IWC Schaffhausen presents the Portuguese Sidérale Scafusia

Sept. 24, 2011 - PRLog -- After ten years of intensive research, the Swiss watch manufacturer has succeeded in combining solar time with sidereal time in a single watch. Around 80 journalists representing the international trade press gathered in Schaffhausen to be initiated into the mysteries of this complex timepiece.

Today at IWC headquarters in Schaffhausen, the world of watchmaking meets for the launch of a unique timepiece, the most complex ever created by IWC. “The Portuguese Sidérale Scafusia is a universal work of art and the result of ten years’ research by a team of engineers, watchmakers and scientists,” explains Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen. “They have succeeded in combining solar time and sidereal time on a single dial. From the front, this fascinating masterpiece is a classical Portuguese watch, from the reverse side an astronomical instrument and, on the inside, a milestone in the art of Haute Horlogerie.” But perhaps even more fascinating than the number and combination of the complications is the notion that every single watch is unmistakably unique. The patented constant-force tourbillon is the most conspicuous feature. The tiny space on the reverse side accommodates a celestial chart, horizon, geographical coordinates, solar time, sidereal time, sunrise and sunset display as well as a display showing daytime, night-time and twilight. Also not to be forgotten is a completely integrated perpetual calendar behind the display showing the number of the day. The Portuguese Sidérale Scafusia combines the romanticism of the night sky with science at the cutting edge, while combining complex watchmaking technology with unbelievably simple operation and a craftsman’s love of detail with forward-thinking vision. For all its precision and attention to detail, the Portuguese Sidérale Scafusia watch is eminently suitable for everyday use: it is water resistant to 3 bar and, considering that the mechanism is so delicate, astonishingly impervious to schocks.

The Portuguese Sidérale Scafusia will not go into series production. Every single watch will be produced exclusively to order by the customer and is an individual project in itself. Since the star chart and horizon as well as sunrise and sunset times have to be calculated and displayed for a precise location specified by the customer, individual mechanical parts have to be custom-manufactured, then assembled and adjusted individually. This means that every customer is not only wearing a unique watch on his wrist but also his own personalised constellation of stars, as seen in the night sky from the location of his choice. With the Portuguese Sidérale Scafusia timepiece, individuality is of the utmost importance. As part of a special service, customers can design their own precious watches within the limits set by IWC’s design philosophy. The range of case and strap materials, together with the choice of five different colours for the dial as well as various colours for the appliqués and straps, results in over 200 possible combinations. In view of this individuality and the highly demanding design work involved, buyers will have to wait approximately one year for delivery. But as we said: special features require time.

With a clear focus on technology and development, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing watches of lasting value since 1868. The company has gained an international reputation based on a passion for innovative solutions and technical ingenuity. One of the world’s leading brands in the luxury watch segment, IWC crafts masterpieces of Haute Horlogerie at its finest, combining supreme precision with exclusive design.
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