A moon phase is a useless complication, let’s not beat around the bush. Unless you’re a werewolf, there’s no need to know whether the moon is new or full, none at all. Except… well, the moon dictates the tides and the tides, for anyone near the sea, are damn useful to keep track of – which is why IWC’s Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide is both a moon phase and a tidal indicator.
This year it’s the Portugieser collection’s turn for IWC’s undivided attention and, among the new sizes, perpetual calendars and sporty collaborations is this beauty. The concept is relatively simple; at the top you have a dual hemisphere moon phase indicator which keeps turning regardless of where you are in the world.
This is then linked to the tidal indicator at 6 o’clock, which after being set to local tides, will tell you when the next high or low tides are to be expected. More impressively, the twinned duo can factor in spring and neap tides, so that you don’t just know the height but the strength, too.
For once this makes the standard moon phase more than a pretty bauble; it’s actually worth having, on this watch at least. Sure, it also helps that with its palette of blue and rose gold, the Moon & Tide is also an incredibly handsome piece of watchmaking.
The array is powered by IWC’s 82835 calibre automatic movement with an impressive 60-hour power reserve, wound with a Pellaton winding system for efficiency’s sake.
So, whether it’s a moonlight walk on the beach or knowing when to moor your yacht, the Portugieser Moon & Tide translates that mysterious glowing orb in the night sky into something you can actually use. Now running aground is all your fault.
Price & Specs:
Brand: IWC
Model: Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide
Ref: IW344001
Case/Dial: 44.6mm diameter x 14.4mm height, 18k gold case, blue dial, gold-plated hands
Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: IWC calibre 82835, automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, perpetual moon phase for the northern and
southern hemispheres, display for spring tide or neap tide, tide indicating with the time of the next high or low tide, date
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 60h
Strap: Blue rubber strap with textile inlay
Price/availability: $33,100
More details at IWC’s website.
