IWC pays homage to Kurt Klaus with the IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon, the model family that carries the technological revolution that redefines the Perpetual Calendar complication.
The Perpetual Calendar movement, introduced by IWC in 1985, was a revolution for traditional luxury watchmaking. All the necessary adjustments in the movement, where all indicators were mechanically integrated, could be made using the crown only. The design, which is also remembered with its four-digit year indicator in addition to this unique feature, has given life to many flagship models of the brand since that day.
The cult design, bearing the signature of Kurt Klaus, the genius of IWC nicknamed "Einstein of Schaffhausen", once again came to life in the limited Portugieser models introduced by the brand in 2020. Moreover, with the addition of Tourbillon...
The model we chose from the series is the flagship of the model family with its platinum case. The model comes in a modern Portugieser style case designed with a diameter of 45mm and a thickness of 15.3mm. The case, which has sapphire crystals on the front and back, is only waterproof up to 30 meters. With the specific weight of platinum, the heavy case makes itself felt on the wrist, and thanks to the similarity of metal to steel, it can escape the prying eyes for a short time.
Hosting a Tourbillon escapement, three sub-dials, and a four-digit year display on a dark blue background, the dial offers sufficient legibility in almost any environment with its clean layout. In addition to the Perpetual Calendar features, the dial includes an integrated power reserve indicator. Large numeral indices and Dauphine-style hands display the time.
The model is powered by the manufacture Caliber 51950. The engineering wonder caliber is among the most refined and complicated versions of the legendary movement, introduced by IWC to the world of watchmaking in 1985, by today's standards. The automatic movement, wound by an 18K solid gold perforated rotor, offers a whopping 7-day power reserve with the help of its relatively slow oscillating frequency of 19,800vph.
The model, limited to 50 pieces, comes on a dark blue alligator leather strap manufactured by Santoni and a platinum folding buckle signed by IWC. The list price for the model is CHF 133,000.
