New Release
India Whiskey Charlie introduces the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon, a limited edition timepiece celebrating the Lunar New Year. This article delves into the watch's design elements and horological significance, offering collectors a detailed look at IWC's tribute to the Year of the Wood Dragon. The author highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and cultural symbolism embedded in this special release.
Schaffhausen/Shanghai, 8th January 2024: To celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, IWC Schaffhausen presents a limited edition of the Portugieser Chronograph. The classic and elegant Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon features a 41-millimetre stainless steel case, a burgundy dial and contrasting gold-plated hands and appliques. Limited to 1000 pieces, this watch impresses with its rotor in the form of a majestic dragon, visible through the sapphire glass case back.
True to tradition, IWC Schaffhausen welcomes the Lunar New Year with a special edition watch. 10th February 2024 marks the beginning of the Year of the Wood Dragon. According to the Chinese calendar, such a combination only occurs once every 60 years. People born under the sign of the dragon are considered energetic, strong, confident, gifted, intelligent and generous. Dragons initiate big things and keep them running. The Year of the Dragon promises luck, prosperity, and economic success.
“Since 1998, the Portugieser Chronograph has embodied the dynamic, sporty side of IWC Schaffhausen’s acclaimed Portugieser collection. Thanks to the dial layout with the vertically arranged counters and the quarter-seconds precision scale, it has become one of our most coveted designs. We are convinced it is a fitting model to welcome the Year of the Dragon”, said Peter Lao, Managing Director of IWC Schaffhausen China.
The Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon (Ref. IW371629) features a 41-millimetre stainless steel case, a burgundy dial, and gold-plated hands and appliques. Burgundy is a charming shade of red, symbolising the vibrant colour of fire, which is traditionally used to welcome the Lunar New Year in China and promises longevity and luck. The chronograph is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre, a robust and precise mechanical chronograph movement in a classic column-wheel design. A glance at the movement through the transparent sapphire case back reveals another highlight: the gold-plated rotor of the automatic winding system takes the form of a beautifully detailed dragon. In addition, the case back ring features an engraving of “2024 YEAR OF THE DRAGON.” The Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon is delivered with two straps: one black calfskin strap and one burgundy rubber strap, allowing the wearer to choose between two different looks. A butterfly clasp ensures excellent wearing comfort.
The Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon is limited to 1000 pieces and available immediately through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners, or online at IWC.com . In addition, the timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care programme, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
Plus I like the red and gold scheme. Not sure about this LE 1000, seems kind of gimmicky.
with all the reports showing China's economy is suffering and shadow banks, property developers failing left and right, I see many brands releasing Chinese New Year, Red/Dragon theme related watches left and right.....what am I missing?
As i am celebrating my half century in the year of the dragon, it feels special. I get my special celebrating watch from 1950, to be in line with 1974, it’s 74 years. What i like of my watch are the well aged hands. Patina with a big P. I considered a watch made in my birth year, but 1950, found a very special one for sale from 1974, but the 1950 watch have a movement i like to wind and have a line to my B&M Baumatic which comes from a same birthplace. Bovet have also a connection with it, so hi
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