Hiroyuki Sanada at the Emmys with IWC Portugieser Automatic 42

LOS ANGELES, CA – September 15, 2024 – Hiroyuki Sanada arriving at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater on Sunday, September 15, 2024 (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada turned heads at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards not only for his dashing red-carpet look but also for his choice of wristwear. Sanada, known for his roles in films like The Last Samurai and 47 Ronin, added a touch of timeless elegance with the IWC Portugieser Automatic 42 (Ref. IW501707), a luxurious timepiece in 18ct Armor Gold® with a sleek Obsidian black dial.

As he walked into the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 15, 2024, Sanada’s watch was more than just an accessory—it was a statement. The Portugieser Automatic 42 is part of IWC Schaffhausen’s celebrated Portugieser collection, known for blending nautical heritage with modern sophistication. The 42 mm Armor Gold® case brings an extra level of robustness and sheen that complements the actor’s classic, yet formidable style.

Armor Gold®, for those unfamiliar, is an advanced material developed by IWC that enhances the durability of traditional 18-carat gold, making it far more resistant to scratches while retaining its radiant luster. Paired with the watch’s black alligator leather strap, the look is sleek, bold, and a testament to luxury—perfect for an evening as prestigious as the Emmys.

The Obsidian black dial of the Portugieser Automatic 42 adds to its dramatic allure, featuring Arabic numerals, an iconic railroad track chapter ring, and leaf-shaped hands. The dial also includes a subtle yet striking power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock and a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock, a balance of form and function that matches the precision of Sanada’s work in front of the camera.

IWC Portugieser Automatic 42 (Ref. IW501707)

Not just a pretty face, the watch houses the in-house Caliber 52010 movement, boasting an impressive 7-day power reserve. It’s as dependable as it is beautiful, much like Sanada’s decades-long career in the entertainment industry.

In a sea of luxury watches and stunning red carpet looks, Hiroyuki Sanada’s choice of the IWC Portugieser Automatic 42 was a fitting nod to his refined taste and enduring presence in Hollywood. The marriage of precision engineering and refined aesthetics, much like Sanada’s performances, proved to be a winning combination.