New Levels of Innovation: The Minute Repeater

Here at IWC we are quite proud of our commitment to craftsmanship – the care taken to create and deliver a timepiece of irrefutable quality. We are also proud of our dedication to innovation, continuously pursuing new technologies, techniques, and materials to incorporate into our watches.

With the minute repeater mechanism, the level of technical advancement is on a new level: it took 50,000 hours of development, and 250 individual components were used in the launch of the Grand Complication, the first watch to incorporate this special mechanism.

For perspective, 50,000 hours equates to over 5.5 years – a commitment of resources and thought leadership appreciated by haute horology connoisseurs worldwide.

The first Portuguese Minute Repeater

What it is: IWC timepieces that include the mechanism create a different sound to identify the 12 hour denotation, hour, and minute; to put it very simply, using acoustic signals to audibly tell the time. When engaged the mechanism sounds on two gongs tuned to different notes. The total possible number of chimes is: twelve hour chimes, three quarter-hour chimes, and fourteen minute chimes.

The second version of the Portuguese Minute Repeater

While the Grand Complication was the first, it was hardly the last to take advantage of this exquisite mechanism. It was also placed in the Il Destriero Scafusia as well as three more recent versions of the Portuguese Minute Repeater. Now we’ve shared a lot with you about the unique features of the Portuguese watch collection, and the latest to include the minute repeater mechanism is in a class all of its own.

The Portuguese Minute Repeater comes in either Red Gold or Platinum, with a limited edition of only 500 of each. The repeater mechanism consists of 200 parts, one of which solely ensures that the chimes are struck only when the repeating slide is fully engaged. It also boasts a 48 hour power reserve and 98950-calibre movement.

Portuguese Minute Repeater Squelette

Whether you already own one of the timepieces with this renowned mechanism or plan to visit one of the IWC boutiques worldwide to see one, it is definitely an unparalleled experience and one that speaks deeply to the values and mission of IWC Schaffhausen.