IWC: Portofino Perpetual Calendar

IWC Schaffhausen brings the iconic perpetual calendar back to the Portofino collection. Developed in the 1980s by former head watchmaker Kurt Klaus and consisting of less than 100 ingeniously arranged parts, the calendar is distinguished by its high level of autonomy and user-friendliness. The intelligent mechanical program recognises the different lengths of the months and automatically inserts a leap day every four years at the end of February. It will continue to run without manual interventions until 2100, when the leap year is omitted due to an exception in the Gregorian calendar. Moreover, since all its displays are perfectly synchronised, the calendar can be advanced simply using the crown. 

With the Portofino Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 3444), the iconic complication returns to the Portofino line. Two versions are available. One features a stainless steel case with a silver-plated dial and rhodium-plated hands and appliques (Ref. IW344601) – marking the first time a Portofino model with a perpetual calendar is presented in this classic and robust case material. The other features an 18-carat 5N gold case, a silver-plated dial and gold-plated hands and appliques (Ref. IW344602). 

The Portofino Perpetual Calendar is also the perfect choice for those preferring a slightly more compact and ergonomic size. With a case diameter of just 40 millimetres, it is currently the smallest perpetual calendar across IWC’s collections. Both versions are fitted with blue straps made of traceable Swiss calf leather. The straps have a natural and soft finish and boast a contemporary, luxurious look. 

The calendar information is indicated in three subdials. The date is shown at 3 o’clock, the month at 6 o’clock, and the day of the week at 9 o’clock. The weekday display also contains a small leap year indicator: a red “L” signals a leap year, and the calendar will autonomously insert the 29th of February. Another highlight of this model is the perpetual moon phase display. Integrated into the month display, it shows the moon against the backdrop of a star-studded night sky. Thanks to a precisely calculated reductionist gear train, it is so precise that it will only deviate by one day from the orbit of Earth’s satellite after 577.5 years. 

THE IWC-MANUFACTURED 82650 CALIBRE

The IWC-manufactured 82650 calibre drives the calendar module using a single nightly switching impulse. The elaborately finished movement can be admired through the transparent sapphire glass back. It features the highly efficient automatic winding system developed in the 1950s by IWC’s former technical director, Albert Pellaton. Using the slightest movements of the oscillating weight in both directions, it reliably builds up a power reserve of 60 hours in the mainspring. Components of the automatic winding system that are subject to high stresses, such as the heart-shaped cam and the clicks, are made of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. In addition, the rotor features the signature “Probus Scafusia” medallion in solid gold, which embodies IWC’s uncompromising commitment to technical excellence, quality, and sustainability 

The Portofino Perpetual Calendar is available immediately through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners, or online at IWC.com at a price of €.25,300 for the steel version and €.36,000 for the gold version. In addition, the timepieces are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.