IWC, although traditionally associated with aviation timepieces, has firmly established its global reputation with the Portugieser line. This collection, now a flagship for the brand, showcases IWC's expertise in crafting intricate and sophisticated timepieces.
The story of the Portugieser dates back to the 1930s, just before World War II, when two Portuguese clients commissioned IWC watchmakers to create wristwatches as precise as marine chronometers. To achieve this level of precision, IWC took movements from pocket watches and housed them in wristwatch cases. Thus, the Portugieser line was born, named in homage to the clients' home country.
The original Calibre 74 movement used for the Portugieser was substantial, measuring 37mm wide. Consequently, the Portugieser necessitated a generously sized case, a departure from the slim cases typical of wristwatches in the 1930s. While the line continued into the 1970s, it was never the most lucrative for IWC.
However, in the 1990s, IWC was inspired to breathe new life into the collection, leading to the creation of some of the brand's most exquisite and complex timepieces. The Perpetual Calendar Reference IW502102 exemplifies this craftsmanship and innovation.
This particular Portugieser boasts a breathtaking perpetual calendar function, mechanically programmed for 577 years of precision. Housed in an 18K white gold case with a sapphire crystal and satin blue dial, it features a range of complications including day, date, power reserve, continuous seconds, month, moon phase, and year indicators. The automatic IWC Calibre 52615 movement, visible through the sapphire caseback, boasts an impressive power reserve of 168 hours.
Accompanied by a black alligator leather strap crafted by Santoni and a full set of factory accessories, this Perpetual Calendar is not just a masterpiece of horology but also a testament to IWC's evolution as a manufacturer over the past eight decades since the inception of the Portugieser line.
