As early as last November, IWC Schaffhausen was keen on welcoming the Year of the Water Rabbit, which actually begins this Sunday. The Swiss watchmaker even looked through its archives for a model born in the year of the fourth Chinese zodiac animal.
In the late 1930s, IWC developed a marine-chronometer-precision wristwatch for two merchants from Lisbon. Named the Portugieser, it was launched in 1939 under the rabbit zodiac sign.
Its clean and open dial was inspired by deck observation timepieces and nautical instruments used to calculate longitude on ships. Compared to the rectangular Art Deco style models popular at that time, the Portugieser was a striking timepiece due to its large round case.
Limited to 500 pieces, the new Portugieser Automatic 40 Edition Chinese New Year appeals in an ergonomic 40mm stainless steel case, with a burgundy dial and gold-plated hands and appliques.
The case back ring displays the engraving "2023 YEAR OF THE RABBIT". In addition, the sapphire crystal reveals the IWC-manufactured calibre featuring a playful bunny-shaped gold-plated rotor.
Efficiently converting the wearer's arm movements into energy for the mainspring, the Pellaton automatic winding system builds up a power reserve of 60 hours.
