New Release
India Whiskey Charlie's post introduces the latest IWC Schaffhausen Portofino Automatic Pointer Date Laureus edition, a timepiece that continues the brand's two-decade partnership with Laureus Sport for Good. This article delves into the aesthetic and technical details of this special edition, highlighting its role in supporting global initiatives that empower children and young people through sport. Readers will gain insight into how luxury watchmaking intersects with philanthropy, exemplified by IWC's sustained commitment to social change.
Schaffhausen, 5th June 2025: IWC Schaffhausen unveils its Portofino Automatic Pointer Date Laureus. This elegant dress watch in stainless steel marks the 17th special edition that the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has created in support of Laureus Sport for Good, a global movement that harnesses the power of sport to change the lives of children and young people. The dial is the characteristic Laureus blue colour and features an analogue pointer-date indication at 6 o’clock. This year, IWC supports Figure Skating in Harlem – the only organisation in the world to combine academic support, leadership development and the creative sport of figure skating.
Founded in the year 2000, Laureus Sport for Good has impacted the lives of more than seven million children and young people by using sports as a tool to address violence, discrimination and inequality. The foundation currently supports more than 300 programmes in over 40 countries and territories worldwide. IWC Schaffhausen became a Global Partner in 2005 and has since then collaborated with Laureus on numerous occasions. The Swiss luxury watch manufacturer launches its 17th special edition timepiece created in support of the foundation’s work.
The Portofino Automatic Pointer Date Laureus (Ref. IW359202) features a 39-millimetre stainless steel case and a dial with a sunray finish in the characteristic Laureus blue colour. The applied indices, the roman “XII” numeral at 12 o’clock and the hands are rhodium-plated.
The eye-catcher on the dial is the analogue pointer-date indication at 6 o’clock. At midnight, the small pointer will jump to the new date. This understated and elegant Portofino watch is fitted with a blue calfskin strap with a stainless steel butterfly folding clasp. The case back features an engraving of the Laureus Sport for Good logo and also reminds of the 25th anniversary that the foundation is celebrating this year. At work inside the case is the 35160 calibre with automatic winding and a power reserve of 50 hours.
Katarina Witt, renowned figure skater and Laureus World Sports Academy Member, adds: “As proud member of the Laureus World Sports Academy, it’s an honour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Laureus with a limited edition IWC Schaffhausen timepiece that captures both beauty and purpose. IWC has been a wonderful supporter of Laureus in their role as Global Partner for two decades, standing alongside us in our mission to use sport as a force for good. The 2025 special edition watch is not only a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship, but also a tribute to the incredible young women of Figure Skating in Harlem — a Laureus-supported programme that empowers girls in New York City to build confidence, leadership, and academic excellence through the power of figure skating. As someone whose life was shaped by this sport, it means a lot to see our shared values reflected in such a special timepiece.”
Every year, IWC works with one of the more than 300 programmes worldwide supported by Laureus Sport for Good. This year, IWC highlights and supports Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH). The roots of what has evolved to a pioneering force for girls’ empowerment go back to the early 1990s. Today, FSH is the world’s only organisation to combine academic support and leadership development with access to the creative sport of figure skating. FSH works with more than 200 girls annually. The curriculum includes writing, reading, communication skills and financial literacy.
LAUREUS
Laureus is a global movement that uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and young people. At the inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards, Laureus’ founding patron Nelson Mandela said, “sport has the power to change the world”, and these words have become the philosophy of Laureus and the driving force behind its work. Since 2000, Laureus Sport for Good has used the power of sport to change the lives of more than seven million children and young people around the world. Laureus currently supports more than 300 programmes in over 40 countries and territories working to help young people overcome violence, discrimination and inequality.
FIGURE SKATING IN HARLEM
“Figure Skating in Harlem helps girls transform their lives and grow in confidence, leadership and academic achievement. We are the first organisation in the world for girls of colour that combines the power of education with access to the artistic discipline of figure skating to build champions in life. Our vision is to empower every young girl with the skills and foundation to achieve her dreams. She will be a powerful speaker, an effective leader, live a healthy and financially independent lifestyle, and be a global citizen.”
Founded in 1997 by Sharon Cohen, Figure Skating in Harlem has a network of 1,500 alumnae and serves hundreds of girls each year. Our award-winning model has recently been recognised by the International Olympic Committee and the Sports Business Journal. This year, Figure Skating in Harlem was the subject of a five-part series on Disney+, created by Imagine Documentaries with Oscar-winning producer Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, and Robin Roberts.
Nice touch with the red numbers and a red tipped second hand would have completed the set. M
Looks MUCH better and more balanced without a date window
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