IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar II Ref. 5022-18

TonyR · 2018-08-01T15:53:06Z

Explore IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar II Ref. 5022-18 in white gold. TonyR shares ownership insights, dial nuances, and community strap debates.

TonyR

WPS member · IWC forum

23 replies3923 views7 photos

TonyR shares his excitement about acquiring the IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar II Ref. 5022-18 in white gold, a watch that has been on his radar for a decade. This post offers a look at a specific IWC reference from what TonyR considers the brand's 'heyday,' providing valuable context for collectors interested in IWC's design evolution and historical models. His personal reflections on its wearability and aesthetic details offer a nuanced perspective on this significant timepiece.

The Portuguese Perpetual calendar II ref 5022-18 in white gold. This watch has been on my list ever since I sold my rose gold 5001 around a decade ago, I really missed owning that piece shortly after I foolishly sold it! In any event this is the 42 mm version of their perpetual which fits my wrist better than the current 44mm perpetual's. Also, these 5022's were produced during IWC's heyday (atleast in my mind!) from 2006 to 2010. That was right before/around the time they started super sizing everything or totally changing the looks on some of their lines, so staring down at this piece brings back good memories.

The Adroise dial is really neat looking, it changes colors quite a bit depending on the angle and the lighting........

I will have to get used to the thickness of the case. Its 15.5 mm's thick so it feels kind of tuna can-ish but surprisingly the watch is a lot lighter than I thought. It's very comfortable on the wrist.

The only small negative I have so far is the strap color. I always wondered why IWC choose this brown color, I ordered a black strap which I think will contrast even better against the Adroise dial. Anyway that's very minor! She'll fit in real well next to the other perpetual's!!! Tony

Key Points from the Discussion

The 42mm case size of the Ref. 5022 is considered ideal for this watch, fitting better than the current 44mm perpetual calendar models.
The original brown strap color is a common point of contention, with many collectors preferring a black or even lighter greyscale strap to better complement the ardoise dial.
The Ref. 5001, a predecessor to the 5022, is considered IWC's signature piece by some, highlighting its enduring appeal and classic design.
The ardoise dial is highly praised for its dynamic color-changing properties under different lighting conditions.
Despite its 15.5mm thickness, the watch is surprisingly light and comfortable on the wrist.
The legibility of the perpetual calendar display, with all information clearly presented and no 'stubby hands,' is a notable design strength.

The Discussion

5980

Aug 1, 2018

I totally agree on the strap. No idea why IWC paired that beautiful dial with a rich brown. I think your black will be sublime, and I even think you could pull off lighter greyscale variants with that dial and those applied numerals. Enjoy!

TonyR

Aug 1, 2018

I guess I'll start with black since I already ordered one then go from there! Tony

rnaden

Aug 1, 2018

I think this IWC complements your other very nice watches in the box too....sitting next to the GO shows the elegance contrasting with utilitarian.

vitalsigns

Aug 1, 2018

Personally, I love the strap; so rich and fetching with the gray dial. Cheers, John

COUNT DE MONET

Aug 2, 2018

Congrats to an IWC that is on the minds of many others here, too. Good addition to your collection.

Ron_W

Aug 2, 2018

But still makes me happy e v e r y day !

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IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar II Ref. 5022-18

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