Calibre 51011 - latest developments?

Dear all,

I just purchased some weeks ago a new Portugieser Automatic with the 51011 calibre.

The first thing I realized was the usage of some different materials for the calibre than the one you can usually see in pictures or also on IWC.com

Besides the small ceramic winding clicks it is mainly the Pawl-winding wheel which shines silver instead of golden.

Are there any updated details (pictures, technical specs) on the current calibre and probably som explanations why these modifications have been made?

Thanks and Regards
Thomas

Thomas, thanks to the exhibitionist case back of your watch you were exposed to the inner beauty of the movement in which you observed a change in one of the parts.

Yes, the auto device wheel hitherto made in a bronze color has been replaced with a 'grey' color wheel made from a different material as shown in the attached photo.

I do not have further information as to which materials have been used or what the new wheels are made of but, as I mentioned in previous posts, IWC is always on the lookout to improve the efficiency of critical parts which can and do make a difference.

I'm sure the company takes pleasure when unheralded modifications and improvements are noticed by IWC fans.

Regards,
Jack Freedman

Hi guys,
The original set up was a gold-plated nickel silver pawl wheel with beryllium bronze Pellaton clicks driving it.
This combination of metals was chosen for the low coefficient of friction between the two even with minimal or no lubrication. The wisdom of this choice has been proven through the decades of service, without degradation, these components have offered in calibres such as 853 or 8541.
The new set up uses a hardened steel pawl wheel with ceramic Pellaton clicks driving it.
It had been noted, through the quality control of clients watches returned for routine servicing, that a few 50xxx movements showed signs of increased wear to the pawl and clicks compared to their 8541 predecessors. This was likely due to the increased efficiency of the large and massive rotor in the 7 day movement. By embracing the new technology of precision ceramic component manufacturing, IWC has improved their already proven design.
I don't have any photos at the moment but will post some 'before & after' soon.
Leo

Jack, Leo, many thanks for the technology feedback provided. Its good to know our favourite marquee continuasly strives to improve on already brilliant design.

+1!

Will it be possible to retro fit these new modifications on a pre-existing BP calibre of 2011 manufacture.
Kenneth.

Yep.
These components will fit all 5xxxx calibres. That is they can be fitted to calibres starting with 5 with 5 digits. They can Not be fitted to the older 5xxx calibres and are not necessary for 85xx calibres.

Thankyou Leo.
Kind regards.
Kenneth.