Luxury Watches

IWC unveils four new additions to its revered Portugieser Perpetual Calendar range

If there’s one feature that distinguishes IWC Schaffhausen from the rest, it’s the revered perpetual calendar. The horological calendar mechanism, first devised by none other than Kurt Klause in the ’80s, signaled a turning point. Manual synchronisation was introduced and it became a pillar for haute horlogerie complications from then on.

About 20 years ago, IWC wound up releasing the first Portugieser with a perpetual calendar. A reimagining of an icon, its complexities exceeded the expectations of even the most seasoned afficionados. The four new interpretations of the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar now boasts redesigned and refined case construction and the same perpetual calendar that had once altered the industry.

Each, of course, possesses distinct qualities, but nevertheless shares the essentials. Made for different lifestyles in mind, all watches feature 15 layers of applied transparent lacquer, each finely ground and polished to create a high glossy finish.

But of all things, IWC’s signature Double Moon™ display shines through with that complex mechanism. It recognises the different lengths of the months, including leap years. At the heart of it is the legendary IWC-manufactured 52616 calibre with a Pellaton winding system.

Featuring an 18-carat white gold case and a Horizon Blue dial, the first timepiece has beautiful rhodium-plated hands and appliques, fitted with a gradient light-blue calfskin strap. The second watch in the collection enjoys much of the same aesthetic character, albeit for the Dune-coloured dial, gold-plated appliques and classic black leather alligator strap.

Meanwhile, the other pieces in the series is marked by their 18-carat Armor Gold® case. The case’s materials are much harder, specifically created for the wear and tear. Found in the third timepiece is an Obsidian black dial and gold-plated hands and appliques while the final version has a sleek Silver Moon dial. About 40 years of perpetual calendar development at IWC has come to this.

Visit IWC Schaffhausen for more information.

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