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IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Boutique Edition Ref. IW503312, 18k Rose Gold, Blue Dial, 2021

The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar is one of the great classics from Schaffhausen. For this Boutique Edition, IWC gave it a maritime look that fits the Portugieser's origins perfectly: a deep blue dial in a case of 18 karat Armor Gold, IWC's own red gold alloy. The watch was only sold in IWC boutiques and on the IWC website, which makes it noticeably rarer than the regular versions.

The 44.2 mm case combines a brushed case band with polished bezel and lugs. Armor Gold is a red gold alloy developed by IWC that is harder and more resistant to wear than conventional red gold, so the case keeps its shape and shine for longer. The arched sapphire crystal gives the watch that classic Portugieser profile.

The blue dial is clearly organized into four subdials. They show the date, the day, the month and the moon phase, plus the year in four digits, the small seconds and the power reserve. The gold plated hands and 18 karat gold appliques glow warmly against the blue, and the moon phase in blue and gold is a small highlight on its own. It is so precise that it only deviates from the real moon by one day in 577.5 years.

The perpetual calendar goes back to the famous mechanism Kurt Klaus developed for IWC in the 1980s. It knows the different lengths of the months and the leap years, and it will not need a manual correction until 2100. Everything can be set conveniently via the crown.

Inside works the IWC manufacture caliber 52610 with Pellaton winding and ceramic components. Two barrels build up a power reserve of seven days. Through the sapphire caseback you can see the decorated movement and the 18 karat gold rotor. The watch comes with two straps. A dark blue alligator one by Santoni and another braided one also in dark blue - with a gold IWC folding clasp.

The watch dates from 2021 and isvery good to excellent. It comes as a full set with box and papers, booklets, 2100 year piece and a cleaning cloth.

"A wonderful perpetual calendar with a week power reserve, and theoretically only need to correct once a century :)"