Over the past few months we have seen numerous limited-edition collections which celebrate the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese calendar. To mark the significance of the Lunar Year of the Dragon, IWC from Schaffhausen unveiled the Portuguese Automatic Edition Dragon Year Watch which captures the dynamism and good fortune of this sign of the zodiac with a dragon engraving on the rotor.
The latest member to the IWC’s Portuguese Family is produced in limited quantity of only 888 pieces. This limited edition wristwatch perfectly combines the traditional and the modern with the art of watchmaking from Schaffhausen. It is housed in a round case made of 18-karat red gold which measures 42.3 mm in diameter and 14 mm in thickness. The case incorporates a thin bezel and an ample-sized screw-in crown.
This elegant Portuguese watch is coated on both sides by convex sapphire crystals with antireflective coatings. The water-resistance of the case is assured to 30 meters (100 feet).
The original Portuguese Automatic which was presented in 2004 has already established itself as one of the most successful models from this collection. This year’s limited edition timepiece follows the balanced design of the dial with its appliquéd Arabic numerals, railway-track-style chapter ring and slender feuille hands of the Portuguese Automatic, as well as the legendary original Portuguese watch first manufactured in the 1930s.
This elegant timepiece is attached to a classy looking, black alligator leather strap with a folding clasp in 18-karat red gold.
A Harmoniously Balanced Dial
Underneath the front sapphire glass, there is a slate-colored dial with two sub-dials. The small seconds counter is situated at the 9 o’clock position, while the power reserve display is located on the opposite side, at the 3 o’clock position. These two counters give the dial a harmonious balance – elegant, classical, and instantly unmistakable. The dial also has a date display placed traditionally at the 6 o’clock position.
The Portuguese Automatic Edition Dragon Year watch is equipped with the IWC-in-house manufactured Caliber 51011 mechanical movement with Pellaton winding system and the power reserve of full 168 hours (7 days) when fully charged. The impeccable mechanism is built on 42 jewels and oscillates at the frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). The nicely decorated mechanism is visible through the transparent sapphire crystal case back.
The in-house made movement is encrusted with circular graining and circular Genevastripes and it has a skeletonized oscillating weight with an 18-karat gold medallion with an uncannily lifelike engraving of a dragon, as a symbol of good fortune, prosperity and strength of character. Further, the engraving “DRAGON YEAR – ONE OUT OF 888” makes it obvious that this special timekeeper is intended for a limited group of people. It is interesting that the size of the limited edition is determined by the symbolism of Chinese meaning of numbers. The number 888 is associated with sustained riches and good fortune and together with the dragon as a symbol of good luck represents a perfect talisman. The new Portuguese Automatic Edition Dragon Year in red gold (the referent number is IW500125) is available exclusively from selected IWC retailers.
