Portuguese watches have been a popular series manufactured by the IWC, and its IWC Portuguese Tourbillon is an impressive creation with a classical touch. Read our guide for more facts and information…
The world-renowned International Watch Company or IWC emerged in the year 1869, and has ever since been producing high quality watches using Swiss technology and implementing American ideas. IWC Portuguese Tourbillon Mystere is an inspiration from a popular timepiece manufactured by the IWC for two businessmen from Portugal during the 1930s. Its unique feature is the self-winding motion, which makes it capable of retaining power for seven days. The brilliant creation is well described as the peak of technical excellence in horology. The abrasion-resistant window, transparent sapphire crystal case and anti-glare features make it an exceptional creation.
Fascinating design
IWC Portuguese Tourbillon consists of a striking 18K red colored gold case with a dark grey dial that enhances its beauty. The surface of the dial portrays Arabic numerals along with a cabochon minute track having thin hands elegantly shaped like a leaf, complimenting the thematic Portuguese design. At the apex of the dial, a Cotes de Geneve area has the mysterious aperture, where the flying tourbillion apparently floats, completing a revolution about its axis every minute. A tiny seconds sub-dial is seen below the tourbillion, alongside its power reserve indicator that shows the current status of the seven-day power reserve of the mainspring. The watch utilizes IWC’s 50900 caliber, incorporating a variety of complex features.
The mechanical treasure behind the creation of IWC Portuguese Tourbillon
The back of the case is made of transparent sapphire crystal through which the elaborate mechanical construction of the IWC Portuguese Tourbillon can be viewed. The outstanding Pellaton system plays a vital role in the operation, using an innovative cam style instead of a gear system, for transmitting rotor movements into the winding energy. The central rotor has a panel bearing the popular ‘Probus Scafusia’ motto of the IWC. The flying tourbillions are affixed from under the structure without hindering the visual aspect and are a real appeal to connoisseurs. A Breguet spring is used to fit the balance, allowing free pulsation of the hairspring.
The strap of the IWC Portuguese Tourbillon is made from alligator leather with a fine textural finish and has a wonderfully crafted folding clasp of 18K gold. The strap is 22mm wide and is secured to the gold case which is 44.2 mm in diameter. The over-all thickness of the case is 14.2mm and though not heavy, the watch is solid and fine. The watch is water-resistant up to 30m or 99 feet depths.
The IWC will manufacture five hundred pieces of the red-gold watch with silver-coated dial, and two hundred and fifty pieces of the platinum watch with ruthenium black dial. The intricate design and excellent craftsmanship of the IWC Portuguese Tourbillon are indeed fascinating.
