Swiss luxury watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen has introduced a special timepiece to welcome the Year of the Horse, which begins on February 17, 2026. The new Portugieser Automatic 42 Year of the Horse continues IWC’s tradition of marking each Lunar New Year with an elegant, limited-edition creation.
In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes energy, freedom, courage, and success — qualities that inspire people to chase new ambitions. IWC captures this spirit beautifully through a design that blends traditional craftsmanship with symbolic artistry.
The watch features a 42.4 mm stainless steel case paired with a deep burgundy dial, a color often associated with good fortune and joy during Lunar New Year celebrations. The refined dial follows the signature Portugieser layout, with gold-plated hands, Roman numerals, and hour markers. It also includes a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, a power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock, and a date window at 6 o’clock for perfect symmetry and readability.
Inside, the watch houses IWC’s in-house Caliber 52011, an automatic movement equipped with the brand’s Pellaton winding system made from durable ceramic parts. This ensures smooth operation and an impressive 7-day power reserve stored across two barrels, offering long-lasting precision.
The most eye-catching detail appears on the transparent sapphire caseback, where a gold-plated rotor shaped like a galloping horse symbolizes vitality and motion — a perfect nod to the new lunar cycle.
Limited to only 500 pieces worldwide, this elegant collector’s watch embodies the union of Swiss engineering and Eastern symbolism, making it a standout release for both enthusiasts and collectors. The price is available upon request through IWC boutiques.
Detail Info
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Model Name: IWC Portugieser Automatic 42 “Year of the Horse”
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Reference: (TBA)
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Case Size: 42.4 mm
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Case Material: Stainless steel
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Dial Color: Burgundy red with gold accents
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Hands & Markers: Gold-plated hands, Roman numerals, and appliqués
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Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve indicator, date
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Movement: IWC-manufactured Caliber 52011
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Power Reserve: 7 days (168 hours)
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Winding System: Pellaton automatic with ceramic components
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Rotor: Gold-plated rotor shaped like a galloping horse (visible through sapphire caseback)
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Water Resistance: 30 meters
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Strap: Black or burgundy alligator leather strap (unspecified)
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Limited Edition: 500 pieces
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Release Date: Ahead of Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse)
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Price: Available upon request via IWC boutiques
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