Introducing IWC Unveils the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph Obsidian

During the 2020 edition of Watches & Wonders, held online due to the pandemic IWC unveiled a highly complicated version of its Portugieser: a flying tourbillon, retrograde date, and flyback chronograph. Initially offered in precious metal cases of gold or platinum, this model was not entirely new. It had previously debuted in 2017 as part of the IWC Da Vinci Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph collection. Now, it returns in a striking new Obsidian black dial.

Housed in a 43.5 mm case crafted from 18-carat Armor Gold, a proprietary alloy known for its significantly enhanced hardness compared to conventional gold, the watch exudes strength and elegance. With a thickness of 15.9 mm, the crown and chronograph pushers are also made from the same robust gold alloy. Sapphire crystals on both the front and back offer protection, along with a water resistance rating of 30 meters.

The Obsidian-colored dial is the result of a meticulous 60-step process, involving the application of 15 layers of transparent lacquer. The result is exceptional visual depth, creating a rich, almost three-dimensional appearance. Gold-plated hands and solid gold appliqués enhance its refined aesthetic.

At 9 o’clock, a retrograde date display sweeps across an arched scale from the 1st to the 31st, snapping back to the starting point at the end of each month. The chronograph function includes a flyback mechanism, with stopped hours and minutes displayed in a totalizer at 12 o’clock.

At 6 o’clock, the flying tourbillon also houses the small seconds within its rotating cage. This intricate mechanism completes one full rotation every 60 seconds and consists of 56 individual components, weighing just 0.675 grams in total. Thanks to the integrated stop function, the tourbillon can be halted, allowing the time to be set with precision down to the second.

Powering this technical marvel is the IWC-manufactured 89900 calibre, an automatic movement composed of 375 parts. It features refined decorations, including Geneva stripes and circular graining, visible through the sapphire case back. The rotor, made of solid gold, contributes to a power reserve of 68 hours.

The timepiece is paired with a black alligator leather strap crafted by Italian leather specialist Santoni, secured by an Armor Gold folding clasp. Limited to just 100 pieces worldwide, the Portugieser Tourbillon Rétrograde Chronograph in Obsidian black is priced at USD 173,500 approximately AED 637,300..

For more information visit IWC official website.