As the world of horology turns its focus to the Lunar New Year, IWC Schaffhausen continues its tradition of honoring this significant cultural event with a special edition timepiece. The Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake, limited to just 500 pieces, offers a harmonious blend of classic design, meticulous craftsmanship, and thematic symbolism that resonates deeply with both collectors and watch enthusiasts.
Design and Craftsmanship
The Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 (Ref. IW459604) is a statement of elegance, featuring a stainless steel case with a 37-millimeter diameter—a size that balances sophistication with wearability. The timepiece is distinguished by its striking burgundy dial, a hue that symbolizes the fiery vibrancy of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinese culture. This dial is complemented by a moon phase display positioned at 12 o’clock, which is not only visually captivating but also technically impressive. The moon phase mechanism is engineered to deviate by just one day every 122 years, ensuring precision over generations.
Further enhancing the aesthetic appeal, the watch’s golden moon and stars contrast beautifully against the rich burgundy backdrop. The gold-plated hands and appliques add to the overall warmth and elegance of the design, making this timepiece a fitting tribute to the Year of the Snake.
Mechanics and Features
At the heart of this special edition Portofino is the IWC-manufactured 32800 calibre. This automatic movement boasts a power reserve of up to five days, a testament to IWC’s commitment to both form and function. Collectors will appreciate the attention to detail on the reverse side of the watch, where the oscillating mass—crafted in the shape of a snake—pays homage to the Lunar New Year and the associated zodiac sign. This intricate design is gold-plated, further emphasizing the luxury and exclusivity of the timepiece.
The watch is versatile, offering two calfskin straps—one in black and the other in burgundy. Both straps feature a butterfly clasp, and thanks to a quick-change system, wearers can easily switch between them to match their style or occasion.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
The Year of the Snake, beginning on January 19, 2025, is associated with wisdom, agility, and transformation. People born under this sign are believed to be astute problem solvers with a penchant for profound philosophical thought. The snake’s symbolic connection to rebirth and strength aligns seamlessly with the values that IWC Schaffhausen imbues in this special edition watch.
Peter Lao, Managing Director of IWC Schaffhausen in China, remarks, “Since 1984, the Portofino from IWC Schaffhausen has embodied classic elegance and timeless beauty. With its charming moon phase display at 12 o’clock, the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 is among the collection’s most coveted pieces. With this new timepiece, we would like to wish everyone a strong start into the Year of the Snake.”
Conclusion
The Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake is a timepiece that blends cultural significance with horological excellence. Its limited availability ensures that it will be a prized addition to any collection, offering both aesthetic pleasure and technical sophistication.
