Introducing: The IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar In Platinum

June 01, 2018

Today IWC is introducing a new platinum version of its perpetual calendar in the Portugieser line. From the look of the photos supplied by IWC, this is a good looking high complication whose white-metal case is a perfect match for its silver-plated dial. This is the first Portugieser in the current collection to pair Kurt Klaus's perpetual calendar mechanism C which can be set via the crown C and a platinum case. Klaus's perpetual calendar, originally built on the humble Valjoux 7750, is engineered to track the days, date, and month without being reset until the year 2100, and is widely regarded as one of the milestones of IWC watchmaking. Powering this mechanism today is the in-house IWC 52615 automatic movement with a winding system developed by another IWC legend, Albert Pellaton. The movement has been outfitted with ceramic components that were chosen for long-term durability. It's not just the calendar function, though, with its numerous displays, including moon phases for both hemispheres, that makes this complex watch stand out. Its power reserve of a full week will come in handy when you take the watch off for an extended period and the calendar doesn't need to be reset.? Initial Thoughts At first blush, a platinum perpetual calendar dress watch can seem a bit dear for IWC, a watchmaker that many remember and choose to see as a maker of durable tool watches. But this watch comes with a simplified perpetual calendar module invented by a legend of IWC watchmaking, Kurt Klaus. Moreover, IWC has a long tradition of making platinum versions of even its robust tool watches that goes back as far as the days of the first IWC Double Chronograph in the early 1990s. The Basics Brand: IWCModel: Portugieser Perpetual CalandarReference Number: IW503406Diameter: 44.2mmThickness: 14.9mmCase Material: PlatinumDial Color: SilverIndexes: AppliedLume: NoWater Resistance: 3 barStrap/Bracelet: Alligator leather strap The Movement Caliber: IWC Caliber 52615Functions: Hours, minutes, small hacking seconds, perpetual calendar with displays for the day, date, month, phases of the moon in both hemispheres, year, and power reserve indication for seven days.Power Reserve: Seven days (168 hours)Winding: Automatic Frequency: 28,800 vphJewels: 54 Pricing & Availability Price: $53,300Availability: June 1For more click here.