Continuing their tradition of celebrating the Chinese New Year, IWC have unveiled a new Portugieser model paying tribute to the Year of the Horse!
With Chinese New Year coming up soon, leave it to the incredible watch brands of the world to mark the occasion with a smattering of commemorative timepieces. In recent years, one such brand has been IWC, with the manufacture releasing new models in accordance with the zodiac cycle.
Without fail, the Richemont brand has produced stunning limited editions throughout its roster. Last year, it unveiled a unique rendition of the Portofino 37 collection denoting the Year of the Snake, with a Portugieser Chronograph preceding it the year prior. This time around, IWC has elected to tackle the festivities in the Portugieser once more, though now within its 42mm automatic line.
When it comes to elegantly ringing in the Chinese New Year, the Portugieser 42 Automatic was a natural next step. Few watches, within or beyond IWC’s roster, approach the same level of elegance as the Portugieser. As such, ahead of the official start date of 17 February, the Schaffhausen brand has unveiled its latest reference in the line.
Encased in stainless steel, the IWC Portugieser 42 Automatic Year of the Horse measures close to what you would expect, at 42.4mm in diameter. It is a sizeable watch, compounded by its 50.1mm lug-to-lug measurement and 13mm thickness. While this may deter some smaller-wristed readers, I find that my 6.3in or 16.3cm wrist can just about accommodate it without looking too out of place.
As with other Chinese New Year editions from IWC, the burgundy red dial makes its return. This rich shade is particularly fitting, as red in Chinese culture signifies joy, good luck and fortune, among other auspicious qualities. Set against this warm backdrop, the hands, Arabic numerals and minute track all shine in gold.
Given that the power reserve indicator runs from day one to seven, it should come as no surprise that this is a mechanical heavyweight. Inside, the in-house automatic Calibre 52011 powers the IWC Portugieser 42 Automatic, beating at the industry-standard frequency of 4Hz (28,800VpH).
It offers a gargantuan power reserve of seven days, or 168 hours. The calibre’s horological credentials are further enhanced by IWC’s Pellaton winding system, which enables the double-barrelled movement to operate both efficiently and durably.
Finally, as is customary for every Chinese New Year IWC to date, the rotor has been customised in gold. Visible through the sapphire caseback, it takes the form of a galloping horse this year. It is a fitting final thematic touch, revealing itself only when the watch is turned over, much to the delight of both the wearer and those around them.
My Thoughts
As I made clear with IWC’s Year of the Snake release, I have always been a fan of the brand’s execution of these limited-edition timepieces. While it all but guarantees that we will not see a burgundy-coloured IWC enter the standard collection anytime soon, it is still a pleasure to see the manufacture uphold two long-standing traditions. One is, of course, Chinese New Year, but it is elegantly conveyed through the other: exacting Swiss watchmaking.
While the Portugieser 42mm Automatic is a far more prominent watch than last year’s 37mm Portofino, I hardly see that as a detractor. The Portugieser line has long been a remarkable collection, both historically and aesthetically, within the IWC canon. As such, it makes perfect sense for the brand to return to the Portugieser well once more.
Limited to 500 pieces, this new reference offers collectors a commemorative edition that, while seasonal, never feels routine, and neatly carries forward the momentum and celebration that this Chinese New Year brings.
Reference: IW501709
Specifications
- Dimensions: 42.4mm case diameter x 50.1mm lug-to-lug x 13mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Dial: Burgundy with gold coloured accents
- Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
- Movement: Automatic Cal. 52011 with small seconds & power reserve indicator complications
- Power Reserve: 168h (7 days)
- Beat Rate: 4Hz (28,800VpH)
- Water Resistance: 50m (5bar)
- Strap: Black OR burgundy alligator leather strap with steel deployant buckle