SpotlightDragon-Powered: Introducing The IWC Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon Watch

Majestic and mysterious, the mythical dragon is an inspiring animal with endless possibilities to work with. Shaffhausen-based IWC have released one of the classiest timepieces inspired by the Year of the Dragon this year, which begins on February 10, 2024. The burgundy dial and gold highlights on the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon watch are a nod to colours associated with fire, fortune, and new beginnings in China, while the real tribute is visible through the exhibition caseback. A golden rotor in the shape of a dragon winds the automatic movement housed behind the rich, wine coloured dial, and looks on fiercely when the watch is turned over. A subtle tribute to the Chinese zodiac, the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon timepiece is more sophisticated than a standard chronograph, and fits right in, even in a formal setting.

Dragon’s Elegance: Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon

Introduced in 1998, the IWC Portugieser Chronograph stands out from the brand’s other collections, offering a distinctly elegant appeal not often associated with chronograph watches. A vertical bicompax dial—with the 30-minute recorder at 12 o’clock, and a small seconds sub-dial at six—is surrounded on the periphery by applied Arabic indexes, dot markers for the minute track, and a quarter-of-a-second precision scale on the flange. These gold-plated markers and indexes beautifully offset the rich burgundy hue of the dial, even as golden leaf hands add a dash of elegance that gives the Portugieser a dressy and sophisticated aesthetic.

A vertical bicompax dial is surrounded on the periphery by applied Arabic indexes, dot markers for the minute track, and a quarter-of-a-second precision scale on the flange

The IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre is visible through the caseback, where a gold dragon-shaped rotor takes pride of place, winding the watch with every turn of the wrist

Dragon Hidden In The Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon

A comfortably sized 41mm case frames the dial, with a crown at three and pushers at two and four o’clock. Inside the watch is the automatic IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre, offering a power reserve of 46 hours. The movement is visible through the caseback, where a gold dragon-shaped rotor takes pride of place, winding the watch with every movement of the wearer’s wrist. As this gilded beast is only visible through the caseback, the Chinese zodiac reference is like a secret that only the wearer is aware of.

The watch is mounted on a black calfskin leather strap, which highlights the deep red of the dial. Alternately, an easily interchangeable matching red textured rubber strap is provided with the watch to give it a sportier look and feel. Here’s a watch that adapts well to dressing up or down, depending on the wearer. The fortune-filled dial and the secret dragon hidden inside make the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon a timeless accessory that will be valued long after the dragon retreats to make way as the snake takes over the zodiac.