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It’s the pride of Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Well, I assume it is because other than being the home of IWC, I have no idea what else Schaffhausen is known for. Actually, I think we accidentally bombed it in World War Two, but I digress… Now what was I writing about, oh yeah… The IWC Portuguese Automatic watch.

IWC, which stands for International Watch Company, has been making world renowned timepieces since 1868, and its motto, “Probus Scafusia” which is Latin for “good, solid craftsmanship from Schaffhausen” is as true today as it was when the company started. It is certainly true with the Portuguese Automatic, which is a truly magnificent wristwatch.

The Portuguese Automatic is about as esteemed a luxury watch as you’re going to find on the market. It’s a watch that watchmakers want. That is, the kind of people who pay close attention to craftsmanship almost always give it high praise. And it has basically earned that reputation without resorting to gimmickry. This is a clean, elegant and traditional timepiece. Take a look at its Arabic numerals and you’ll get a sense of its many charms… none of which blink, ring, or distract. On the other hand, it is not the least bit archaic. Of its timeless and contemporary features, this watch has the following: Mechanical movement; an automatic winding system; a seven-day power reserve; a power reserve display; very small seconds hand; a Breguet spring; a rotor that comes with an 18 carat yellow gold medallion; a date display; convex sapphire glass; a sapphire glass back; and the one I am looking at has a dark brown crocodile leather strap.

To sum up: The IWC Portuguese Automatic doesn’t try to show off. It doesn’t have to. It’s already close to perfect.