IWC Caliber 5000 – The First of the 50000 Series and a Modern Milestone

The IWC Caliber 5000 is a large-diameter, automatic mechanical movement introduced in 2000, marking a bold return to fully in-house movement production by IWC Schaffhausen. It served as the base for the 50000-caliber family, which powers modern IWC icons like the Big Pilot’s Watch, Portugieser Automatic, and other flagship models.

Key Technical Specifications – IWC Caliber 5000

Key Features and Innovations

1. Extra-Long Power Reserve

• Offers a full 7 days of power reserve thanks to a massive single mainspring barrel, visible through the power reserve indicator.

• Includes a power reserve limiter—the movement does not fully unwind to prevent torque instability.

2. Pellaton Winding System (Upgraded)

• Efficiently winds in both directions.

• Uses ceramic pawls in later evolutions (starting with Cal. 51000) for enhanced longevity.

• Designed for maximum torque generation with minimal wrist movement.

3. Low Beat Rate

• Runs at 18,000 vph, slower than most modern movements, which helps extend service intervals and enhances the lifespan of components.

Watches Featuring Caliber 5000

• IWC Portugieser Automatic Ref. 5000 (2000–2003)

  • First and only watch to house the original Cal. 5000 before it evolved into Cal. 5001 and beyond.

  • 42 mm case, clean 2-register layout with date and power reserve.

Evolution and Successors

Collectibility

• Short production run (2000–2003), limited to early Portugieser Automatics.

• Highly regarded for its horological significance, being IWC’s return to in-house engineering after decades of using ETA or modified calibers.

• Early Ref. 5000 watches with Cal. 5000 are becoming increasingly collectible due to their rarity and historical value.

Conclusion

The IWC Caliber 5000 is more than just a movement—it’s a statement of engineering ambition. With its massive size, week-long power reserve, and revived Pellaton winding, it redefined what a modern automatic movement could be. Though it lived a short production life, it laid the foundation for the powerful, elegant, and technically advanced movements that define IWC’s modern identity.