Just as IWC overhauled their Pilot’s collection in 2019, this year is all about the Portugieser collection for the Schaffhausen-based brand. While there are more than a dozen new references within the 2020 lineup, there’s one particular piece that not only captures the new direction of the collection but also encapsulates what IWC does so well as a watchmaker. We’re talking, of course, about the IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 Boutique Edition, a watch that is both thoughtfully designed and offers a nod to the game-changing work that Kurt Klaus did on perpetual calendar calibers at IWC in the 1980s.
This latest expression of the calendar watch features a 42mm case made from 5N gold, which is as warmly toned as it is resistant to wear. The attractive looks are supplemented with the reassuring physical heft of strapping a large gold watch onto your wrist. Despite the head-scratching complexity of the Caliber 82650 powering this watch, the case sits a hair under 14mm off your wrist, which is comfortable and balanced. Another engineering feat that IWC has achieved is that the entire calendar can be set via the crown instead of by the recessed pushers often found on the cases of calendar watches. It’s an elegantly simple solution to a fiendishly tricky complication.
The blue dial of the watch is lustrous, featuring a sunburst finish that plays with the light and contrasts well with the 5N gold case. The particular shade of dark blue also serves as the perfect twilight backdrop to the moonphase, which is a key part of the IWC Perpetual Calendar design.
IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 Boutique Edition pricing and availability:
The IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 Boutique Edition is $45,800 AU and is only available from IWC boutiques. For more details, visit IWC right here.
Made in partnership with IWC. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.
