IWC Schaffhausen achieves a new watchmaking feat with the introduction of the Portugieser Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph, a limited edition of only 100 pieces worldwide. This exceptional timepiece combines three major complications of fine watchmaking: a flying minute tourbillon, a retrograde date, and a flyback chronograph, housed in a 43.5 mm case crafted from 18-carat Armor Gold® – an exclusive alloy developed to offer greater hardness than traditional golds.

The aesthetics of this piece match its mechanical complexity. The Obsidian-colored dial, produced through a 60-step manufacturing process, is enhanced by fifteen layers of transparent lacquer, providing striking visual depth and an almost three-dimensional texture. The gold-plated hands and solid gold appliques add a touch of refinement, while the Santoni-designed black alligator leather strap with an Armor Gold® folding clasp completes a supremely elegant silhouette.

At the heart of the watch beats the caliber 89900, manufactured entirely by IWC. This 375-component automatic movement incorporates a 56-part flying tourbillon weighing just 0.675 grams, positioned at 6 o’clock. Its stop function allows for precise adjustment to the second, while the use of silicon and Diamond Shell® coating for the pallet and escape wheel optimizes energy flow and reduces friction. The result: a comfortable 68-hour power reserve.

At 9 o’clock, the retrograde date displays a 31-day arc, with an instantaneous return at the end of the month. At 12 o’clock, the flyback chronograph displays elapsed minutes and hours in a unique totalizer. Thanks to this function, a single press is enough to reset and restart the chronograph without any intermediate stops.

The year 2024 marked a new aesthetic era for the Portugieser collection, with the introduction of symbolic shades such as Horizon Blue, Dune, Silver Moon, and Obsidian the latter embodying the depth of time. With this new piece, IWC not only showcases its technical expertise, but also celebrates the timeless and poetic dimension of luxury watchmaking.

Behind the sapphire crystal case back, the movement, decorated with Côtes de Genève and circular graining, reveals its solid gold oscillating weight, the ultimate signature of a masterpiece designed for discerning collectors and enthusiasts. The Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph embodies the quintessence of Swiss watchmaking ingenuity: rare, technical, and strikingly beautiful.

Licence Magazine’s recommendation for this exceptional piece is clear:

> The Portugieser Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph is much more than a watch – it’s a testament to technical mastery and timeless elegance. For discerning collectors and enthusiasts of high-end watchmaking, this limited edition is a rare opportunity to own a living work of art, sculpted in excellence.

Our recommendation:
Don’t just look at it as a watch, but as an emotional and heirloom investment. Its meticulous design, exceptional movement, and ultra-limited production make it a piece that will never lose its value or aura. For connoisseurs seeking the exceptional, this IWC is a silent signature of power and taste.

> If you can have it, don’t think twice.