Portuguese Chrono-Automatic Edition
LUCERNE: A Tribute to 25 Years

The passage of time is a test regularly applied to measure success. At times, it is the shortest duration that wins — just as when powerful cars or seasoned runners race each other aiming to cross the finish line first, where a split second difference spells the difference between winner and loser. For others, success is measured by longevity — how long can one last?

Taking the latter measure in a country where the rise and fall of companies are fabled to be as quick and as fickle as the waves of the Pacific Ocean, one can emphatically say that The Lucerne Group has indeed achieved success. It may be ironic that a company that has built its lifeblood around exquisitely precise instruments that can measure time down to the hundredths of a second has in turn counted out its own time in the passage of years. Twenty-five years, to be exact.

Since its conception in September 1982, The Lucerne Group has staked its name and reputation on being the only luxury watch retailer in the country. The company’s three Lucerne stores are located in the posh malls of Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. Its commitment to excellence, dedicated customer service and desire to not only sell, but also educate the market on the finer points of luxury timepieces, have all contributed to Lucerne’s long-lasting success.

Equally important are the mutually beneficial relationships Lucerne has forged with the prestigious watch houses. These close ties have enabled Lucerne to keep abreast with the latest technologies and models from each brand. In turn, these have allowed Lucerne to collaborate and create special models, such as the Portuguese Chrono-Automatic Edition LUCERNEfrom leading Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen.

For many watch lovers, IWC symbolizes the perfect timepiece: stylishly modern and au courant, yet still true to its classic roots satisfying the most discerning of tastes. This timeless spirit, backed by a precise, intricately-worked movement, will not only pass the test of time but also embodies the ideals that Lucerne stands for. These characteristics form the backbone of this special IWCPortuguese Chrono-Automatic Edition LUCERNE celebrates the company’s quarter-of-a-century existence.

The watch, of course, has all the features that IWC aficionados have loved in the Portuguese Chrono-Automatic. The precise caliber 79350 mechanical chronograph movement that has 31 jewels and vibrates at 28,800/h/4 Hz. The 44-hour power reserve. The small seconds with stop function. The stainless steel case and convex sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating. The impressive proportions of 40.9mm diameter, 12.3mm height, and 80g weight.

Looking at the ardoise dial and the brown crocodile leather strap, one may think that this is one of the classic models of the IWC Portuguese Chrono-Automatic watch. But turn it over and you will see what makes this limited Edition LUCERNE watch special. Engraved on the back is the outline of the Philippines, with Lucerne’s locations of Metro Manila and Metro Cebu highlighted. The celebratory occasion is also acknowledged — Lucerne 25thAnniversary 2007. The Portuguese Chrono-Automatic Edition LUCERNE is strictly limited to 50 pieces, with each watch’s number in the series engraved on the back.

The IWC Portuguese Chrono-Automatic Edition LUCERNEmarks not only a watch company’s success and longevity in the local market, but also serves as an horological testament to the Filipino’s ability to rise above circumstances and achieve world-class standards.

IWC:
For more than 139 years, IWC Schaffhausen has been producing precision products of complex functionality and outstanding user-friendliness for watch connoisseurs who expect more from their watch than just having an accurate timekeeper. Since it’s foundation in 1868, the International Watch Company has built up a reputation as a long established Swiss watchmaking firm with a passion for inventions, innovative solutions and technical refinements. Today the brand is more successful than at any time in its history. IWC uses this strength in a program of corporate social responsibility initiatives at home and abroad.