IWC, VERY RARE LIMITED EDITION PLATINUM MINUTE REPEATING 'PORTUGIESER', REF. IW5240-004

Following the success of the anniversary Portugieser released in 1993, two years later, IWC added to this legendary and historic line with a minute repeating model, such as the present lot. Reference IW5240 follows the Portugieser lineage that began in 1939 with its 42mm case, a generous size due to its original intent of housing a pocket watch movement for precision. Caliber 95290 found within is based on the original pocket watch movement caliber 95 and beats away at a charming 18,000 vibrations per hour. Interestingly, the repeater complication is on the dial side of the movement, adding to its stealthy presence.

Limited to only 50 examples in platinum, this rare timepiece focuses on the refined details and exemplifies the top quality watchmaking of IWC. The watch features applied Arabic numerals, leaf hands, and minute pearls around the perimeter of the dial. Interestingly, the 9 o’clock subsidiary seconds register features stop-seconds for precise time-setting.