Ref. IW503702) boasts a case made of 18-carat Armor Gold^®, an Obsidian black dial, gold-plated hands, and gold appliques. Thanks to an improved microstructure, Armor Gold^® is considerably harder and more wearresistant than conventional 5N gold. This model is fitted with a black alligator leather strap from Santoni. The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 44 (Ref. IW503701) impresses with an 18-carat Armor Gold^® case, a Silver Moon dial, gold-plated hands, and gold appliques. This fourth timepiece is fitted with a brown alligator leather strap from Santoni.

COMPLETELY REWORKED CASE CONSTRUCTION WITH DOUBLE-BOX SAPPHIRE CRYSTALS AND NEW DIAL FINISH 

The most notable design change is the completely redesigned and refined case construction. The slimmer case ring features a more slender side profile. In combination with the box-glass sapphire crystals on the front and the back, this new construction makes the watches particularly light and elegant. The boxglass sapphire crystal, milled and polished in a highly complex process, allows for an even better view of the iconic Portugieser design cues, such as the characteristic minute scale. The dial graphics have also been carefully reworked and refined. A particular highlight is the elaborately crafted dials. The key to their extraordinary visual depths is the application of 15 layers of transparent lacquer, which is fine-ground and then polished to a high gloss finish. The subdials displaying the calendar information are milled into both the brass base and the lacquer layer. Finally, the appliques are individually mounted on the dials by hand. Comprising up to 60 individual steps, the production process for the dials is incredibly complex and challenging to master. 
 

All four watches feature IWC’s signature Double Moon™ display. Inspired by nautical instruments, it shows the moon as it can be seen from the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Thanks to a precisely calculated reduction gear, the indication will only deviate from the moon’s actual orbit by one day after 577.5 years. 
 

The watches are powered by the IWC-manufactured 52616 calibre movement, which is assembled from 385 individual parts. The escapement has been improved to offer better protection against magnetic fields. The automatic Pellaton winding system features components made of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic, while the oscillating mass is made of solid gold. Converting the movements on the wearer’s arm into energy for the mainspring, it reliably builds up a power reserve of 7 days in two barrels.

THE PERPETUAL CALENDAR WAS A MILESTONE FOR IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN 

The introduction of the perpetual calendar in 1985 marked the beginning of IWC Schaffhausen’s comprehensive expertise in mechanical calendar complications. Kurt Klaus created a complication that is remarkable in many respects. All its displays are perfectly synchronised with each other and can be easily advanced via the crown. The calendar comprises only 81 parts, all housed in a module that is 1.5 millimetres high. With its ingeniously simple design, the complication perfectly embodies IWC Schaffhausen’s engineering approach to fine watchmaking, characterised by functionality, efficiency, and ease of use. The calendar is mechanically programmed for a cycle of four years. In addition to recognising the different lengths of the months, it automatically inserts a leap day every four years at the end of February. The mechanical program only requires a minor adjustment in centuries divisible by 100 when the leap year is skipped, for example, in 2100 or 2200.

The origins of the Portugieser date back to the late 1930s, when IWC Schaffhausen used a high-precision pocket watch movement to create a distinctively large wristwatch with chronometer precision. Although its simple case shape and purist, easy-to-read dial were created more than 80 years ago, it can hardly be linked to that specific period. The Portugieser remains timeless and has retained its freshness to this day. Clean and open dials with applied Arabic numerals, Feuille-type hands and the characteristic minutes scale reminiscent of railway tracks ensure perfect legibility. 
 

IWC Schaffhausen has now refined its timelessly elegant Portugieser watches on every level and presents a new collection of the Portugieser Automatic 42 and the Portugieser Automatic 40. All watches feature a carefully reworked case construction with a slender side profile, making them visually light and more elegant. The double box-glass sapphire crystals offer an even better view of the new dials and the IWC-manufactured movements inside. 
 

The dials are the result of an elaborate and highly complex process. The brass bases are either treated with a sunburst finish or given a finely blasted surface before the colour is applied. The key to their unusually pronounced optical depth is the application of 15 layers of lacquer, which is fine-ground and then polished to a high gloss finish. The subdials are milled into both the brass base and the lacquer layer. The three-dimensional effect is further emphasised by the printing, which is carried out in a special procedure and adds to the sensation of depth. To finish, the appliques are individually hand mounted. Finally, the dial graphics have also been carefully reworked for a perfect balance of lightness, elegance and legibility. 
 

The Portugieser Automatic is distinguished by its balanced dial design with the power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock and the small seconds at 9 o’clock. With the new Portugieser Automatic 42 (Ref. IW5017), IWC Schaffhausen now launches a timeless and modern instrument dress watch, which fully retains the DNA of the original Portugieser Automatic (Ref. IW50001) from the year 2000.
 

• 18-carat white gold case, Horizon Blue dial, rhodiumplated hands and appliques, gradient blue calfskin strap from Santoni with 18-carat white gold folding clasp (Ref. IW501708)
• 18-carat 5N gold case, Obsidian black dial, goldplated hands and gold appliques, black alligator leather strap from Santoni with 18-carat 5N gold folding clasp (Ref. IW501707)
• Stainless steel case, Dune dial, gold-plated hands and gold appliques, black alligator leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp (Ref. IW501705)
• Stainless steel case, Silver Moon dial, gold-plated hands and appliques, black alligator leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp (Ref. IW501701)
• Stainless steel case, Silver Moon dial, blue hands and appliques, gradient blue alligator leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp (Ref. IW501702)
• Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, stainless steel bracelet (Ref. IW501704) 
   

The new models are powered by the IWC-manufactured 52011 calibre. The escapement has been improved to offer better protection against magnetic fields. The Pellaton winding system is reinforced with virtually wearfree zirconium oxide ceramic components and builds up a power reserve of seven days (168 hours) in two barrels. 
 

First introduced to the collection in 2020, the Portugieser Automatic 40 (Ref. IW3584) presents the essence of the Portugieser design with a more compact case size of 40 millimetres. Standing in direct lineage to the first Portugieser, Reference 325 from 1939, it features a clean and open dial with the small seconds at 6 o’clock and no date window.
 

• 18-carat white gold case, Horizon Blue dial, rhodiumplated hands and appliques, gradient light-blue calfskin strap from Santoni with 18-carat white gold pin buckle (Ref. IW358402)
• 18-carat 5N gold case, Obsidian black dial, gold-plated hands and gold appliques, black alligator leather strap from Santoni with 18-carat 5N gold pin buckle (Ref. IW358401) 
   

Both models are powered by the IWC-manufactured 82200 calibre. Featuring parts made of zirconium oxide ceramic, the automatic Pellaton winding system builds up a power reserve of 60 hours in the mainspring.

With the Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante from 1995, the chronograph arrived in the Portugieser family. Since then, this functional complication has brought a touch of sporty elegance to the collection. The IWC-typical vertical arrangement of the sub-dials places the stopped minutes directly at 12 o’clock, making them easy to read, while the small seconds are positioned at 6 o’clock. Another distinguishing design feature is the inner flange printed with a quarter-second scale, enabling high-precision stop-time readings. IWC Schaffhausen now launches three new versions of the popular chronograph in the new colour codes Horizon Blue, Obsidian, and Dune.
 

A particular highlight is the intricately crafted dials. The brass bases are first given a sunburst finish before the respective colour is applied. In the next step, 15 layers of transparent lacquer are applied, fine-ground and then polished to a high gloss. The totalisers are milled into both the brass base and the lacquer layer. The printing, carried out through a special process, further adds to the three-dimensional effect. Finally, the appliques are mounted individually by hand. The complete manufacturing process for these dials comprises more than 60 steps and is highly challenging to master.
 

The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371626) features a Horizon Blue dial. Horizon is a light blue shade, reminiscent of the early afternoon sky during the sun-soaked height of the day. This colour is complemented by a polished and brushed 18-carat white gold case, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, and a gradient light-blue calfskin strap from Santoni. 
 

The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371625) impresses with its Obsidian black dial, an 18-carat 5N gold case, gold-plated hands, and gold appliques. Thanks to the lacquer finish, the dial emanates an incredible depth. The combination of black and gold captures the black of the night and the golden warmth of the city lights at night. The chronograph is fitted with a black alligator leather strap from Santoni. 
 

The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371624) with a Dune dial is paired with a stainless steel case, gold-plated hands and gold appliques, and a black alligator leather strap. This combination reflects the mood in the late afternoon with the golden low sun. Thanks to the elaborate lacquer finish, the gold appliques appear to be floating above the dial.
 

ROBUST AND RELIABLE CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT 

The Portugieser Chronograph is powered by the IWCmanufactured 69355 calibre, a mechanical chronograph movement engineered with a focus on robustness, reliability, and longevity. The column-wheel control of the chronograph function ensures that individual phases in the switching sequence are clearly defined. There is also a distinct tactile resistance when the buttons are pushed. Seamless integration with the basic movement and careful coordination of all components helps to ensure that the correct rates are maintained even when the chronograph is subject to intense use. Typical for IWC, the vertical arrangement of the subdials displays the stopped minutes directly at the 12 o’clock position and places the small seconds at 6 o’clock. This layout enhances readability and has become a distinguishing design feature of the Portugieser Chronograph.

True to tradition, IWC Schaffhausen welcomes the Lunar New Year with a special edition watch. 10^th February 2024 marks the beginning of the Year of the Wood Dragon. According to the Chinese calendar, such a combination only occurs once every 60 years. People born under the sign of the dragon are considered energetic, strong, confident, gifted, intelligent and generous. Dragons initiate big things and keep them running. The Year of the Dragon promises luck, prosperity, and economic success. 
 

“Since 1998, the Portugieser Chronograph has embodied the dynamic, sporty side of IWC Schaffhausen’s acclaimed Portugieser collection. Thanks to the dial layout with the vertically arranged counters and the quarter-seconds precision scale, it has become one of our most coveted designs. We are convinced it is a fitting model to welcome the Year of the Dragon”, said Peter Lao, Managing Director of IWC Schaffhausen China. 
 

The Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon (Ref. IW371629) features a 41-millimetre stainless steel case, a burgundy dial, and gold-plated hands and appliques. Burgundy is a charming shade of red, symbolising the vibrant colour of fire, which is traditionally used to welcome the Lunar New Year in China and promises longevity and luck. The chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre, a robust and precise mechanical chronograph movement in a classic column-wheel design. A glance at the movement through the transparent sapphire case back reveals another highlight: the gold-plated rotor of the automatic winding system takes the form of a beautifully detailed dragon. In addition, the case back ring features an engraving of “2024 YEAR OF THE DRAGON.” The Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon is delivered with two straps: one black calfskin strap and one burgundy rubber strap, allowing the wearer to choose between two different looks. A butterfly clasp ensures excellent wearing comfort. 
 

The Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon is limited to 1000 pieces and available immediately through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners, or online at IWC.com. In addition, the timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care programme, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

Lewis Hamilton is not only one of the most accomplished athletes in motorsport, but he has also earned a reputation for his distinctive personal style and iconic outfits. The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team driver often pushes the boundaries with his fashion choices, embracing bold colours, patterns, and original designs. The IWC brand ambassador has now joined forces with IWC Chief Design Officer Christian Knoop and his team again to design his third special edition timepiece.

The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton (Ref. IW394008) features a 43.5-millimetre case made of platinum, the rarest, purest and most precious of all metals. The whitish sheen of platinum perfectly complements the rich tealcoloured dial embellished with 12 sparkling diamonds. With slightly recessed displays for the chronograph and the retrograde date, the elaborately finished dial has a sculptural look. It also features the seven-time F1™ world champions’s logo, resembling a panther’s eyes. The timepiece is fitted on a matching textile strap with a folding clasp.

The eye-catcher on the dial is the flying hacking minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock. French for “whirlwind”, the tourbillon consists of the balance wheel rotating around its axis in a small cage. Not only does this constant rotation provide a visual spectacle on the dial but it also reduces the influence of gravity on the oscillating system, increasing the watch’s accuracy. Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the mechanism can be brought to a complete halt, allowing the wearer to set the time with down-to-the-second accuracy. Consisting of 56 individual parts and weighing in at only 0.675 grams, the delicate mechanism is incredibly challenging for a watchmaker to assemble.

The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre, which also features a chronograph function. The stopped hours and minutes are displayed on one counter at 12 o’clock, making the elapsed time easy and intuitive to read. Another feature is the retrograde date display. The pallet lever and escape wheel are made of silicone and feature a diamond coating. This so-called Diamond Shell^®, technology reduces friction and improves the flow of energy in the movement, contributing to a generous power reserve of 68 hours. The movement components such as the bridges are gold-plated and can be admired through the sapphire glass back. This marks the first time IWC has produced a gold-plated movement since the legendary “Il Destriero Scafusia” from 1993.

THE THIRD SPECIAL EDITION SINCE 2014 

The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Lewis Hamilton is the third timepiece designed in a collaboration between IWC and Lewis Hamilton. The first was the Ingenieur Chronograph Edition Lewis Hamilton (Ref. IW379602) with a titanium case and bracelet in 2014. On the case back, this edition featured a piece of carbon fibre from an original racing car. In 2019, Hamilton and IWC joined forces again to create the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition “Lewis Hamilton” (Ref. IW503002). This Big Pilot’s Watch combined a black ceramic case and a Burgundy dial with a crown and case-back ring made of 18-carat 5N gold.

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.

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.

In the late 1930s, IWC’s Reference 325 established a classic design idiom which has run as a common thread through the history of the Portugieser family ever since. It features a clearly organised and open dial, a characteristic minute’s scale, and small seconds at 6 o’clock. The Portugieser Automatic 40 presents this timeless design in an easily wearable case diameter of 40 millimetres.

The new Portugieser Automatic 40 (Ref. IW358313) features a stainless-steel case as well as rhodium-plated hands and appliqués. However, the most eye-catching detail of this new version is the striking salmon-coloured dial. Thanks to the pared-back Portugieser design and the refined sunray finish, the beautiful colour is displayed in all its glory. The black alligator leather strap with a butterfly folding clasp perfectly matches the dial colour.

This timepiece is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82200 calibre. This robust and precise automatic movement features the winding system developed in the 1950s by IWC’s former Technical Director, Albert Pellaton. Using movements of the rotor in both directions, it efficiently builds up a power reserve of 60 hours. In addition, components like the heart-shaped cam or the clicks are made of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic.

The Portugieser Automatic 40 will first be available exclusively in UAE as of February and then available worldwide as of April through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners, or online at IWC.com. The piece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

In keeping with a revered tradition, IWC Schaffhausen welcomes the Chinese New Year with a limited edition. The Year of the Water Rabbit starts on 22nd January 2023 and will last until 9th February 2024. The rabbit is known as the luckiest of the twelve animals featured in the Chinese zodiac. People born under this zodiac sign are said to be calm, gentle and peaceful.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Chinese New Year with a special timepiece. The Portugieser Automatic 40 brings back the clean and crisp design of the first Portugieser from 1939, which was also a Rabbit Year. With its timelessly modern and classic design, this limited edition perfectly represents the calm and peacefulness we associate with this zodiac animal”, says Peter Lao, Managing Director of IWC Schaffhausen Mainland China.

The Portugieser Automatic 40 Edition “Chinese New Year” (Ref. IW358315) is limited to 500 pieces and features a 40-millimetre stainless steel case, a burgundy dial, and gold-plated hands and appliques. Burgundy is a charming variation of the bright red colour typically used to welcome the New Year in China. Red symbolises longevity, happiness, and success. It is also believed to bring good luck. A glance at the IWC-manufactured 82200 calibre through the transparent sapphire case back reveals the true highlight of this edition: the gold-plated rotor in the form of a rabbit. Efficiently converting the movements on the wearer’s arm into energy for the mainspring, the automatic Pellaton winding system builds up a power reserve of 60 hours. In addition, the case back ring displays the engraving “2023 YEAR OF THE RABBIT.” The Portugieser Automatic 40 Edition “Chinese New Year” is delivered with two calfskin straps: one in black, the other with a burgundy colour gradation.

The Portugieser Automatic 40 Edition “Chinese New Year” is available on IWC Tmall Flagship Store and IWC WeBoutique. It will also be available through IWC boutiques, selected retail partners, or online at IWC.com, as of January 2023. In addition, the timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

Gisele Bündchen embodies elegance and sustainability like no other. Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environmental Program since 2009, she has also been honoured by renowned academic institutions such as Harvard University for her longstanding commitment to key environmental issues. However, Bündchen is rather known as one of the most successful supermodels in the world. Throughout her 27-year career, she has been photographed by legendary photographers and walked the runways of the best-known fashion houses. Following her appointment as IWC’s very first Environmental and Community Projects Advisor, the manufacturer has chosen Bündchen to be the face of its new Portofino campaign.

In the campaign, Bündchen wears different watches from the new Portofino collection. Among them is the new Portofino Chronograph 39 (Ref. IW391502), which combines the classic and elegant Portofino design with a sporty chronograph complication in an easy-to-wear case size of 39 millimetres. The chronograph features a stainless steel case, a silver-plated dial, and rhodiumplated hands and appliques. The IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre movement powers the watch. This robust and precise chronograph movement in the classic column-wheel design enables the measurement of stop times of up to 30 minutes and can be admired through a sapphire glass case back. In addition, the chronograph is fitted with a beige strap made of fully traceable Swiss calf leather. Thanks to the integrated quick-change system, the timepiece can easily be paired with a casual or elegant outfit.

COMPREHENSIVE UPGRADE OF THE COLLECTION 

As part of a comprehensive upgrade of the Portofino line, IWC Schaffhausen introduces new Portofino models in 34 millimetres and 37 millimetres. The Portofino Automatic 34 collection has been enhanced with new colours, calfskin straps, and a newly engineered metal bracelet. The new Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 enchants with its charming day and night complication. The Portofino Automatic 37 and Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 feature self-winding movements from the IWC-manufactured 32000 calibre family with a power reserve of 120 hours and sapphire glass case backs. As for the diamond-set bezels, the case geometry has been optimized to accommodate larger diamonds. They now reflect the light better thanks to the improved setting.

The Portofino Chronograph 39 is available through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners or online at IWC.com. In addition, the timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program and can benefit from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

A design with a marked contrast between the dial and the subdials, often affectionately referred to as “panda dial” by watch enthusiasts, has frequently featured in IWC’s Portugieser collection. The combination of the two colours improves legibility and makes for a very distinctive appearance. This summer, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer presents two of its most iconic Portugieser models in a unified design code with contrasting white and blue dials. The white dials boast a polished lacquer finish, while the deep blue sub dials feature an “azurage” finish. Such nautical colours not only lend these classic models a fresh and contemporary look: they are also a reminder of the origins of the Portugieser, whose iconic design was initially inspired by marine deck observation watches.

The Portugieser Automatic (Ref. IW500715) features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42.3 millimetres, a white and blue dial, and blued feuille hands. The balanced dial layout places the small seconds at 9 o’clock and the power reserve display at 3 o’clock. This timepiece is powered by the IWC-manufactured 52010 calibre. Its automatic Pellaton winding system has been reinforced with components made of virtually wear-free ceramic. It uses even the slightest movements of the rotor in both directions to build up a power reserve of 7 days in two barrels. The movement can be admired through the sapphire glass case back. This timeless and elegant Portugieser is fitted with a blue alligator leather strap with a folding clasp.

The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371620) features a 41-millimetre case made of stainless steel, a white and blue dial, and blued feuille hands. The chronograph minutes counter is located at 12 o’clock, the small seconds at 6 o’clock. The IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre with automatic winding and a power reserve of 46 hours is at work inside the case. The chronograph movement in a classic column-wheel design is visible through the sapphire glass case back. In addition, this elegant sports watch is fitted with a durable and flexible blue rubber strap, providing excellent wearing comfort during the summer.

The Portugieser Automatic and Portugieser Chronograph are available immediately through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners or online at IWC.com. Both models are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

IWC has long led the luxury watch sector in the development of cutting-edge materials and is now proud to introduce new watch straps made primarily of paper from responsible sources. Conscious of the importance of offering alternatives to its responsibly sourced leather, the Swiss brand already provides bracelets in steel, textile and rubber. Today, the Manufacture is broadening this existing collection further with the addition of TimberTex straps. By focusing on the production process and lifecycle, IWC has ensured reduced environmental and social impacts from start to finish, while providing customers with another high-quality and stylish choice.

A PREMIUM, ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE

Luxurious in look and feel, the TimberTex straps have a soft and supple texture. Unlike synthetic leathers, which are often plastic or petroleum-based, the material is composed of 80% natural plant fibres. The cellulose used comes from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified trees grown in the non-profit organisation’s sustainably and responsibly managed European forests. It is then manufactured in Italy, using traditional papermaking techniques and coloured with natural plant-based dyes. The material’s irregular grain makes every strap unique.

HERITAGE CRAFTSMANSHIP LED BY ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES

The creation of TimberTex straps includes over 60 different stages, with craftsmanship playing a key role. Padded with recycled microfibre for extra comfort and expertly finished with recycled thread, they are another highly wearable and luxurious leather-free option. Tested both internally and externally, the straps meet all of IWC’s quality criteria. Very durable, they are also water-resistant and won’t show signs of wear after a dip in the pool.

The TimberTex straps currently complement four models: the Portugieser Chronograph, Portugieser Automatic 40, Portofino Automatic and Portofino Chronograph. They are available in blue, brown and black.

With the Portugieser Chronograph, IWC established a sportier design expression in the Portugieser family more than 20 years ago. Thanks to the clear and open dial with the two recessed totalisers at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock, as well as the inner flange printed with a quarter seconds scale, the timelessly modern chronograph has turned into one of the most popular models from Schaffhausen.

Now, the Portugieser Chronograph becomes even more versatile; for the first time, IWC has launched a version of this iconic timepiece with a stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet is beautifully detailed and elaborately finished with polished and satin-finished surfaces. Thanks to the butterfly folding clasp, it sits ergonomically on the wrist and provides excellent wearing comfort.

The new reference with a stainless steel bracelet (Ref. IW371617) features a stainless steel case, a silverplated dial, as well as blue hands and appliques. Ticking away inside is the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre. The robust and precise chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design is visible through the sapphire glass back. An efficient, bi-directional pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours.

The new stainless steel bracelet is available as an accessory for all new models of the Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW3716).

The Orlebar Brown brand was founded by Adam Brown in London after an invitation to a friend’s 40th birthday party in Rajasthan. Around the hotel pool, he noticed that the usually well-dressed group were found wanting when it came to the style of the men in attendance, due to the selection of briefs, board shorts and shapeless boxerstyle shorts on show. When changing into something more appropriate for lunch, Adam realised he wanted something that he could seamlessly wear for both swimming and socialising. Eighteen months later, the first pair of Orlebar Brown swim shorts was sold.

As is the case with IWC and its watches, Orlebar Brown places great importance on the smallest details. Based on the pattern of a pair of traditional men’s suit trousers, Orlebar Brown’s swim shorts are crafted from 60 elements and developed to feature a four-part shaped waistband, zip closure and adjustable side-fasteners for the perfect fit. Recognisable due to their hallmark side-fasteners, their classic swim shorts are refreshed in new iterations each season and come with a 5-year guarantee as a testament to their quality and durability. Each pair is designed to be tailored to the dynamic lifestyles of sailors, adventurers and explorers.

To mark the start of their collaboration, IWC has introduced the Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph Edition “Orlebar Brown” (Ref. IW390704). The stainlesssteel case is complemented by a marine-blue dial and a co-branded side-fastener buckle, featuring white and red colour accents, which are often used in Orlebar Brown’s product range. The nautical chronograph with elegant case proportions is worn on a blue rubber strap with textile inlay. Thanks to its robust design and waterresistance of 6 bar, this watch is ideally suited for either an action-packed adventure on the deck of a yacht or relaxing at the beach or pool. The IWC-manufactured calibre 89361 with flyback function displays the measured hours and minutes together on a subdial at 12 o’clock and has a power reserve of 68 hours.

A LEISURE WARDROBE FOR SMART MEN

Working together, IWC Schaffhausen and Orlebar Brown also designed a nine-piece “Capsule Collection” of resort wear. “Just like the Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph, our collection combines timeless elegance and a love of adventure. During the design process, we drew inspiration from IWC’s Portugieser, a watch family that is traditionally associated with the world of water, sailing and navigation. Our collection is intended for men who successfully navigate through life, and the range supports the dynamic lifestyle of sailors, adventurers and explorers with good design, reliable functionality and supreme style,” explained Adam Brown, founder of Orlebar Brown.

The collection includes a white towelling blazer with blue piping and a cotton/silk knitted polo. A highlight in the collection is a photographic swim short with signature side fasteners, depicting a Solaris 55 sailing yacht in front of Porto Rotondo in Sardinia. This design celebrates the recently announced partnership with IWC and Italian luxury yacht brand Solaris. 

The Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph Edition “Orlebar Brown” is available from July in IWC boutiques and from authorised retailers.

The “Orlebar Brown x IWC Capsule Collection” by Orlebar Brown and IWC is available from 15th July 2020 and customers can sign up now via https://www.orlebarbrown.com/iwc

ABOUT ORLEBAR BROWN

Since March 2007, British resort wear and lifestyle brand Orlebar Brown has reinvented holiday style for men, with their classic shorts remaining the original and best ‘shorts you can swim in’.

After the success of their photographic print shorts, Orlebar Brown introduced their Design Your Own service in 2015, offering customers the opportunity to create their very own bespoke pair of photographic swim shorts via the #SnapShorts app in-store and online. 

From a lightening-bulb poolside moment to a wardrobe staple, Orlebar Brown has grown into a global brand with a rapidly expanding portfolio of international stores, an enviable list of stockists and a burgeoning exploration into new product categories. Their stores can be found in more than 25 locations around the world, including London, Oxfordshire, New York, Miami, France, Istanbul, Greece, Australia, Kuwait and the UAE. 

The brand has also amassed a growing customer community with a shared love of adventure via their social media initiative #OBsAroundTheWorld, which encourages customers to post images of themselves wearing OB. In addition, its host of reputable collaboration collections and celebrity fans has secured Orlebar Brown an unrivalled cult status. 

Identifying four key categories in beach, sport, resort and coast, Orlebar Brown creates quality functional, timeless and tailored garments and accessories for each scenario to enable their customers to holiday better and share memorable experiences.

Providing a new way for customers to communicate with the Swiss luxury watchmaker, this collaborative project between IWC and Facebook’s Messenger team and Creative Shop is designed to emulate the personal experience offered by an IWC boutique, via a virtual one-to-one messenger chat with a virtual advisor. Customers using the Chatbot are among the first to discover the luxury watchmaker’s new collection. As well as being able to ask for tailor-made recommendations based on their own responses, exclusive clips of the latest watches on a model’s wrist will give the impression of a digital ‘try-on’. The platform can also be used to book appointments in one of 10 selected boutiques for a specified date in the future, to contact a concierge directly, buy, or pre-order watches online.

“IWC has always looked to offer its customers valuable, innovative experiences,” explained Dominic Weir, Chief Digital Officer at IWC Schaffhausen. “Digital development throughout the customer journey is close to our hearts, and it’s a commitment which seems more relevant than ever. It allows us to be here for customers, as we always have been, providing the same high-quality experience they expect.”

Now live on https://m.me/IWCwatches, the Chatbot initially runs as a pilot in Switzerland, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, the United States and Singapore, but is expected to be rolled out across other territories in the future.

Both pioneers in their fields, Facebook and IWC partnered as recently as August 2019 on a project to share the Silver Spitfire’s expedition with as many people as possible worldwide. The two brands successfully broadcast jointly and in real-time as the historic spitfire took to the air to begin its record-breaking round-theworld flight. An audience of over 200,000 people tuned in to the stream via Facebook’s online and mobile platforms, while thousands more watched on digital displays at Paris-CDG Airport.

FACEBOOK

Founded in 2004, Facebook’s mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. People use Facebook’s products to stay connected with friends and family, to discover what’s going on in the world, and to share and express what matters to them.

Only a few designs are absolutely timeless. With the Portugieser, IWC created an icon in the late 1930s. The basis for the Reference 325, which was delivered to two business men from Portugal – hence its name – was a hunter pocket watch calibre. Inspiration for the clean, open, highly functional dial came from the deck watches IWC was producing for the British Royal Navy at the time. From the outset, the Portugieser had the typical stylistic features of a pocket watch, coupled with the high precision and easy readability of a nautical instrument.

COMPLETE COLLECTION WITH IN-HOUSE CALIBRES

All the watches in the new collection are equipped with in-house calibres. Among others, they feature automatic movements from the 52000 and 82000 calibre families, which have Pellaton winding with ceramic components. In the chronographs, movements from the 89000 and 69000 calibre families ensure precise measurement of stop times. The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. 3716), one of IWC’s most popular models, is newly equipped in the standard version with the IWC in-house 69355 calibre and a see-through sapphire-glass back. It is also now possible to register any watch within the standard two-year warranty period for the My IWC program, which extends the international guarantee to eight years.

NEW MODELS WITH REDUCED DIAMETERS

The Portugieser Automatic 40 (Ref. 3583) marks the return to the collection of the iconic design, with the small seconds at 6 o’clock, in a compact case with a 40-millimetre diameter. The new automatic model takes its power from the IWC-manufactured 82200 calibre with Pellaton winding. For the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 (Ref. 3442), the perpetual calendar has been integrated for the first time with an in-house movement from the 82000-calibre family. The watch with the IWC-manufactured 82650 calibre has a 42-millimetre diameter and displays the calendar information clearly on three subdials.

A NAUTICAL SPORTS WATCH AT HOME ON DECK OR DRY LAND

As a nautical sports watch, the Portugieser Yacht Club combines timeless style with ruggedness and high water-resistance. The new models, with a 44-millimetre diameter, have a filigree bezel and flat casing ring that lend a particular elegance to the case proportions. The Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide (Ref. 344001) is the first watch from IWC to feature the newly developed tide indication, which indicates the arrival of the next high and low tide. The Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph (Ref. 3907) comes with either a stainless steel or 18-carat 5N gold and stainless steel bracelet.

BOUTIQUE EDITIONS AND MODELS WITH COMPLICATIONS

Selected models will also be available with overarching design cues in the maritime-inspired colours blue and gold and are available exclusively in IWC boutiques and online on IWC.com. They feature blue dials, blue alligator leather straps and cases in 18-carat 5N gold or 18-carat Armor Gold®. Thanks to its improved microstructure, this innovative new material has considerably higher hardness values than traditional 5N gold alloys. Two models in the new collection underscore IWC’s expertise in Haute Horlogerie: The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph (Ref. 3940) combines a tourbillon with a retrograde date display and chronograph, while the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon (Ref. 5045) brings a tourbillon and perpetual calendar together on the dial.

Find out more using the following social media tags:

#IWCPORTUGIESER      #IWCJOURNEY     #WATCHESANDWONDERS     #NAUTICALPRECISION 

Mingling with the global sporting elite, as well as many prominent personalities from the world of politics, economics and entertainment, IWC Schaffhausen celebrated two decades of the Laureus World Sports Awards at the Verti Music Hall in Berlin. This year’s gala focused on Laureus’s anniversary campaign, “Sport Unites Us”. The award ceremony, recognised as the “Oscars of Sports”, not only honours the world’s best athletes but also shines a spotlight on the work of Laureus Sport for Good. The foundation currently supports over 200 projects in 40 countries.

IWC AND GUESTS VISIT LOCAL LAUREUS PROJECT

In the run-up to the awards ceremony, Christoph Grainger- Herr, CEO of IWC, and members of the IWC and Laureus family visited a local community project, which is supported by Laureus. The programme aims to use football to integrate socially disadvantaged girls throughout Germany. The young athletes had a kickabout with IWC and Laureus brand ambassador Maro Engel, and Laureus Academy members Cafu and Alessandro Del Piero. Afterwards, the girls kicked off a discussion of all things football with Laureus football ambassador Nia Künzler. 

LAUREUS SPECIAL EDITION FOR NEW ACADEMY MEMBER

During the celebrations, IWC also introduced its 14th Laureus special edition watch and welcomed Bryan Habana as new member of the Laureus World Sports Academy. This body now consists of 69 sporting legends from around the world, who voluntarily dedicate their time to the foundation and also select the Laureus World Sports Awards winners each year. Christoph Grainger-Herr presented the South African former Rugby Union star with a Portugieser Hand-Wound Monopusher Edition “Laureus Sport for Good” (Ref. 515301).

This special edition watch, limited to 500 pieces, is the first model in the Portugieser range with a monopusher chronograph. The watch features a stainless steel case and a dial in characteristic Laureus blue. The IWC manufactured hand-wound 59360 calibre has an eight-day power reserve. The chronograph can be started, stopped and reset with a single push-button integrated in the crown. Engraved on the back of the watch is the winning design from the annual IWC drawing competition for participants of Laureus projects. This year’s contest, with the theme of “Time to Care”, was won by 15-year old Yi Xin, who is a participant of the “Special Olympics China” programme.

LAUREUS SPORT FOR GOOD

In 2019, approximately 300,000 young people around the world benefitted from more than 200 projects supported by Laureus Sport for Good in 40 countries; programmes that use sport to promote social change and put an end to violence, discrimination and disadvantage. Every programme Laureus supports addresses at least one of the following six social issues, which align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Health, Education, Women and Girls, Employability, Inclusive Society and Peaceful Society.

Not without reason has the Portugieser Chronograph proved to be one of the most popular watches ever to emerge from Schaffhausen. The open, clean, functional dial, with two recessed totalizers at “6 o’clock” and “12 o’clock”, appliquéd Arabic numerals and slim feuille hands, is encircled by a filigree bezel. The flange, printed with a quarter-second scale, enables precision reading of stopwatch times and gives this timeless Portugieser a subtle, sporty touch.

Externally, the iconic design of the new models, which are grouped under Reference 3716, remains unchanged. The decisive new feature is hidden away inside the watch: the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre ensures the precise display and measurement of time. The rugged, precision chronograph movement with the classic column-wheel design can be seen through the transparent back. An automatic pawl-winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours.

Six different versions are available in 18-carat 5N gold or stainless steel. The stainless-steel models are equipped with the newly developed butterfly folding clasp, which is particularly comfortable in wear.

Every child should have the chance to shape their own future for the better. That is why the Laureus Foundation Switzerland devotes itself to charity sports projects such as "Laureus Girls in Sport" or "Laureus Cavallo", which set out to create equal opportunities for children in Switzerland. The foundation’s projects are centred around promoting exercise and integration among socially, financially or physically disadvantaged young people.

THE LAUREUS FAMILY IS COMMITTED TO CREATING EQUAL OPPORTUNITI ES

Now in its twelfth year, the theme of the Laureus Charity Night was "family", highlighting just how important a sense of belonging and a strong support network are to the development of young people. The charity gala was hosted by TV sports presenter Rainer Maria Salzgeber, together with comedian Marco Rima. Members of the Laureus Foundation Switzerland council were joined at the event by numerous sports stars and other members of the extended Laureus family. Musical interludes came courtesy of soul singer Marc Sway and his band, as well as a surprise appearance from Swiss rapper Bligg. The evening ended with a cheque for CHF 1,111,111 being handed over to the Laureus Foundation Switzerland.

Besides some "money-can't-buy" experiences, gala guests also had the opportunity to bid for the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Edition "Laureus Sport for Good" (ref. IW504502) donated by IWC. The unique piece combines a perpetual calendar with a tourbillon and is driven by a 51950 IWC-manufactured calibre. The exclusive Portugieser timepiece is housed in a platinum case and features a blue dial with a gloss finish and rhodium-plated hands. The transparent sapphireglass back provides a glimpse of the solid gold oscillating weight that allows the Pellaton automatic winding to build a power reserve of seven days. For the price of CHF 215,000, the unique masterpiece of watchmaking went to the highest bidder.

SPORT HAS THE POWER TO CHANGE A LIFE

The Laureus Foundation Switzerland was established by IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-Benz Switzerland in 2006 as an offshoot of the international Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The aim of the Laureus Foundation Switzerland is to continuously improve the lives of as many children in Switzerland as possible. The foundation's projects are centred around promoting exercise, positive personal development, integration and equal opportunities among socially, financially and/or physically disadvantaged young people. Its main focus is not on achievement, but rather centres on enjoying exercise and shared activities. Laureus supports more than 10,000 children in Switzerland by way of four charitable sports projects per year. The Laureus Charity Night is the foundation’s most important fundraising event and has been held every autumn since 2007.

STYLISH STRAPS IN BLUE AND GREY FOR THE SUMMER

Even if you already own a different timepiece from the Schaffhausen Manufacture, you can still add a touch of summer to your wrist. The second highlight of the "Summer Editions" collection is a special collection of fabric straps that IWC Schaffhausen is launching for some of its most popular classic watches – all available in seasonal designs that use pale blue or light grey colours. The following versions are available:

• Pilot's Watch Mark XVIII and Pilot's Watch Chronograph: Four fabric straps (blue, light grey, blue with light grey trim, light grey with blue trim)

• Portofino Automatic and Portofino Chronograph: Two fabric straps (blue, light grey)

• Portugieser Chronograph: Two fabric straps (blue, lightgrey)

The straps are only available for a limited time period as accessories to the models listed above. They can be fitted to your watch, whether an old favourite or a brandnew purchase, at any IWC boutique.

PERPETUAL CALENDAR WITH DOUBLE MOON DISPLAY

The main feature on the dial of this watch is the perpetual calendar. Developed by Kurt Klaus in the 1980s, the mechanism consists of around 80 parts and displays the date, day, month and moon phase, as well as the year in four digits. It can be easily adjusted using the crown. The mechanism identifies different month lengths and leap years automatically and will work until 2100 without needing any correction. This version of the calendar comes with a double moon display that gives an inverted view of the moon phases for both the northern and southern hemispheres. Thanks to a special reduction gear, the display is so accurate that it will only deviate from the actual orbit of the earth's satellite after 577.5 years, and then only by one day.

A NEW VARIANT OF THE PORTUGIESER AUTOMATIC

In addition, IWC is pleased to present a Portugieser Automatic (ref. IW500712) in a stainless steel case with a silver-plated dial and rhodium-plated hands. This variant most particularly showcases the appliqued Arabic numerals, the railway track chapter ring and the slim feuillehands. The IWC 52010 manufacture calibre has a Pellaton winding with ceramic components. The oscillating weight is fitted with an 18 carat gold medallion and builds up a power reserve of seven days. The watch is worn on a black alligator leather strap.

The Portugieser Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “150 Years” (Ref. 5902) represents a technical highlight of the Jubilee collection. A total of 15 watches will be made for each model:

– Platinum, white dial with lacquered finish, blued hands (Ref. IW590202)
– Platinum, blue dial with lacquered finish, rhodium-plated hands (Ref. IW590203)

For the first time, the new IWC-manufactured hand-wound 94805 calibre with a power reserve of 96 hours combines a constant-force tourbillon with a simple moon phase display that only needs to be adjusted by 1 day after 577.5 years. The patented constant-force mechanism transmits completely even impulses to the escape wheel. In conjunction with the tourbillon, which compensates for the negative influences of gravity on the watch’s oscillating system, this allows for an exceptionally high level of precision.

With the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Edition “150 Years” (Ref. IW504501), IWC is combining a perpetual calendar with a tourbillon on the dial for the first time. The watch is available in a limited edition of 50:

– 18-carat red gold, white dial with lacquered finish, blued hands (Ref. IW504501)

This combination is possible thanks to the newly developed IWC- manufactured 51950 calibre. This is an extension of the 51900 calibre, with the addition of a perpetual calendar. Made of 82 individual components and weighing just 0.635 grams, the tourbillon is visible at “12 o’clock” because the watch designers opened up the calendar advance ring and integrated the moon phase in the month display disc at “6 o’clock”. With its solid gold rotor, the automatic winding system generates a power reserve of 7 days.

With the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Edition “150 Years” (Ref. IW503405), IWC is presenting a special interpretation of this classic Portugieser watch in the design of the Jubilee collection. Production is limited to 250 watches:

– 18-carat red gold, white dial with lacquered finish, blued hands (Ref. IW503405)

The IWC-manufactured 52615 calibre with Pellaton winding generates a power reserve of 7 days with a solid gold rotor and two barrels. The perpetual calendar automatically recognises the differing lengths of the months as well as leap years and will require no adjustment until 2100. The double moon display depicts the moon as a mirror image that is correct for both the northern and southern hemispheres and that will only deviate by 1 day from the actual cycle of the earth’s satellite after 577.5 years.

With the Portugieser Chronograph Edition “150 Years” (Ref. 3716), IWC is fitting this iconic chronograph with a movement from the 69000-calibre family for the first time. A total of 250 watches will be made in 18-carat red gold and two models in stainless steel, each limited to 2,000 watches:

– Stainless steel, blue dial with lacquered finish, rhodium-plated hands (Ref. IW371601)
– Stainless steel, white dial with lacquered finish, blued hands (Ref. IW371602)
– 18-carat red gold, white dial with lacquered finish, blued hands (Ref. IW371603)

The IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre is a robust chronograph movement in a classic column-wheel design that is made of 194 individual components. The bidirectional pawl-winding system generates a power reserve of 46 hours. The decorated movement is visible through the sapphire-glass back.

The Portugieser Hand-Wound Eight Days Edition “150 Years” (Ref. 5102) is a purist Portugieser wristwatch with a hand-wound movement in the design of the Jubilee collection. A total of 250 watches will be made in red gold and 1,000 in stainless steel:

– 18-carat red gold, white dial with lacquered finish, blued hands (Ref. IW510211)
– Stainless steel, white dial with lacquered finish, blued hands (Ref. IW510212)

The IWC-manufactured hand-wound 59215 calibre offers an 8-day power reserve. The power reserve display is on the back of the movement and visible via a glass back cover.

Many VIPs among guests

The Laureus Charity Night was hosted by the well-known Swiss sports presenter Rainer Maria Salzgeber and his daughter Cloé. Legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer appeared as a co-presenter, repeatedly quoting his catchphrase, “Let’s get ready to rumble”. Among the many guests to grace the red carpet were triathlete and Ironman winner Ronnie Schildknecht, President of the National Council and of Swiss Olympic Jürg Stahl, Laureus Ambassadors Jan Frodeno and David Coulthard, as well as the new CEO of Laureus, Jonathan Hill. Athletics legend Edwin Moses, retired Swiss racing cyclist Fabian Cancellara and ex-footballer Cafu – all members of the Laureus World Sports Academy – were also in attendance. On stage, the supporting programme was provided by Swiss singer Baschi, who appeared alongside Laureus Kids and the Swiss band Pegasus. The evening ended with Christian Stucki, winner of this year’s “Unspunnen Schwinget”, presenting the Laureus Foundation Switzerland with a cheque of CHF 2,935,927.

The auction of the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” (Ref. IW394004) helped in raising such a substantial amount. With its tourbillon, retrograde date display and chronograph featuring a flyback function, the IWC-manufactured calibre 89900 brings together no fewer than three complications on the blue dial of this exclusive Portugieser watch. The pallet and escape wheel are made from diamond-coated silicon. The extremely hard, low-friction surface of the latter material ensures its sliding properties, allowing for a power reserve of 68 hours. The unique piece with a platinum case went to the highest bidder for CHF 200,000.

Sport has the power to change a life

The Laureus Foundation Switzerland was established by IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes-Benz Switzerland in 2006 as an offshoot of the international Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The aim of the Laureus Foundation Switzerland is to continuously improve the lives of as many children in Switzerland as possible. Its main focus is not on achievement, but rather centres on enjoying exercise and shared activities. Laureus supports more than 10,000 children in Switzerland by way of four charitable sports projects per year. The Laureus Charity Night is the foundation’s most important fundraising event and has been held every autumn since 2007.

The Portugieser Automatic (Ref. IW500710) is driven by the IWC-manufactured 52010 calibre. The Pellaton automatic winding system is adorned with ceramic components and generates a 7-day power reserve in two barrels. A display at “3 o’clock” indicates the energy remaining at any given time. The small seconds subdial is positioned at “9 o’clock”. The stainless-steel case and the rho¬dium-plated hands provide a winning contrast to the deep blue of the dial.

The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371491) is one of the most famous IWC watches ever and is now available with a blue dial for the first time. With a look based on the timeless design of the Portugieser watches from the 1930s, this timepiece with a diameter of just 40.9 milli­metres will flatter any wrist. The stainless-steel case and the rhodium-plated hands also harmonize perfectly with the blue dial on this watch.

The new models will be available in IWC boutiques and from authorised IWC retailers from September.

The top-of-the-line version has an 18-carat red gold case and a silver-plated dial, as well as golden hands and appliqués. It is fitted with a hand-finished brown alligator leatherstrap (Ref. IW390301). Two models are available with a stainless-steel case and a black alligator leather strap. One features a silver-plated dial and blue hands and appliqués (Ref. IW390302), while the other has a midnight blue dial and rhodium-plated hands and appliqués (Ref. IW390303).

When it comes to the technical components inside these watches, IWC relies on the aspect of continuity: the new Chronographs are still driven by the tried-and-tested IWC- manufactured 89361 calibre with flyback function, self-winding system and a power reserve of 68 hours. The recorded time is particularly easy to read on the combined hour and minute counter at “12 o’clock”. A see-through sapphire-glass back provides a view of the movement and the rotor, which is adorned with Geneva stripes.

The new Portugieser Chronograph Classic models are available now in IWC boutiques and from authorised IWC dealers.

The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Special Edition “Boutique Shanghai” (Ref. IW503307) is limited to 250 pieces and will initially be available exclusively in IWC boutiques throughout China and later worldwide. The elegant watch with a diameter of 44.2 mm features a stainless-steel case, a silver-plated dial and gold-plated hands as well as appliquéd Arabic numerals. It is powered by the IWC-manufactured 52610 calibre. The Pellaton automatic winding system builds up a 7-day power reserve when fully wound. Its rotor is made of 18-carat red gold and features a special engraving of “Shanghai” in Chinese. The watch is held on the wrist by a brown alligator leather strap from Santoni. The perpetual calendar takes into account the different length of the months and even the leap years. This iconic mechanism was developed by IWC’s former head watchmaker Kurt Klaus in the 1980s. To this day, it is considered one of the master strokes of Haute Horlogerie achieved by IWC Schaffhausen. The retail price of this timepiece is RMB 199,500.