IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse
Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen presents a limited edition of its Portugieser Automatic 42 to welcome the Year of the Horse, which begins on 17th February 2026.
Limited to 500 pieces, the Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse (Ref. IW501709) features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42 millimetres. The case construction with a more slender side profile and box-shaped sapphire crystals on the front and back lends the watch an even more refined and elegant appearance.
The burgundy dial, inspired by the auspicious red tones widely used in Lunar New Year celebrations, features the characteristic and well-balanced Portugieser design. The characteristic dial layout with the small seconds at 9 o’clock and the power reserve display at 3 o’clock dates back to the first Portugieser Automatic (Ref. 5000) from 2000.
Golden hands, Roman numerals and appliques complement the rich burgundy-coloured dial. An additional detail is the small date window, which has been discreetly placed at the 6 o’clock position.
Inside the case, the IWC-manufactured 52011 calibre is at work. Its efficient Pellaton winding system features components made of virtually wear-free ceramic. Using movements of the rotor in both directions, it builds up a power reserve of 168 hours (7 days) in two barrels.
A highlight is the gold-plated rotor, visible through the sapphire glass case back, and crafted in the shape of a galloping horse to pay tribute to the Lunar New Year.
The Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse is delivered with a choice of two straps for added versatility: a black alligator leather strap and an additional burgundy alligator leather strap. Both straps can be fitted with the stainless steel folding clasp that is delivered with the watch.
Model: IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse Limited Edition, Ref. IW501709
Movement
Calibre 52011
Winding: Automatic
Pellaton automatic winding system
Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz
Jewels: 31
Power reserve: 7 days (168 h)
Functions
Date display
Power reserve display
Small hacking seconds
Case
Stainless steel case
Diameter: 42.4 mm
Height: 13 mm
Glass: Sapphire, domed, antireflective coating on both sides
See-through sapphire glass case back
Water-resistance: 5 bar
Dial
Burgundy dial, gold-plated hands and gold appliques
Strap
Black and burgundy alligator leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp
