IWC Ingenieur Constant-Force Tourbillon Ref. 5900

Constant-Force Tourbillon. It would seem no display of a new IWC line these days is without some unique mechanical marvel, like the IWC Portuguese Sidérale Scafusia Ref. 5041 announced in 2011, and IWC Pilots Watch Worldtimer Ref. 3262, in 2012.  For SIHH 2013, we have a Tourbillon, a common enough, though expensive Mechanism with a twist. 

A tourbillon mounts the escapement in a rotating cage to distribute the wear and tear, which is augmented by gravity, evenly. This was particularly important for clocks which had a definite up and down orientation. With wrist watches, the users arm movement does some of the job of distributing wear and tear. IWC new take on the tourbillon integrates a patented constant force mechanism. I would love how to describe how the whole thing works, but really it is a fair bit beyond my level of comprehension. Hopefully, a reader will chime in. Let's go to the part I can understand.

IWC Ingenieur Constant-Force Tourbillon Ref. 5900. In keeping with the modern theme of the 2013 IWC releases, this watch comes in a case constructed from a traditional precious material, platinum, and uses it conjunction with a modern material, ceramic. The case is all of 46 mm in diameter and the watch is presented on a black alligator leather strap. 

The dial of the watch gives a clear view of the Constant-Force Tourbillon. On the opposite side a double moon display depicts moon so realistically that even craters can be recognized. A countdown scale shows the number of days remaining until the next full moon. A power reserve display between “4” and “5 o’clock” indicates the energy remaining in the mainspring. The entire movement can be viewed through a clear case back. 

Undoubtably, this watch will be rather expensive. While there is no indication of how many will be made, it will be a very limited production watch.

About IWC. IWC or the the "International Watch Co. Schaffhausen" was founded by an American engineer from Boston, Florentine Ariosto Jones, in Schaffhausen, Switzerland in the year 1868. IWC Schaffhausen is notable for being the only major Swiss watch factory located in eastern Switzerland, as the majority of the well-known Swiss watch manufacturers are located in western Switzerland.