IWC Schaffhausen recently unveiled one of its newest timepieces, the “D.H. Craig USA” Portugieser Tourbillon, and it’s a beauty.
IWC Schaffhausen recently unveiled one of its newest timepieces, and it’s a nothing short of marvelous. The Portugieser Tourbillon “D.H. Craig USA” bodes in at 43.2mm, and features one of the most beautiful tourbillons I’ve seen in a long time.
IWC has positioned this piece to honor the legendary American founder, Florentine Ariosto Jones. And it’s done a great job indeed. Mimicking the caliber that Jones presented to his Uncle, famous businessman and role model, Daniel Hastings Jones. It was likely that after the brand was launched, Daniel provided financial advice, as well as support to his nephew.
The hand-wound timepiece has some pretty impressive guts. Utilizing an in-house, IWC-manufactured Calibre 98900, there is no doubting the history this movement comes with. The Calibre 9800 family was started in the mid-30’s for the Hunter pocket was that has been meticulously maintained and utilized for 80+ years. This movement is a modern feat of technological and mechanical prowess. With a 52-hour power reserve, 21 Jewels, and a Breguet balance spring, the entire case is only 11mm in height. The tourbillon itself sits at the 9-o-clock position which reduces gravitational pull on the balance, while still ensuring high levels of precision with 28,800 BPH.
The D.H. Craig Special Edition is available in 18-carat red gold, and comes on a black alligator leather strap with an arched-edge front sapphire crystal, giving the piece a classic look, while allowing the grace of the movement to speak for itself.
This piece is limited to only 27 pieces, an homage to the age of Jones when he started IWC, with an MSRP of $57,000. The timepiece will be available in select IWC boutiques and Authorized Dealers in the United States by the end of October. Each piece will come with a limited-edition passport holder; serving as a reminder of Jones’ journey to Europe, and a copy of the book “F.A. Jones – His Life, Legacy, and Watches” as well.
