Home » IWC Watches » IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph Watch Edition “Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012”
International Watch Company (IWC) launched a new limited edition of IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph that has all the precision of nautical instruments in its make-up. It has been created to perfection, even to the tiniest detail. The watch is built to commemorate the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race which is the world’s greatest yacht race.
This year’s novelty from IWC is a functional and highly reliable sports timepiece and it is the first Yacht Club chronograph crafted from titanium. IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph Watch Edition “Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012” is housed in a round case with 45.4 mm in diameter and the thickness of 14.5 mm. Compared to the original line of Portuguese Yacht Club chronographs which were made either from stainless steel or from more imposing rose gold, the new yacht watch is more resistant to scratches and to corrosion. Thus, it can be exposed to salty water without the risk of irreversibly damaging the body and other parts of the watch.
IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph Watch Edition “Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012” IW390212
The watch is rugged enough to take anything in its stride, with water-resistance to 60 meters (200 feet) and a screw-in crown with crown protection. This Portuguese is protected on both sides by a convex sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating and it has a see-through sapphire-glass back. This limited edition watch is attached to the wearer’s wrist with a comfortable, black rubber strap with a folding clasp made of stainless steel.
Automatic Mechanical IWC Caliber 89361
This year’s Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 89361-caliber movement with a full 68 hours of power reserve. Developed and manufactured completely by IWC, the movement features a significantly improved self-winding system and sets watchmaking standards.
IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph Watch Edition “Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012” IW390212 Caseback
The automatic mechanical movement built on 38 jewels produces 28,800 vibrations per hour. This robust and advanced chronograph movement demonstrates its sporting qualities with a fly-back function and an additional flange with quarter-second calibration for recording short periods of time. It measures times up to 12 hours, which is particularly useful for sailing races, since longer times than it is possible on most common chronographs have to be measured.
The see-through sapphire-glass back provides a clear look at IWC’s double-pawl winding, whereas the engraving “Edition Volvo Ocean Race 2011–2012” leaves no doubt to whom this timekeeper is dedicated.
A Carbon Fiber Dial and Unique Markers
The contemporary style of IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph Watch is best visible on its well-organised carbon-black dial. The dial comprises luminescent hour and minute hands, a striking, red second hand and hour markers that are also filled with luminous materials. There are also Arabic numerals incorporated to improve the accuracy of time reading.
The watch also features the bi-compax layout for its chronograph where the hour and minute chrono hands share the same counter which is situated at the 12 o’clock position. A quite large 60 seconds sub-dial is neatly placed at the 6 o’clock position. There is also a white on black date window, set near the numeral three.
Tribute to the ‘Everest’ of Sailing
The IWC’s masterpiece with the referent number IW390212 is created to pay tribute to the ‘Everest’ of sailing. The launch of this watch coincides with the official start of the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012.
This exciting around-the-world race covers 39,270 nautical miles (72,728 km) through some of the world’s most treacherous waters. It is probably the toughest and the most spectacular of all offshore races, spanning four oceans and six continents. The world’s greatest race takes the 11-strong crews through the extreme challenges and adrenaline rushes in their battle against ice-cold storms, extremely high waves and seemingly endless calms. The race started at the Spanish port of Alicante and will end in the summer of 2012 in Galway, Ireland.
This carbon black dial is really a phenomenal addition. I like everything what has carbon on itself. Of course, there is no doubt that this watch is a mini masterpiece from IWC. I saw the other models of Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph watch, but this special edition is definitely the best model from this collection.
The features of this watch are astonishing. This IWC watch has a very nice design and everything is very fine except one thing and that is the water resistance of only 60 meters. A watch which has the water resistance of 60 meters cannot be called a “Yacht club˝ watch. Everything else is good.
I share your opinion, Marlon. This watch must have the water resistance of at least 200 meters. It needs to justify the name that it carries. Also, I like the back side of a rubber strap, it looks very nice and stylish.
The design of this watch is absolutely magnificent. I really can´t remember if I saw a similar watch in my whole life. But its design isn´t the only good thing when we talk about this watch. There are also a great movement and an extra power reserve of 68 hours. Of course, there is a little bit bigger price, but that´s IWC, they are famous for their quality watches and high prices.
I agree with you, Millard. This watch truly is a mini masterpiece. It´s probably one of the most beautiful watches from IWC company. You have the point about the price too, but I must say something. A good brand must have a huge price. And there is no doubt that IWC is one of the biggest brands among the watches manufacturers.