Showing posts with label IWC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IWC. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

IWC – PORTOFINO Automatic Day & Night 34 mm Le Petit Prince Automatic

IWC SchaffhausenPORTOFINO Automatic Day & Night 34 mm “Le Petit Prince” Automatic 2026

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IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN INTRODUCES
ITS FIRST
PORTOFINO IN TRIBUTE
TO THE
LITTLE PRINCE 

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Schaffhausen/Geneva, 14th April, 2026: IWC Schaffhausen unveils the Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince at Watches and Wonders in Geneva. Crafted in durable stainless steel and featuring a deep blue dial with a sunrise finish, this elegant dress watch marks the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer’s first Portofino model paying tribute to “The Little Prince”. 

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As a charming nod to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s world-famous novel, the Little Prince is depicted standing on the golden moon in the watch’s day and night display at 6 o’clock.

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Since it was first published over 80 years ago, “The Little Prince” has remained immensely popular with both children and adults. The enchanting story follows a Little Prince as he embarks on a journey through space to faraway planets, gaining valuable insights along the way. In his most famous literary work, 

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Antoine de Saint-Exupéry explores profound philosophical themes such as love, loss, and friendship. One of the book’s iconic quotes is, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” It serves as a potent reminder that true understanding and beauty come from emotions and feelings, rather than merely seeing. IWC Schaffhausen now introduces its first Le Petit Prince edition in the Portofino collection. 

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The Portofino Automatic Day & Night 34 Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW459806) features a compact 34-millimetre case crafted in durable stainless steel. The design of this elegant and timeless dress watch is complemented with a deep blue dial with gold-plated hands and appliques. These dials, which are treated with an elaborate sunray finish, are a signature feature of IWC’s special editions honoring Saint-Exupéry’s timeless tale. 

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A highlight of this watch is the day-and-night indication at 6 o’clock, which visualises the continuous transition between day and night and completes one full rotation every 24 hours. At noon or at midnight, either the sun or the moon appears in the upper section of the small disc, indicating whether it is currently day or night. 

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As a charming design detail, the Little Prince is depicted standing on the moon, gazing at the starry night sky. The stainless steel case back also features an engraving of the Little Prince. 

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This watch is powered by the Calibre 35180, which features an automatic winding system and has a power reserve of 50 hours. It is paired with a hand-coloured blue alligator leather strap from the Italian leather artisan Santoni, which is equipped with a quick-change system and a butterfly folding clasp.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Model:  PORTOFINO Automatic Day & Night 34 mm Le Petit Prince Automatic

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

 Reference: IW459806 

  FEATURES
IWC-manufactured Automatic, self-winding movement
– Central hacking seconds
– Day & night display
– Quick-change system for easy change of the strap

MOVEMENT
    IWC-manufactured calibre: 35180
    Frequency: 28,800 A/h | 4 Hz
    Jewels: 24
    Power reserve: 50 h

    Winding: Automatic
WATCH
    Materials: Stainless steel case
 Deep blue dial, gold-plated hands and appliques
  Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
  Water-resistant: 3 bar
  Diameter: 34 mm
  Case height: 8,90 mm

STRAP
Blue alligator calfskin strap with a quick-change system in stainless steel 

🔴Price: US$  7,200  VAT excluded💰

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Further Information
IWC Schaffhausen Baumgartenstrasse 15· CH-8201Schaffhausen
Phone +41 (0)52 235 75 65 · Fax +41 (0)52 235 75 01 · press@iwc.com ·

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Press releases - 2026
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IWC Schaffhausen
Baumgartenstrasse 15 ·
CH-8201 Schaffhausen
Phone +41 (0)52 235 75 65 ·
Fax +41 (0)52 235 75 01 ·
Mobile  +41 (0)79 957 72 52
E-mail  info@iwc.com
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Tuesday, May 5, 2026

IWC – INGENIEUR Tourbillon 41 Automatic Edition

 

IWC SchaffhausenINGENIEUR Tourbillon 41 Gold Automatic Edition 2026

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 THE INGENIEUR TOURBILLON 41 IN 18-CARAT 5N GOLD 
WITH A FLYING MINUTE TOURBILLON

Schaffhausen/Geneva, 14th April, 2026: IWC Schaffhausen introduces the Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 at Watches and Wonders in Geneva. The new flagship Ingenieur model pairs a case and bracelet crafted from 18-carat 5N gold with an olive green “Grid” dial. The highlight is the flying minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock, which rotates around its axis once every minute. 

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This elegant and refined luxury sports watch is further distinguished by its highly detailed finishing, including techniques such as satin finishing and polishing. The IWC-manufactured 82905 calibre, featuring a Pellaton winding system with ceramic components, is visible through the sapphire glass case back.

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With the new Ingenieur, IWC Schaffhausen revisits the bold and visionary design created by Gérald Genta in the 1970s, pairing it with enhanced ergonomics and a highly detailed finishing. Since the launch of the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in 2023, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has continuously extended the collection with new sizes, materials and complications such as the emblematic crown-controlled perpetual calendar from Kurt Klaus. IWC now introduces an exclusive new model featuring the undisputed “queen of complications” in fine watchmaking, the tourbillon.

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Limited to 100 pieces, the Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 (Ref. IW345901) features a 41.6 millimetres case and an integrated bracelet crafted from 18-carat 5N gold. The characteristic bezel, crown protection and crown are also made of this precious metal. 

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Securing the bezel to the case back ring, the five functional screws are made of 18-carat Armor Gold®, a material with significantly higher hardness values than conventional gold alloys. 

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Featuring the characteristic “Grid” pattern, the structured dial is a hallmark feature of the Ingenieur and adds a stunning level of texture and depth. Its dark olive green hue beautifully contrasts the gold. The hands are gold-plated, and the appliques, which are individually set by hand, are made of solid gold. 

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As it combines various techniques, the Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 also boasts a high level of detail in its finishing. The case, bezel and bracelet links are satin-finished and feature polished edges. Gold brings out the intricate lines and angles of the Ingenieur particularly well, underscoring the sculptural beauty of the Gérald Genta-inspired design. 

STATE-OF-THE-ART TOURBILLON AT 6 O’CLOCK 

The tourbillon places the balance wheel and the escapement inside a small cage that rotates around its axis once every minute. This continuous rotation counteracts the effects of gravity on the oscillating system, contributing to a highly accurate rate. 

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The flying minute tourbillon of the Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 is placed at the 6 o’clock position and suspended from gold-coated bridges, providing a stunning visual spectacle. Consisting of 56 individual parts, the delicate mechanism weighs just 0.635 grams. 

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Due to the high number and minuscule size of its components, the tourbillon ranks among the most complex complications for a watchmaker to assemble. Thanks to the integrated tourbillon stop, the mechanism can be brought to a complete halt, allowing the watch to be set with down-to-the-second accuracy. 

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The pallet lever and the escape wheel are treated with Diamond Shell® technology, an innovative coating that reduces friction and enhances the flow of energy in the movement.

HIGH-END MOVEMENT WITH PELLATON WINDING 

The Ingenieur Tourbillon 41 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82905 calibre. Its highly efficient Pellaton winding system utilises the rotor’s movements in both directions to reliably build up a power reserve of 80 hours in the mainspring. Components of the winding system that are subject to high stress are manufactured from virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. 

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Among these are the automatic wheel and the clicks, which are crafted from black ceramic, while the rotor bearing is made of white ceramic. The movement also features a high level of detail in the finishing. 

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As an example, the automatic bridge and the rotor are both gold-plated and decorated with Geneva stripes. 

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The oscillating mass features an integrated “Probus Scafusia” medallion, crafted from solid gold and symbolising IWC’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

 -------------------------------------------
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Model:  INGENIEUR Tourbillon 41 Automatic Edition

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 Reference: IW345901

FEATURES

 - Mechanical movement 
– Pellaton automatic winding system 
– Flying hacking minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock 
– Screw-in crown 
– See-through sapphire glass case back 
Limited to 100 pieces

MOVEMENT
IWC-manufactured calibre 82905
Frequency:    28,800 A/h | 4 Hz
Jewels:    25
Power reserve:   80 h
Winding:   Automatic

WATCH
Materials: 18 carat 5N gold case
Diameter:    41.60 mm
Height:    12.10 mm
Water-resistant:    10 bar 
DIAL
Oive green dial, gold-plated hands, 18 carat 5N gold appliques 
Flying hacking minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock 
Glass:  Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
STRAP
Integrated 18 carat 5N gold bracelet
Folding clasp

🔰Edition - ✅ Only ❱❱❱ 100 pieces, Edition number engraving
🔴Price: on Request 💰  

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Further Information
IWC Schaffhausen Baumgartenstrasse 15· CH-8201Schaffhausen
Phone +41 (0)52 235 75 65 · Fax +41 (0)52 235 75 01 · press@iwc.com ·

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Press releases - 2026
------------------------------
IWC Schaffhausen
Baumgartenstrasse 15 ·
CH-8201 Schaffhausen
Phone +41 (0)52 235 75 65 ·
Fax +41 (0)52 235 75 01 ·
Mobile  +41 (0)79 957 72 52
E-mail  info@iwc.com
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Tuesday, April 28, 2026

IWC – Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive Ceramic - Ceratanium®

IWC SchaffhausenPilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive Ceramic / Ceratanium® 44mm Automatic 2026

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IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN’S FIRST TOOL WATCH ENGINEERED AND
CERTIFIED FOR HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VAST

IWC Schaffhausen unveils the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive at Watches and Wonders in Geneva. This next-generation tool watch has been specifically designed and engineered from the ground up for the unique demands of human spaceflight and timekeeping in space. 

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Inspired by astronauts wearing space suits with gloves, all functions of the watch can be controlled through an innovative, patent-pending rotating bezel system, eliminating the need for a crown. 

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A rocker switch located on the side of the case enables the wearer to change between various functions, including winding the movement and setting the home or mission times. The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive is crafted using lightweight white zirconium oxide ceramic and Ceratanium®, ensuring high durability and resistance to temperature fluctuations. 

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 This tool watch underwent rigorous testing by IWC’s brand partner, Vast, the company developing next-generation space stations. It received spaceflight qualification from Vast for flight on Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station.

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IWC Schaffhausen boasts 90 years of experience in crafting tool watches that are purpose-designed to meet the requirements of aviation. In recent years, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has gained first experiences in space through participating in the Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn human spaceflight missions. However, every watch that has travelled to space to date has essentially been a modified terrestrial aviation watch. 

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As commercial space exploration enters a new era, IWC Schaffhausen is now pushing the limits with the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive (Ref. IW328601). This milestone marks the first IWC watch that has been designed and engineered from the ground up for the unique and challenging demands of human spaceflight.

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“When our engineering division XPL developed the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive, they did not simply adapt an existing watch design for use in space. They took a blank sheet of paper and worked to define from scratch what a tool watch for astronauts would have to offer in terms of functionality, ease of operation, time display and material execution. Every single detail of this watch has been single-mindedly optimised for the unique requirements of human spaceflight and timekeeping in space. It was crucial for us to put the final watch into the experienced hands of real space professionals. After undergoing rigorous testing by our partner, Vast, the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive is the first IWC watch that has received certification for spaceflight,” explains Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.

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“The new space age is shaped by innovative and ambitious companies that push the boundaries of science and technology. These emerging players operate much like brands, deliberately harnessing the power of design to inspire people and spark enthusiasm for their bold visions. To reflect this, we have chosen a forward-looking, dynamic and beautifully minimalist design expression for the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive. With its rounded edges and black and white colour scheme, it embodies our vision of a modern space watch and carries IWC’s tool watch legacy into the 21st century,” adds Christian Knoop, Creative Director at IWC Schaffhausen.

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Designed for operation without a crown

The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive boasts a matte black dial that is reduced to the absolute essentials and avoids light reflections. With highly legible markings, it displays two different times. The mission’s reference time is indicated by the central hour and minute hand, and also in 24-hour format by a dedicated hand on the outer dial scale, which runs from 00:00 to 24:00.

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The necessity for a 24-hour display comes from the fact that a spacecraft or a space station completes an orbital cycle around the Earth roughly every 90 minutes. This means astronauts experience as many as 16 sunrises and sunsets within a 24-hour period. 

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To manage this rapid sequence of day and night, they adhere to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) or UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). These formats retain the familiar 24-hour rhythm of Earth time, enabling the crew to keep a consistent routine with work and sleep times while in space.

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The central hour and minute hands are normally synchronised with this reference time. If required, however, the hour hand can be moved in one-hour increments to display a second time zone. An astronaut in space can use this function, for example, to show the home time in any location on Earth. After returning to Earth, the second time zone feature transforms the watch into the quintessential companion for frequent flyers: with a simple turn of the bezel, it can be set to display the time at the destination of travel.

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The edges of the black triangular hour and minute hands are coated with green Super-LumiNova®, while the arrow-shaped tip of the 24-hour hand glows blue in the dark. The blue second hand points to the inner scale, which features a thin ring in the same shade of blue. The colour is a nod to the horizon of the Earth as seen by astronauts from space.

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This dual-time display is made possible by the newly engineered IWC-manufactured 32722 calibre, an efficient automatic movement with a 120-hour power reserve that includes an integrated GMT module. There is also a date indication at 3 o’clock.

Extreme robustness and performance

When ascending to space on a rocket, the engines generate powerful vibrations and astronauts experience acceleration forces of up to 4g, which is equivalent to four times the force of gravity on Earth. In space, hardware is exposed to vacuum, radiation and extreme fluctuations in temperature. Temperatures can exceed 100 °C in direct sunlight and plummet to -150 °C in the shade.

To ensure high robustness and reliable operation during all phases of a mission, the Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive is crafted entirely from advanced performance materials. Its case is made of white zirconium oxide ceramic. 

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With a Vickers hardness rating second only to diamond, ceramic ranks among the hardest substances on Earth. The rotating bezel and case back are crafted from Ceratanium®. Developed by IWC, Ceratanium® combines the lightness and structural integrity of titanium with a hardness and scratch resistance similar to that of ceramic. 

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The combination of these two materials makes the watch not only highly robust and resilient but also immune to temperature fluctuations and corrosion. The case back features an engraving that symbolically evokes a space vehicle, reflecting humanity’s curiosity and spirit of exploration. 

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The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive is fitted with a white integrated FKM rubber strap. FKM (fluorinated rubber) offers excellent thermal insulation and is resistant to UV radiation, ensuring extreme durability.

Tested and certified for spaceflight by Vast

The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive has undergone extensive type testing by IWC’s brand partner, Vast. Vast is building Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station. Haven-1 will inform Haven-2, a multi-module, continuously crewed station that is the proposed successor to the International Space Station (ISS). 

 

Haven stations are state-of-theart, human-centric innovation labs for both private astronauts and government missions. For Haven-1’s inaugural mission, four crew members will embark on a short duration journey which will include opportunities to conduct advanced science, research and in-space manufacturing. Haven-1 will not support EVAs however its missions will lay the groundwork for future capabilities.

IWC’s dedication to engineering excellence, delivering uncompromising accuracy, reliability, and astronaut-focused design, aligns perfectly with Vast’s human-centric approach to developing Haven-1. We’re thrilled to see this tool watch go from design and testing to launch,” added Max Haot, Vast CEO.

At their headquarters in Long Beach, California, engineers at Vast conducted thorough evaluations of the watch, assessing its resistance to vibrations and pressure changes, as well as the compatibility of its materials with the Haven-1 environment. 

The vibration tests, for example, exceeded the typical forces that astronauts experience during ascent. The watch was secured to a platform that generated rapid directional changes, exposing it to forces of up to 10g. After each test, the engineers verified that the watch remained intact and fully functional.

The Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive has successfully met all the testing criteria required for Haven-1 spaceflight environments and crew usage, earning an official certification for spaceflight from Vast. 

==================
About Vast 

Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure continuous human presence in space, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Model:  Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive

Click, to see the large size. BIG FOTO 

 Reference: IW328601

Case
    Material: Ceramic
    Diameter 44.3 mm
    Height 16.7 mm
    Glass: Sapphire, domed, antireflective coating on both sides
    Ceratanium® bezel    
    Rotating bezel system for controlling watch functions without a crown
    Ceratanium® case back
    Water-resistant to 100 meters
Dial 
    Black dial, black hands
    Central hacking seconds
    Date display
    Display of a second localtime
Movement
    IWC-manufactured calibre 32722
    Automatic movement
    Frequency: 4 Hz, 28'800 vph
    Number of jewels: 21
    Power reserve of 120 hours
Functions
    Date display
    Rotating bezel system for controlling watch functions without a crown
    Central hacking seconds
    Display of mission time
Strap 
    White rubber strap 20 mm with Ceratanium® pin buckle 18 mm 

🔴 Price: EUR 28'900 / CHF 24,500 / USD 39,600 (incl. taxes) 💰
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Further Information
IWC Schaffhausen Baumgartenstrasse 15· CH-8201Schaffhausen
Phone +41 (0)52 235 75 65 · Fax +41 (0)52 235 75 01 · press@iwc.com ·

------------------------------
Press releases - 2026
------------------------------
IWC Schaffhausen
Baumgartenstrasse 15 ·
CH-8201 Schaffhausen
Phone +41 (0)52 235 75 65 ·
Fax +41 (0)52 235 75 01 ·
Mobile  +41 (0)79 957 72 52
E-mail  info@iwc.com
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