IWC Schaffhausen debuts the Portugieser Hand-Wound Tourbillon Day & Night at Watches and Wonders 2024, blending an 18-carat Armor Gold® case with an Obsidian lacquered dial, gold-plated hands, and appliques.
Highlighting a flying minute tourbillon at 6 o'clock, comprised of 56 intricately crafted parts weighing just 0.675 grams, this timepiece boasts an innovative day and night display.
A small sphere rotates around its axis, symbolizing the eternal cycle of day and night, visible from both the dial and movement side. The hand-wound IWC-manufactured 81925 caliber with gold-plated components is showcased through the sapphire glass case back.
The Portugieser collection not only embodies pure and timeless design but also showcases IWC Schaffhausen's expertise in fine watchmaking. Over the years, the Swiss luxury watchmaker has unveiled various Portugieser watches with high complications, from perpetual calendars to tourbillons and astronomical displays. The Portugieser Hand-Wound Tourbillon Day & Night exemplifies this legacy with its polished 18-carat Armor Gold® case and Obsidian black dial, complemented by a curved black alligator leather strap from Santoni.
The flying minute tourbillon, one of watchmaking's most sophisticated complications, enhances accuracy by reducing the influence of gravity on the oscillating system. At 9 o'clock, a unique 24-hour indication in the form of a small planet adds another layer of sophistication. Rotating around its axis every 24 hours, the globe indicates whether it is day or night, providing a captivating visualization of the cycle.
This innovative concept, conceived by former watchmaker trainee Loris Spitzer, underscores IWC's commitment to curiosity and innovation. Integrated into the newly developed IWC-manufactured 81925 caliber, the day and night indication is visible from both the front and back, allowing enthusiasts to admire the movement's intricate details, including circular Geneva stripes, through the sapphire case back.
