IW501704 – This version features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42.4 millimeters, a blue dial, and rhodium-plated hands and appliqués. Thanks to a completely reworked case construction—featuring a slimmer case ring and box-type sapphire crystals on both the front and back—the watch has a particularly light and elegant appearance.
A highlight of the watch is its elaborately crafted dial, produced via a complex 60-step manufacturing process. Its remarkable visual depth is achieved by applying 15 layers of transparent lacquer, which are finely sanded and then polished to a high gloss. The sub-dials are milled into both the brass blank and the lacquer layer. A special printing process enhances the three-dimensional effect. Finally, the appliqués are applied individually by hand.
The Portugieser Automatic 42 is powered by the IWC-manufactured 52011 calibre, which is elaborately finished with circular Geneva stripes. The Pellaton winding system is reinforced with virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic components and builds up a power reserve of seven days (168 hours) across two barrels. The watch is fitted with a stainless steel bracelet.