IWC Schaffhausen
Portugieser Perpetual Calendar
Portugieser CollectionWhite Gold – Automatic – 44.4mm
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. First introduced in 2000, the Portugieser Automatic 42 features an open, balanced dial, with a power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock and the small seconds positioned on the opposite side at 9 o’clock.
$72,000
AUD / Including GST
Detailed features & specifications
This version features a polished 18-carat white gold case with a diameter of 44.4 millimeters, a Dune dial, and gold-plated hands and gold appliques. The watch appears particularly elegant and refined thanks to an improved case construction with a thinner casing ring and double box-glass sapphire crystals. A particular highlight is the intricately crafted dial, which is manufactured in a complex process comprising 60 individual steps.
The unusual optical depth is created by applying 15 layers of transparent lacquer, which is fine-ground and then polished to a high gloss finish. The perpetual calendar automatically recognizes the different lengths of the months and adds a leap day every four years at the end of February. All its displays are perfectly synchronized with each other and can be advanced easily via a single crown. The IWC-typical Double MoonTM display shows the moon as it can be seen from the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Thanks to a special reduction gear, the indication will only deviate from the moon’s actual orbit by one day after 577.7 years.
The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar is powered by the IWC-manufactured 52616 caliber movement, which is assembled from 386 individual parts. 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 efficiently into energy for the mainspring, it reliably builds up a power reserve of 7 days in two barrels. The watch is fitted with a black alligator leather strap from Santoni with an 18-carat white gold folding clasp.
Technical Details
Case – White gold case
Dial – Dune
Strap – Black alligator leather strap
Diameter – 42.4 mm
Height – 12.9 mm
Caseback – See-through sapphire glass back
Water resistance – 5.0 bar
Movement – 52616 Calibre IWC-manufactured movement
Movement Type – Automatic, self-winding
Power Reserve – 168 hours
Frequency – 28’800 VPH (4 Hz)
Components – 385
Jewels – 54