The IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater is strikingly clean in design. While the 43mm case size makes for for an abundance of dial space, the design team at IWC chose to keep the dial free of anything superfluous. Present only are the track style minute rail, arabic numerals, IWC monachre, and a tonal subsidiary seconds dial at 9 o'clock. The simplicity of this dial belies the complicated happenings beneath.
IWC's Calibre 95290 (based on the 95-calibre pocket watch movement) is a 54 jewel manually wound movement that has a 43 hour power reserve and is fitted with two gongs that announce hours, quarters, and minutes when the repeater is activated. The report is smooth, distinct, and very pleasing. When viewed through the display back, much of the movement is visible and the attention to detail obvious. The plates and bridges are finished with vagues de Geneve and contrast nicely with the high polished bezel that secures the sapphire crystal caseback.
The Portuguese Minute Repeater is limited to 100 pieces in platinum. $103,000 US puts one on your wrist.
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