Perpetual movements

Could anyone tell me where I might find a definitive explanation of the movement in the Portuguese Perpetual Calendar. I'm fascinated by the complexity that IWC have achieved here and would love to understand how they have done it.

As part of my growing love affair with IWC watches I recently went to see a PPC in RG at my authorised dealer. It truly is a beautiful watch and given the number dials, so easy to read. Haven't quite made the step to acquiring one - only a matter of time I suspect.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help with the PPC movement.

David

Perpetual movements

Hi David
Sorry but I can't give any info. But I'm sure that somebody wil be able.
I just wanted to say, that I totally agree with your views.
I went to an AD 2 weeks ago and saw the same watch.
It was beautiful, unfortunately its abit to much for me. But if I could afford it, I wouldn't hesitate.It was just so easy to read and comfortable to wear.
Good luck. I shall follow your thread with great interest.
Cheers
Tony

Some details here - but you can find more...

The features of the Portuguese Perpetual Calendar II (Ref 5022) has so many features and complications:
Perpetual calendar, perpetual moon phase, four-digit year display, mechanical movement, automatic Pellaton winding system, power reserve display, small seconds with stop function, Breguet balance spring, rotor with 18 ct. yellow gold medallion

Movement specs:
Caliber 51610
Vibrations 21,600 / h / 3 Hz
Jewels 64
Power reserve 7 days (168 hours)
Winding automatic with Pellaton Winding system

What is also special about the Portuguese Perpetual is the revised gear resolution in the moonphase that enables it to have an accuracy of "one day within 522 years". Incredible.

The "Brain" of the perpetual calendar is the "Date Program Disc" which has 48-notches to represent all the months over 4-years. This way, you can see the varied depth of the notches tell the watch whether the month contains 28, 29, 30, or 31 days.

You may also want to watch the MOVIE on the page linked below - which has animations and detailed images of the movement components.

Mechanics of Portuguese Perpetual Calendar

this interview with Kurt Klaus might help

In over-simplified form, the perpetual calendar module of the Da Vinci was redesigned to work with a Calibre 5000 series base movement. There's much on both the module and the Calibre 5000 in the archives.

The following link is to a 2003 interview with Kurt Klaus, who headed the design team.

Good luck,
Michael

click here

Thanks for the movie link Richard...Awesome. (nt)

Very nice resource Richard (more) ...>

I am interested in Perpetual movements but have a few reservations...

I wish the display had larger font, especially the year indicator.

I do not like the lack of 24 h indicator.

The lack of quick setting of the movement means she has to run continously.

Not a complaint at all, the high cost makes one think very carefully before making a purchasing.

Best from Isobars.

Thank you

Plenty to follow up on here so thank you all.

David

What lack of "quick-setting"?

with all do respect - the original question was one of curiosity of the robust features and complications of the MOVEMENT. Not necessarily fonts, case, or dial readability.

Certainly, I think no one thinks of a Perpetual Calendar as a "tool watch" - which would be suggested by the need to be able to easily "read" the 4-digit year display. No one "needs" a watch to tell them what year it is - the year display is there in order for the user to appreciate the complexity of the engineering, and accountability for the behavior of the calendar functions.

Despite that argument - you will find me glancing at the year display at New Year's Eve - but i find it large enough. Keep in mind, this is one of the LARGEST perpetual calendar movements on the market.

What do you mean by "lack of quick setting"? This watch is so easy to set in the event that it stops running - in fact, quicker than most other perpetual calendars because the calendar displays are all pre-programmed.

Thank you

Michael and Richard
Thank you for both your valuable inputs.

Hi Richard...Thanks for your correction >

regarding the setting of IWC Perpetuals. I am not as familiar with them as yourself. Secondly, though I realize the original question I was expanding the subject. I would add to my thinking bold legibility with any watch or clock face is a [i]must[i] for me.

The addition of a 24 h indicator as a standard feature to all watches and clocks would be a huge improvement over current practice. The need for the notation of A.M. or P.M. after the digits is awkward and confusing. It's is also a feature the digits themselevs should be conveying to the observer.

Cheers from Isobars.