It’s difficult to ignore a Lunar New Year-inspired timepiece, especially one with as much visual appeal as the IWC Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake
We always keep an eye out for a limited-edition timepiece from IWC Schaffhausen whenever the Lunar New Year comes into view. The watchmaker, beloved for their timeless and strong design language, often rolls out some of the most visually pleasing and sophisticated timepieces during this period.
It seems this year, the Year of the Snake, is no different. The IWC Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake, the latest Lunar New Year-inspired timepiece from the Maison, exudes a quiet yet striking refinement that immediately catches the eye. Adorned with a rich burgundy dial that’s elegantly complemented by gold accents, the timepiece packs some serious visual punch, thanks, in no small part, to a gold moonphase display at its 12 o’clock.
“Since 1984, the Portofino from IWC Schaffhausen has embodied classic elegance and timeless beauty. With its charming moon phase display at 12 o’clock, the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 is among the collection’s most coveted pieces,” says Peter Lao, managing director of IWC Schaffhausen in China.
Just like the watchmaker’s limited-edition Portugieser Chronograph Year of the Dragon from last year, the burgundy hue of the dial was a purposeful design choice, meant to reflect the colour’s symbolic value in Chinese culture. Unlike last year’s rendition, however, the timepiece comes in a smaller 37mm stainless steel case. The smaller case, coupled with the watch’s elegant leaf-shaped hands and applied hour markers, imbues the timepiece with a subtle modesty that belies its striking styling.
The most striking element of the timepiece, however, is only revealed once you turn the watch over. Rather than a traditionally decorated rotor, you’ll find a gold-plated oscillating mass that’s been intricately engraved into the shape of a serpent. As the watch winds during your daily wear, the detailed serpent will appear as though it’s slithering across the movement.
Limited to just 500 pieces, the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake is powered by the Maison’s 32800 automatic calibre that comes with an impressive five-day power reserve.
