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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Tourbillon wristwatch

IWC Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère

Partially verified

This IWC Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère is an 18K pink gold self-winding wristwatch, part of a limited edition of 500 pieces. It features a large 44 mm case with concave lugs, a brushed and polished finish, and sapphire crystals on both the front and the transparent case back. The matte silver dial includes applied pink gold Arabic numerals, pink gold feuille hands, and a visible one-minute flying tourbillon regulator at the 12 o'clock position. The movement is the IWC Caliber C 50900, which includes a 7-day power reserve indication, 44 jewels, and the patented Pellaton winding system. The watch is accompanied by an 18K pink gold deployant clasp, fitted box, and documentation.

IWC Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère in 18K pink gold, showing the silver dial, power reserve indicator, and flying tourbillon aperture.
IWC Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère in 18K pink gold, showing the silver dial, power reserve indicator, and flying tourbillon aperture. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Tourbillon wristwatch
Maker / attribution
International Watch Co.
Reference
504402
Catalogue / lot identifier
230
Source-reported date
circa 2010
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
5259513

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The watch is housed in a substantial 44 mm 18K pink gold case, featuring a three-body construction with polished and brushed surfaces. The design includes concave lugs and a transparent case back secured by six screws, protected by sapphire crystals. The case band is engraved with the limited edition number.

The matte silver dial displays applied pink gold Arabic numerals and matching feuille hands. A prominent feature is the aperture at the 12 o'clock position, which provides a view of the flying one-minute tourbillon regulator. Subsidiary indicators include a dial for the seconds and a sector for the 7-day power reserve.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, solid, polished and brushed, concave lugs”
  • “the band engraved with the edition number 351/500”
  • “Matte silver with applied pink gold Arabic numerals”
  • “Aperture at 12, for the flying one-minute tourbillon regulator.”

Movement and Mechanics

The Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère is powered by the IWC Caliber C 50900, a self-winding mechanical movement. It features rhodium plating with fausses cotes decoration and is built with 44 jewels. The assembly includes a three-arm tourbillon cage and a straight-line lever escapement.

Technical features of the movement include a monometallic balance adjusted to five positions, a shock absorber, and a self-compensating blued steel Breguet balance spring. The movement incorporates the proprietary Pellaton winding system and features a rotor with an inset 18K gold signature medallion.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. C 50900, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 44 jewels”
  • “three equidistant- arm tourbillon cage, straight-line lever escapement”
  • “patented Pellaton winding system, rotor with inset 18K gold signature medallion.”

Condition and Accompaniments

The auction description reports the watch to be in excellent, as-new condition for the case, dial, and movement, assigning it a grade of AAA. The sale includes an 18K pink gold IWC deployant clasp, which secures the watch.

The timepiece is sold as a set, which includes the original fitted presentation box, an instruction booklet, and documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent Case: 1 As new Movement: 1 As new”
  • “Accompanied by a fitted box, blank certificate, blank Guarantee card and booklet.”

Open research questions

  • What is the definitive edition number for this specific serial-numbered watch, given the discrepancy in the source?
  • What are the specific dates of the blank certificate provided with this lot?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for IWC Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerInternational Watch Co., Schaffhausen“International Watch Co., Schaffhausen”
Limited Edition500 pieces“Made in a limited edition of 500 pieces”
MovementCaliber C 50900“Cal. C 50900”
Case Material18K pink gold“18K pink gold wristwatch”
Case Diameter44 mm“DIAM. 44 mm.”
Power Reserve7 days“7-day power reserve indication”
Winding SystemPellaton“patented Pellaton winding system”
Case BackTransparent, secured by 6 screws“transparent case back secured with 6 screws”

Visible details

  • Applied pink gold Arabic numerals
  • Visible flying tourbillon aperture at 12 o'clock
  • Large 44 mm case diameter
  • 18K pink gold case and deployant clasp

Research qualifications

  • The source provides conflicting information regarding the edition number, listing 372/500 in the main header but 351/500 in the description body.
  • The included certificate and guarantee card are described as blank.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

IWC PORTUGUESE TOURBILLON MYSTERE PINK GOLD International Watch Co., Schaffhausen, "Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère," No. 372/500, case No. 5259513, Ref. 504402. Made in a limited edition of 500 pieces circa 2010. Very fine and rare, large, self-winding, water-resistant, 18K pink gold wristwatch with visible one-minute flying tourbillon regulator, 7-day power reserve indication and a 18K pink gold IWC deployant clasp. Accompanied by a fitted box, blank certificate, blank Guarantee card and booklet.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record ce5bc848bd

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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