IWC Schaffhausen welcomes Chinese New Year with a limited edition of its Portugugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse. A symbol of strength, energy and freedom, the horse is often seen as a representation of success and good fortune.
Limited to 500 pieces, the Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse features a stainless steel case at a diameter of 42 millimetres with a more slender side profile, and box-shaped sapphire crystals on the front and back to give the watch an even more refined and elegant appearance.
Inspired by the auspicious red tones of the Lunar New Year, the burgundy dial showcases the characteristic and well-balanced Portuguese design; paying homage to the first Portugieser design with the small seconds at 9 o’clock and the power reserve display at 3 o’clock.
Complementing the rich burgundy-coloured dial are the golden hands, Roman numerals and appliqués, as well as the small date window which has been discreetly placed at the 6 o’clock position.
On the inside of the case, the IWC-manufactured 52011 calibre is at work featuring the efficient Pellaton winding system that has components made of virtually wear-free ceramic.
Using movements of the rotor in both directions, the timepiece is able to build up a power reserve of 168 hours (7 days) in two barrels. A highlight of this is the gold-plated rotor, which is visible through the sapphire glass case back, and crafted in the shape of a galloping horse to pay tribute to the Lunar New Year.
The Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse comes with a choice of two straps — a black alligator leather strap and an additional burgundy alligator leather strap — both of which can be fitted with the stainless steel folding clasp.
