For watch lovers, one of the most fascinating aspects of the new IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Mystère Rétrograde just unveiled at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 is the unusual presentation of the flying tourbillon, consisting of 82 parts, as a “12” indicator that appears to come to life. Fitted with a robust 44.2 mm case in platinum, after the 31st day of the month, the retrograde date display automatically jumps back to the 1st; in shorter months, the hand can be directly advanced using a rapid-advance system until it reverts to the 1st. The 7-day power reserve display indicates how much energy remains in the IWC 51900 calibre. To mark the 75th anniversary of the Portugieser watch family, IWC has given a timepiece swathed in mystery an additional touch of luxury. The arched-edge front glass endows the watch with a more classic, balanced appearance. The horns have also been ergonomically optimized to make the watch more comfortable to wear on a slimmer wrist. Fitted with a spectacular silver-toned dial with power reserve indicator at 3, retrograde calendar at 9 and tourbillon at 12 o'clock, the new IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Mystère Rétrograde is one of our favorite novelties this year.

Another new feature is the exclusive alligator leather strap by Santoni. The reverse side of the watch with its display case back is also more attractive. The narrower and partly perforated rotor —now made of solid red gold— provides a generous view of the IWC in-house calibre, which also features blued screws. In the IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Mystère Rétrograde, the “whirlwind” —as the word tourbillon translates— turns at 12 o'clock on the dial. The tourbillon rotates around its own axis once every 60 seconds to counteract the pull of gravity on any disequilibrium in the balance wheel that would adversely affect the watch’s rate and accuracy.

Fitted with a black Santoni alligator strap with deployant buckle, the watch wears slightly bigger than its size but with impressive wrist presence.

Sticker Price $142,000 USD for platinum ref. IW504601 and $116,000 USD for the 18K red gold ref. IW504602. For more info on IWC Schaffhausen click here.