Schaffhausen/Geneva, 14th November 2024 — IWC Schaffhausen’s Portugieser Eternal Calendar has been awarded the prestigious “Aiguille d’Or” at the 24th Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), the ultimate recognition in the world of Swiss watchmaking. Launched earlier this year, the Portugieser Eternal Calendar is a groundbreaking creation, marking IWC’s first secular perpetual calendar. This mechanical marvel introduces an innovative 400-year gear, ensuring the calendar skips three leap years over the course of four centuries—an engineering feat that sets the Portugieser apart in the world of haute horlogerie.
The watch also boasts an unprecedented Double Moon™ phase display that will deviate by only one day after a world-record-breaking 45,361,055 years. This level of precision and innovation further underscores IWC’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship.
A New Era for Perpetual Calendars
The Portugieser Eternal Calendar is based on the same modular and synchronized design as IWC’s original perpetual calendar, developed by Kurt Klaus in the 1980s. The major distinction lies in its ability to account for the leap year exceptions in the Gregorian calendar. By skipping three leap years every 400 years, it ensures accurate date tracking until at least the year 3999, a rare feat in the watchmaking industry.
IWC’s engineering excellence is showcased in the meticulously designed platinum case of the Portugieser Eternal Calendar. Featuring a transparent glass dial, the timepiece highlights the IWC-manufactured 52640 calibre and showcases the intricate mechanics that make this watch a true testament to the art of Swiss watchmaking.
Celebrating Innovation and Precision
“We are thrilled to win this award for the Portugieser Eternal Calendar,” said Chris Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen. “Building on Kurt Klaus’s perpetual calendar, we have once again redefined what is possible in mechanical calendar complications. This is more than just a concept—this is a timepiece our customers can wear every day, and we are proud to see it honored at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.”
The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, often referred to as the “Oscars®” of watchmaking, is one of the most respected awards in the industry. Held annually, it celebrates exceptional watch creations and the outstanding quality of Swiss watchmaking. IWC’s victory in the “Calendar & Astronomy” category marks another significant milestone in the brand’s illustrious history.
The Road to the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève
Ahead of the awards ceremony, all nominated watches were displayed in a traveling exhibition in cities such as Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, New York, and Geneva. The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève itself took place at the Théâtre du Léman in Geneva, with prominent representatives from the watch industry and press in attendance.
IWC also received nominations in three categories: the Portugieser Eternal Calendar (Ref. IW505701) in “Calendar & Astronomy,” the Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One™ Team (Ref. IW388306) in “Sports,” and the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Tourbillon Markus Bühler (Ref. IW329901) in the “Iconic” category.
About IWC Schaffhausen
Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker and engineer Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC Schaffhausen has earned a reputation for creating functional, robust, and precise timepieces. With collections like the Portugieser and Pilot’s Watches, IWC covers the full spectrum from elegant to professional sports watches. Known for its innovation and mastery of materials, IWC has been a pioneer in using titanium and ceramics and is a leader in sustainable luxury watchmaking.
IWC’s commitment to crafting timepieces built to last for generations is supported by its dedication to sustainable practices, ensuring the brand’s legacy will continue for many years to come.
