January 22nd 2023 will ring in the Year of the Water Rabbit and it’s predicted to be a year of hope. According to the Chinese Zodiac, rabbit years are symbolized by peace, prosperity, and longevity - all good things to look forward to.
Honoring Traditions
Lunar New Year is all about traditions and celebrating with family and loved ones. And here at IWC, we know a thing or two about tradition being part of an industry steeped in tradition since 1868.
During the sixteen-day celebration see skies aglow with colourful fireworks and vibrant red lanterns. And if you’re looking for a stylish and special way to mark the occasion, we are pleased to introduce our IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 “Chinese New Year” Edition IW358315.
Introducing the Year of the Rabbit with the Portugieser Automatic 40 “Chinese New Year” Edition
IW358315 featuring a black calf skin strap…
...and another one in burgundy.
Burgundy and gold
Limited to 500 pieces, this special edition timepiece features a bold burgundy dial adorned with elegant gold-plated hands and appliques. Why burgundy? Burgundy is a classy and subdued alternative to the traditional vivid red typically used for decorating during the Lunar New Year festivities. And if you saw our Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition for the Year of Tiger last year, you’ll remember how striking that burgundy was. We’re keeping it in the red-hued family.
Speaking of family, Lunar New Year is also a time for reuniting with family and loved ones. We too have families at IWC - our watch families - with the Portugieser being one of our most iconic. Did you know that our first Portugieser timepiece was released in 1939, which also happened to be the Year of the Rabbit. Coincidence? Luck? You tell me.
A nod to the Year of the Rabbit
But the symbolism doesn’t stop there. Flip over our limited edition Portugieser Automatic 40 and that’s where the magic comes, or in this case, hops to life. As a nod to the forthcoming year, the gold-plated rotor is shaped like a rabbit. The sapphire glass case back is engraved with the words “2023 YEAR OF THE RABBIT”. The timepiece also comes with two calfskin straps one in black and the other in burgundy - because variety is the spice of life. The special edition Portugieser is powered by IWC’s in house manufactured 82200 Calibre comprised of 190 components and 31 jewels.
— IW358315 features a gold-plated rotor shaped like a rabbit
January 23rd 2023 marks a new year - the perfect time for a fresh start and renewed hopes for a prosperous future. With rabbits considered one of the darlings of the Chinese zodiac as purveyors of luck and good fortune, we can’t help but feel a spring in our step as springtime comes. And the IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 “Chinese New Year” Edition is the perfect accessory to signify a year of optimism and abundance.
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