IWC

The IWC Portugieser is indisputably IWC Schaffhausen’s oldest and most iconic design. Conceived almost 100 years ago in the 1930s at the request of two Portuguese businessmen, the first Portugiesers were commissioned to be wristwatches that had the precision of a marine chronometer. Known since its inception for its unusually large and striking size, the first Portugieser was launched in 1939. While the very first examples featured chronometer functions, the iconic design has housed various complications over the course of its production, from a simple date complication to a perpetual calendar.

Launched in 2006, the present Portugieser Reference IW5022-18 Perpetual Calendar is housed in an elegant white gold case with the sapphire crystal case back proudly displaying the intricate complications of the perpetual calendar, displaying the date, day, month, leap year, and moon phase, a truly impressive technical achievement. The ‘ardoise’ anthracite gray sunburst dial changes tone under different light and angles. Beautifully designed with an off-set digital year display, the dial is symmetrically proportioned with a commanding 42.3mm diameter case. Powered by the caliber 51610, it boasts an impressive 7 days of power reserve thanks to its dual barrel system.

The present example is a true testament to the timeless design and horological mastery IWC is known for. Dating back to 2007, well before Tom Brady's official partnership with the brand, the watch commemorates a significant milestone, coinciding with his 30th birthday.