IWC’s special Milan boutique edition of the Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante features a stunning dark blue dial that is complemented by the gold hands and indices. Limited to 150 pieces, this watch’s rattrapante function is heralded as a rare accomplishment in the watchmaking industry due to its complex manufacture.
The in-house manual winding IWC 76240 Calibre powers this rattrapante chronograph, beating at 28,800 vph and boasts a 44-hour power reserve – meaning you get smooth sweeping second hands and only need to wind it every three days.
With a 40.9mm steel case with a 12.9mm height, it’s not too imposing on the wrist and suits both dressy and smart casual settings.
The outer flange features a telemeter scale, the inner dial ring a tachymeter scale. The engraving on the case back depicts the “Biscione”, the winding Viper, which also adorns the coat of arms of the Visconti of Milan.
But… the star of the show is really the rattrapante function.
What’s a ‘Rattrapante’ and why it matters
The rattrapante, also referred to as a double chronograph or split-second chronograph, features an additional chronograph seconds hand and pusher, allowing you to time two intervals simultaneously. This means you can record two time intervals that begin at the same time but don’t end together (e.g. lap times between swimmers).
It’s an extremely complicated mechanical watch movement that is difficult to manufacture and thus rare – in fact only a few manufacturers like Patek Phillipe and A. Lange & Söhne have been able to make them in-house.
Limited to 150 pieces and available exclusively at the IWC boutique in Milan. (Photo: @equationdutemps via Instagram)
If you love the look of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph but prefer a more affordable version, check out the link below.
Want: for its gorgeous dark blue dial and gold hands, with the rattrapante function as an exemplar of IWC’s fine watchmaking.
Buy it: 12 400 € exclusively at IWC Milan boutique / $7,200 at Amazon (regular IWC Portugieser)