IWC Unveils Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph in Armor Gold with Obsidian Dial

IWC Schaffhausen adds a new level of refinement to its iconic Portugieser line with the launch of the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph. Encased in 18-carat Armor Gold and paired with a deeply saturated Obsidian-colored dial, this complex timepiece brings together three highly sophisticated complications: a flying minute tourbillon, retrograde date display, and flyback chronograph.

The Ref. IW394009 continues IWC’s 2024 design evolution for the Portugieser collection, which introduced a range of colorways reflecting the cycle of day and night: Horizon Blue, Dune, Silver Moon— and here, Obsidian. The Obsidian hue reinforces the timepiece’s depth and gravitas, evoking the twilight stillness between day and night.

The 43.5mm case, pushers, and crown are crafted from IWC’s proprietary gold alloy. Fittingly called Armor Gold, it is engineered for superior hardness and resilience. Its red gold like sheen makes for a harmonious contrast with the black Obsidian dial. Produced in a meticulous 60-step process, it is built up with 15 layers of transparent lacquer to create exceptional visual depth and richness. Gold-plated hands and solid gold appliques complete the refined Portugieser style, which serves as a beautiful showcase for the three complications, with the flying tourbillon taking center stage at 6 o’clock. This marvel of micro-mechanics comprises of 56 individual components while weighing just 0.675 grams. Notably, it features a hacking function for to-the-second time setting.

In addition to the tourbillon, the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph includes a retrograde date indicator between 8 and 11 o’clock, where a hand sweeps an arc from 1 to 31 before snapping back at month’s end. At 12 o’clock, a combined hour and minute totalizer displays chronograph timing, enhanced by a flyback function for seamless consecutive timing events.

At the heart of the timepiece is the IWC-manufactured 89900 caliber, an automatic movement consisting of 375 components and offering a 68-hour power reserve. This haute-horlogerie movement is equipped with a solid gold rotor and is visible through a sapphire case back, revealing decorative finishes including Geneva Stripes, circular graining, and blued screws.

Limited to 100 pieces, the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph is fitted with a black alligator leather strap from the Italian leather artisan Santoni and retails for $145,000.

To learn more, visit IWC Schaffhausen, here.