IWC Rings in the Lunar New Year with the Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse
It has become a cherished tradition in the realm of haute horlogerie to pay tribute to the Chinese Zodiac with creativity, elegance, and often a touch of whimsy through the art of fine watchmaking. Year after year, leading brands express their respect for the Lunar calendar by crafting special editions that blend cultural symbolism with mechanical mastery. IWC Schaffhausen, a pioneer of this practice, continues its journey with the new Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse, a limited edition of 500 pieces.
The Year of the Horse, which begins on February 17, 2026, symbolizes vitality, progress, and freedom of spirit. In Chinese tradition, the horse embodies motion and ambition — qualities that inspire forward momentum, courage, and new opportunities. People born in the Year of the Horse are often described as active, independent, and driven by an inner sense of adventure — an energy that seems perfectly captured in the design and movement of this elegant Portugieser. And as the Lunar cycle turns, we can be certain that more remarkable expressions of this union between Swiss craftsmanship and Eastern symbolism are soon to follow.
Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse
IWC Schaffhausen
Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse
Presented in a 42mm steel case, the timepiece wows with a deep burgundy dial, a color that has become synonymous with IWC’s Lunar New Year editions. Burgundy — inspired by the auspicious red tones that dominate festive celebrations — radiates warmth and optimism. The balanced dial layout features the small seconds at 9 o’clock and the power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock with a tiny horse depicted, reflecting the design lineage of the first Portugieser Automatic from 2000. Golden hands, Arabic numerals, and hands lend a celebratory glow, while a discreet date window sits at 6 o’clock.
Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse
IWC Schaffhausen
At the heart of the watch beats the IWC-manufactured 52011 calibre, renowned for its precision and resilience. Its Pellaton winding system, enhanced with virtually wear-free ceramic components, stores a robust seven-day power reserve across two barrels. Through the sapphire crystal caseback, collectors can admire a gold-plated rotor in the shape of a galloping horse — a symbolic and beautifully crafted tribute to the Lunar New Year’s dynamic energy.
The Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse comes with two alligator leather straps — one in black, one in burgundy — allowing the wearer to express either understated elegance or festive vibrance. Pricing is marked at $15,500 (VAT excluded).
To learn more, visit IWC, here.
