IWC Portuguese Siderale Scafusia Watch

The watch was unveiled at Paranal Observatory, in the middle of the Chilean desert, a perfect spot to present such an extraordinary creation. This place hosts the Very Large Telescope, which is the most advanced optical instrument of its kind. The Portuguese Sidérale Scafusia is the most complex watch ever created by the Swiss brand. In the words of Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen, IWC sets a new benchmark with this watch.

The front of a watch reveals a constant-force tourbillon, while the reverse side showcases a whole array of indications: 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, perpetual calendar with display showing leap years and number of day.




Dial side displays 24-hour display (sidereal time) and a power reserve display. The watch offers two ways to measure time, and both can be set separately. Time on Earth is typically measured based on the length of a solar day. However, this watch can also measure the astral time – or the sidereal time. The two types of day differ in length, while solar day lasts 24 hours, a sidereal day is about four minutes shorter. This is a very handy feature for every astronomy enthusiast, as it helps in observation of the stars.




The current time of day is displayed on the central hour and minute hands, while the seconds hand revolves around the edge of tourbillon cage at 9 o’clock. Tourbillon features a constant power mechanism, which defies gravity and oscillates at the rate of 2.5 hertz, or 18,000 beats per hour. The reverse side features imprinted night sky and perpetual calendar shown in the form of a circular cut-out. On the edge of a case-back there is a track that shows the current time of day, the sidereal time as well as sunrise and sunset.

The watch uses Calibre 94900 that guarantees a minimum of 4 days of power reserve. This is a mechanical hand-wound movement. It rests inside 46-millimeters wide round case, fitted with a see-through sapphire-glass back. The case material and strap are subject to customers’ choice. The customer can also choose from a wide range of dial designs and colors, but each of them will have to wait approximately one year for delivery. The watch is delivered in a special presentation box accompanied by a magnifying glass. The price for this watch is starting from 750,000 Swiss Francs.



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Author: Marina Milojević
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