IWC Schaffhausen unveils the Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse, a timepiece that blends cultural symbolism with horological mastery.
IWC Schaffhausen introduced a new limited-edition watch to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year: the Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse.
Limited to just 500 pieces, this release honors the horse as a symbol of strength, freedom, and success in Chinese culture. With its burgundy dial, stainless steel case, and a galloping horse rotor visible through the sapphire caseback, the watch embodies both auspicious tradition and modern craftsmanship.
The IWC Portugieser Year of the Horse features a deep burgundy dial inspired by the red tones of Lunar New Year festivities. Golden hands, Roman numerals, and appliques add warmth and elegance, while the horse motif on the rotor pays homage to the zodiac sign’s vitality.
The case, crafted in stainless steel with a diameter of 42.4 mm, maintains the classic proportions of the Portugieser Automatic 42, ensuring timeless appeal.
The dial layout—with small seconds at 9 o’clock and a power reserve display at 3 o’clock—dates back to the first Portugieser Automatic (Ref. 5000) from 2000. A discreet date window at 6 o’clock enhances functionality without compromising design balance.
Inside, the watch houses the IWC-manufactured calibre 52011, offering a seven-day power reserve (168 hours) and the brand’s signature Pellaton winding system.
Components made of virtually wear-free ceramic ensure durability, while the rotor, crafted in gold-plated form and shaped as a galloping horse, celebrates the vitality of the Lunar New Year.
Box-shaped sapphire crystals on both sides reveal the meticulous mechanics, while the slender case profile enhances wearability. Delivered with two straps—black and burgundy alligator leather—paired with a stainless steel folding clasp, the watch offers versatility and elegance.
The Year of the Horse begins on 17 February 2026, and this edition reflects IWC’s ongoing tradition of honoring Lunar New Year through special releases. Previous zodiac-inspired models have celebrated animals such as the dragon and tiger, but the horse carries particular resonance as a symbol of ambition, independence, and forward momentum.
In Chinese culture, people born in the Year of the Horse are said to be active, hardworking, and adventurous. The zodiac is associated with progress, new opportunities, and the courage to pursue goals with confidence. By aligning horology with cultural storytelling, IWC strengthens its connection with collectors across Asia and beyond.
Founded in 1868 by Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC Schaffhausen has built a reputation for combining Swiss craftsmanship with engineering innovation. Known for pioneering the use of titanium and ceramics, the brand continues to push boundaries with advanced materials such as Ceratanium® and titanium aluminide.
Today, IWC is also recognized as a leader in sustainable luxury watchmaking, sourcing materials responsibly and minimizing environmental impact.
With collections ranging from the elegant Portugieser to the robust Pilot’s Watches, IWC embodies versatility while maintaining its core values of precision, durability, and timeless design.
With the Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse (Ref. IW501709), IWC delivers a watch that is more than a timekeeper—it is a cultural artifact.
Limited to 500 pieces, it combines auspicious symbolism with mechanical excellence, reinforcing IWC’s reputation for blending tradition and innovation. As the Lunar New Year approaches, this release stands as a testament to how horology can embody heritage while inspiring modern collectors.
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