The IWC Platinum (Ref. IW505701) Shines as a Collector’s Gem
When watch enthusiasts talk about iconic timepieces, the IWC Portugieser line inevitably surfaces. The Portugieser collection embodies IWC’s commitment to horological excellence, refined aesthetics, and mechanical innovation. Among these, the Perpetual Calendar in Platinum (Ref. IW505701) is particularly noteworthy—combining one of the most prestigious complications with a rarely used precious metal. Below, we dive into what makes this watch special and evaluate it using the 7-Factor WIPS (Watch Investment Potential Score) framework.
IWC Portugieser: A Brief Heritage
Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones, IWC (International Watch Company) has cultivated a reputation for Swiss craftsmanship with an American pioneering spirit. Over the decades, IWC introduced numerous technical milestones, from the legendary Pilot’s Watches to the elegant and mechanically advanced Portugieser range. The Portugieser collection debuted in the 1930s, intended to house precise and large movements traditionally used in marine chronometers. Since then, it has evolved into a symbol of sophisticated watchmaking, encompassing everything from simple automatic calibers to perpetual calendars and tourbillons.
Spotlight on the Perpetual Calendar
A Complication of Mastery
A perpetual calendar is regarded as one of horology’s pinnacles, tracking day, date, month, and leap years automatically—requiring no manual correction until well into the next century (assuming the watch remains powered). IWC’s perpetual calendar system stands out for its ingenuity: designed by the famed Kurt Klaus in the 1980s, it consolidates all the calendar indications through a single crown adjustment. This eliminates the need for multiple pushers, making it exceptionally user-friendly compared to many other perpetuals.
