At the start of the first ocean stage last weekend, IWC, official timekeeper of the regatta and sponsor of the favoured team Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, presented a special model especially for the race around the world.
It is called the "Ocean Racer" and is part of the popular "Portugieser" model series. The chronograph is a variation of the "Yacht Club", which has a manufacture movement of calibre 89361. The case measures 45.4 millimetres in diameter, making it one of the larger sizes among the men's models.
The "Ocean Racer" is water-resistant to six bar and is the only Portugieser model to feature crown protection and luminescent hands and indices. Inspired by high-performance sailing, the 360-degree oscillating weight is shaped like a steering wheel.
"We are dedicating this watch to the sporting spirit of the teams and the esprit of this extreme race," said IWC CEO Georges Kern at the launch. It will be launched in limited numbers, which also makes it interesting for collectors. Only 1000 pieces will be produced. The first "Ocean Racer" was presented to Ian Walker, skipper of Abu Dhabi Racing, who wears it in races around the world. You can read a detailed portrait of Walker and his team in the Volvo Ocean Race Extra in the current issue of YACHT 21/2014.
IWC is documenting its close ties with yachting with this special model. "The Volvo Ocean Race challenges the world's best sailing teams to the limit," said Georges Kern. "We are proud to be at the pulse of international sailing for the second time as the official timekeeper." The Swiss watch brand was already a partner of the world regatta in the previous edition in 2011/12.
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Jochen Rieker
Herausgeber YACHT
