IWC Portuguese Series Moon Phase Perpetual Calendar Moon & Tide Watch IW344001

Moon phases are useless complications, let’s not beat around the bush. Unless you’re a werewolf, you don’t need to know if the moon is new or full, not at all. Except… well, the moon determines the tides, and for anyone near the sea, tracking the tides is incredibly useful – which is why IWC’s Portugieser Moon & Tide is both a moon phase and a tide indicator.

This year it’s the Portugieser’s turn, and IWC has gone all-in, and therein lies the beauty of this in new sizes, perpetual calendars, and sporty collaborations. The concept is relatively simple; up top, you have a dual-hemispherical moon phase indicator that keeps turning no matter where you are.

This is then linked to a tide indicator at 6 o’clock, which, when set to your local tide, will tell you when the next high or low tide is expected. Even more impressive, the twin can take into account spring and neap tides, so that you know not only the height, but the strength as well.

This time around makes the standard moon phase more than just a nifty gadget; it’s actually worth having, at least on this watch. Of course, it also helps that with its blue and rose gold color palette, the Moon & Tide is also a very pretty piece of watchmaking.

The array is powered by IWC’s 82835 automatic movement, which has an impressive 60-hour power reserve and is wound with a Pellaton winding system for added efficiency.

So whether it’s for moonlit strolls on the beach or knowing when to moor your yacht, the Portugieser Moon & Tide transforms the mysterious glowing orbs in the night sky into something you can actually use. Now it’s all your fault for being stranded.

Price and Specs:

Brand: IWC
Model: Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide
Model: 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 caliber 82835, automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, perpetual calendar for northern and southern hemispheres, high or low tide display, tide indication and time and date of next high or low tide
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 60 hours
Strap: Blue rubber strap with textile inlays
Price/Availability: $33,100