IWC’s Portugieser Gallops Ahead in the Year of the Horse
IWC Schaffhausen honours the Year of the Horse with a limited Portugieser Automatic 42 that blends precision, elegance and vitality.
As the Lunar New Year approaches, IWC Schaffhausen celebrates the arrival of the Year of the Horse with a limited-edition masterpiece that unites technical precision and cultural artistry.
The Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse pays homage to the spirited symbolism of the horse in Chinese tradition, representing strength, progress and good fortune.
Limited to just 500 pieces, this exceptional timepiece is a poetic blend of Swiss watchmaking expertise and cultural celebration, inviting collectors and connoisseurs to embrace both refinement and vitality.
Encased in polished stainless steel with a 42-millimetre diameter, the Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse exhibits the timeless proportions and elegant symmetry that have defined the Portugieser line since its inception.
Its burgundy dial, inspired by the auspicious reds of Lunar New Year festivities, radiates warmth and prosperity.
Delicate gold hands, Roman numerals and appliqués provide a luminous contrast, while the balanced layout features a small seconds display at nine o’clock and a power reserve indicator at three. A discreet date window at six o’clock completes the harmonious composition.
On the reverse, the sapphire crystal case back reveals a gold-plated rotor shaped as a galloping horse, a dynamic tribute to vitality and grace. This intricate design celebrates the energy and optimism that the Year of the Horse embodies.
At the heart of the watch lies the IWC-manufactured calibre 52011, renowned for its precision and durability. The automatic movement incorporates the brand’s Pellaton winding system, which uses ceramic components to reduce wear and harness motion in both directions, building a remarkable seven-day power reserve stored across twin barrels.
The craftsmanship extends to every detail, from the box-shaped sapphire crystals on both sides to the refined curvature of the case profile, ensuring an appearance as elegant as it is resilient.
Each timepiece is accompanied by two alligator leather straps, one in black and one in burgundy, offering versatility for both formal and festive occasions. Both can be secured with a stainless steel folding clasp, ensuring comfort and sophistication in equal measure.
Founded in 1868 by American engineer Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC Schaffhausen has built a legacy at the crossroads of artistry and engineering.
From its early mechanical innovations to its pioneering use of advanced materials such as titanium, ceramics and Ceratanium®, the brand continues to set benchmarks for horological excellence.
Today, IWC stands as a leader in sustainable luxury, committed to responsible sourcing, circular production and environmental stewardship. Every timepiece is designed to endure through generations, reflecting both innovation and conscience.
The Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse is a statement of elegance, energy and success. For the discerning collector, it captures the spirit of movement and ambition that defines both the horse and the horological artistry of IWC Schaffhausen.
With only 500 examples available worldwide, this limited edition offers a rare opportunity to own a symbol of prosperity and momentum as the world gallops into the new lunar cycle.
