SIHH 2010: IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater (Ref. IW5449)

For the new model year, the Swiss watch making brand IWC has refreshed its last year’s Portuguese Minute Repeater timepiece. Just like the original model, it is available both in red gold (Ref. IW544907) an in platinum (Ref. IW544906.)

From the point of view of, um, hardware, this timepiece is an exact reproduction of the last year’s model, which is a good thing, since the design of the watch is nothing but stunning in its understated elegance, subtlety and attention to details.

According to the Swiss watch company, the IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater (Ref. IW5449) watch will be powered by the same hand-wound 98950 caliber with a minute repeater module.

Offering a minimum of 46 hours of power reserve, the large movement is flawlessly decorated and nicely fits into the oversized body of the watch (it is always a shame to see a watch the size of hamburger with a lonely tiny movement ticking inside.)

The movement’s nickel-silver plate with circular graining and bridge with the traditional Geneva stripes and gold-plated engraving is perfectly visible through a sapphire case back.

Initially designed to power pocket watches, the good old engine is built on 52 jewels and beats at a leisurely pace of just 18,000 vibrations per hour.

Although considered slow by today’s standards when a 28,800 vph movement is nothing but “normal,” the caliber is also reliable like a Singer sewing machine: it simply doesn’t put excessive stress on its moving parts.

Its five minute repeating complication is operated via a lever on the left side (at nine o’clock) of the 44 mm case.

Just as it was the case last year, the IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater (Ref. IW5449) will be available only in a limited lot of 500 individually numbered pieces.

Photos: IWC

IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater Ref. IW5449 watch specification

Price range: N/A
Movement: Caliber 98950, hand-wound, 52 jewels, 18,800 vph
Complications: Minute repeater
Power reserve: 46 hours
Case material: Red gold (Ref. IW544907) or Platinum (Ref. IW544906)
Bezel material: Matches case
Case shape: Round
Transparent case back: Yes, sapphire glass
Case size: 44.00 mm
Case height: 14.00 mm
Dial: Silver
Hands: Gold
Strap: Black alligator leather strap, pin buckle in stainless steel
Crystal: Sapphire