I have spent the past few days testing and reviewing the Samsung HW-Q990F, the latest version of the company’s popular Dolby Atmos soundbar system. Spoiler alert if you haven’t yet read the full review: it’s exceptional, and will certainly join the ranks of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.
However, there is something peculiar about Samsung’s approach to its soundbars that occurred to me during my testing, and it has nothing to do with sound, features or design.
It’s about how the South Korean tech giant opts to release a new lineup every year. To my knowledge, it is the only company to do so – even its biggest rival, LG, decided not to launch a successor to the S95TR this year.
Broadly speaking, manufacturers leave gaps of anywhere from three to five years between their respective soundbar releases. Take Sony, for example, which released the Bravia Theatre Bar 9 in 2024, three years after the HT-A7000, which launched in 2021.
Sonos, in turn, left a four-year gap between the Arc and Arc Ultra soundbars. And Sennheiser is yet to launch second-generation models of any of its Ambeo soundbars, with 2019’s Ambeo Soundbar Max recently celebrating its sixth birthday.
This got me thinking, “Does Samsung seriously need to launch a new soundbar every year?” It already releases new TVs and Galaxy smartphones annually, but is there enough innovation in the world of soundbars to justify a yearly upgrade?
Thankfully, before I had to get too introspective, the HW-Q990F answered that question for me. In fact, it taught me a valuable lesson: a small change can make a huge difference with products such as these.
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While I was excited to see what Samsung had in store after the Q990D’s success last year, it was only the subwoofer that seemed to have been altered on paper. The rest of the system looked very similar, both in design and features, but the new 300W subwoofer with dual 8-inch drivers seemed to be the major new addition.
While the subwoofer in the last system was certainly the weakest link – although it wasn’t bad – Samsung’s new subwoofer actually steals the show in this latest system. It adds a new dimension to the bass, with a more textured and tonally varied approach that uplifts the package as a whole.
Of course, if Samsung had followed the example of its peers, rather than launching this new 2025 model, we could have been waiting years for this upgrade. And that’s what made Samsung’s strategy click for me. Looking at the past three generations of this product – the HW-Q990C, HW-Q990D and HW-Q990F – we can see a steady performance increase with each generation.
The Q990D took the series from four to five stars thanks to its subtle yet appreciated upgrades. The Q990F, once again, delivers a solid improvement over its predecessor, even if the upgrade might not appear game-changing at first.
So, the two options seem to be this: wait a few years while stockpiling upgrades and deliver a soundbar that is a greater leap over its predecessor, or roll soundbars out annually with moderate upgrades. Ultimately, I don’t know anyone who upgrades their soundbar every year, and if you do that, you should probably stop.
Samsung’s approach is to target customers who are considering an upgrade over an older model, and who don’t want to wait three or more years for the latest model to launch. It makes sense to me, as I couldn’t imagine the frustration of finally springing for a Sonos Arc in late 2024, only to be met with the surprise launch of the Arc Ultra immediately afterwards.
And while there is always that fear of buying a product when its bigger and better next-generation version is on the horizon, Samsung’s approach is at least fairly consistent. This means you can always bide your time if only the latest and greatest model will do.
MORE:
Read our full Samsung HW-Q990F review
As well as our Samsung HW-Q990D review
And check out our picks for the best Dolby Atmos soundbars
Samsung’s next-gen foldables are almost here. The South Korean tech giant’s Unpacked event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 9 in Brooklyn, New York.
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Z Flip 7 are confirmed, and we could also see an all-new Fan Edition version of the tech giant’s clamshell foldable this time around. We’re also expecting three new wearables to grace the stage, with Samsung’s upcoming trifold phone potentially making a surprise appearance.
With all that said, if you’re an interested early buyer of any of two upcoming flagship foldables, Samsung has a great deal for you. The tech giant is offering a $50 Samsung credit if you simply pre-register to purchase, and we now know when you’ll be able to put those credits to use.
As confirmed by reliable industry tipster @OnLeaks on X (Twitter), and as expected, Samsung will open pre-orders for its new products on the day of Unpacked. The event kicks off at 10am ET, with the pre-orders going live five hours after that: at 3pm ET.
More importantly, though, OnLeaks also added that the devices will officially be available a little over two weeks after Unpacked — starting July 25. This is the same pre-order timeframe as the tech giant’s recent S25 series, giving users roughly 15 days to use their pre-order credits.
Elsewhere, the tipster also shared a promo banner for the flagship foldables, which has now been taken down “in response to a report from the copyright owner.” The folks over at SammyGuru, however, were able to save it before it was removed. Check it out below.
Samsung might be going with a new naming strategy for its top-of-the-line wearable
Source: SammyGuru
The low-res logo, which likely stems from an early website header, highlights the upcoming foldables in blue. We’ve known for a while now that Samsung is striving to achieve a thinner form factor for its new foldables, and despite the low resolution, that is clearly evident. Galaxy AI capabilities will also likely be a major talking point when Samsung shows off the new devices at Unpacked next week.
Beyond the banner and dates, the tipster also highlighted the names of all the devices slated to be shown off at the event. There are no major surprises here, barring one. OnLeaks mentioned the upcoming smartwatch as ‘#GalaxyWatch8Ultra2025.’ For reference, the wearable’s predecessor was simply named the Galaxy Watch Ultra, despite being launched alongside the Galaxy Watch 7 series.
This time around, Samsung seems to be appending the series number to the Ultra variant. Whether that’s a typo or not remains to be seen.
Related
Galaxy Unpacked goes official with ‘Ultra’ thin foldables and $50 preorder credit
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Last year marked the 85th anniversary of one of IWC Schaffhausen‘s most important collections, the Portugieser. Originally created in the late 1930s, the story of this wristwatch series begins with a special request from two Portuguese wholesalers, Rodrigues and Teixeira. They approached IWC with a simple but ambitious goal: to create a wristwatch with the precision of a marine chronometer. The result would become Reference 325, the foundation of the Portugieser series, although its early story is more exciting than often retold.
Ukraine First, Portugal Later
At its inception, the watch was not known as the Portugieser, or even Portuguese. However, in deference to the German-speaking home town of IWC in Schaffhausen, we shall refer to it as the Portugieser, even though the company preferred the English variant for quite some time after officially naming the series. Instead, it was catalogued by IWC under its case designation, Mod. 228. The 325 reference number would only appear later once the model gained more definition. The first delivery was not made to Portugal; the very first watches were delivered in February 1939 to a Ukrainian wholesaler, L. Schwarcz, in Odessa. A few months later, further units were shipped to Lviv (then part of Poland, now Ukraine).
It would take three more years for the watch to arrive in Portugal. The first documented delivery was on 2 February 1942 to the wholesaler Pacheco, followed by a shipment on 17 June 1942 to Rodrigues & Gonçalves in Lisbon. Even then, IWC’s sales records still listed these watches under Mod. 228, the case model number. The company subsequently began referring to the watch as Reference 325 to eliminate confusion.
Global conflict played a role in shaping early distribution. During World War II, most of the Reference 325 watches were sent to Eastern Europe, particularly to two retailers in Bratislava: Kuchar & Wittmann and Weinstabel. In the following years, even as peace returned, the model remained relatively obscure. Between 1939 and 1981, IWC produced just 690 examples of the Reference 325. Of those, 141 made it to Portugal, and they can be identified today by a distinctive hallmark on the right lug, mandated by Portuguese customs regulations at the time.
Production numbers of the IWC Portugieser Reference 325, according to IWC’s archives
Contrary to its importance today, the precursor to the Portugieser line was left undisturbed for quite some time until circumstances played in its favour. Still, before exploring the collection’s modern rebirth in the 1990s, it’s worth examining the early models more closely in terms of case and movement.
1939-1951 – Reference 325 Calibre 74
From 1939 to 1951, IWC manufactured 309 watches of Reference 325 using the Mod. 228 case, paired with the Calibre 74 movement. Measuring 41.5mm in diameter and 9.5mm thick, the case was produced by Wyss & Cie, a case maker based in Biel. Crafted in Staybrite stainless steel, the case was corrosion- and scratch-resistant and featured a three-part construction: grooved bezel, mid-case, and a snap-on steel caseback, with no water resistance. The mid-section had a satin finish, while the lugs and bezel were polished. A generously sized crown ensured easy winding, a detail that would become a design signature of the Portugieser line.
Early IWC Portugieser 325, with Calibre 74 – images above and below by Phillips
Calibre 74 was a 17-ligne hand-wound pocket watch movement introduced in 1913 and produced until 1931. Measuring 38mm in diameter and 4.2mm thick, it ran at 18,000 vibrations per hour, had a 30-hour power reserve, and featured 16 jewels, a Breguet hairspring, and a bimetallic screw balance with four regulation screws. It also used IWC’s patented large bearings for the crown and ratchet wheels. Initially intended for hunter-case pocket watches (with a crown at 3 o’clock and small seconds at 6), it translated seamlessly into a large, highly legible wristwatch, a perfect match for the ambitious concept.
Image by Phillips
1944-1970 – Reference 325 Calibre 98
Shortly after the first Ref. 325 models were delivered with Calibre 74, IWC began fitting the reference with another movement: Calibre 98, produced from 1936 to 1946. Another Savonette-type pocket watch movement, Cal. 98, shared many characteristics with Cal. 74, including nearly identical dimensions (37.8mm x 4.43mm) and the same frequency (18,000 vph); it also lacked shock protection. However, it was nickel plated and better finished, featuring circular graining and Geneva stripes, whereas the earlier Cal. 74 was only brushed. Otherwise, from the outside, the watches were identical. Between 1944 and 1970, IWC produced 329 examples of the Ref. 325 using Calibre 98.
A later example of Portugieser 325 with Calibre 98 – images above and below by Ineichen
These early models’ dials varied as IWC used multiple styles, including silver-plated and black dials, Arabic or Roman numerals, printed or applied, plain Bauhaus-inspired layouts, and Art Deco-style sector dials. These designs mirrored the aesthetics of IWC’s pocket watches of the late 1930s and provided the Ref. 325 with its understated elegance and functional charm.
1977-1981 – Reference 325 German Edition or Missing Link
The third and final series of IWC’s Reference 325, known as the “German Edition” or the “Missing Link,” was produced between 1977 and 1981. This limited run was originally intended for the Geneva-based dealer Golay Fils & Stahl, but the order fell through. The limited run of 57 watches was eventually sold to a retailer in Frankfurt, giving the series its name, with a few pieces landing elsewhere.
Image by Phillips
While the German Edition retained the original case design of the Ref. 325, it introduced new dials featuring Louis XV-style details. Inside, it housed the Calibre 982, a refined version of the pocket watch-based Calibre 98 used in earlier Ref. 325 models. Cal. 982, developed in 1967 and produced through 1973 with a total run of 3,600 units, added several upgrades: a shock absorption system, a monometallic Glucydur balance wheel, a swan-neck regulator, and additional balance-arm adjustment cams for fine tuning. These 57 watches marked the end of the original Ref. 325 production until IWC revived the concept in 1993 to celebrate the company’s 125th anniversary.
Image by Ineichen
Several accounts offer different takes on what exactly sparked the return of the IWC Reference 325, often citing key figures like Hannes Pantli, then Sales and Marketing Director; master watchmaker Kurt Klaus; and, of course, Günter Blümlein, the visionary behind the resurgence of mechanical watchmaking and IWC’s CEO at the time. Whatever the exact motivation, the timing made sense. By the early 1990s, IWC had weathered the worst of the quartz crisis and emerged stronger, having launched the highly successful Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar in 1985 and the ambitious Grande Complication Ref. 3770 in 1990. Reviving the historic Ref. 325 must have felt logical, symbolic, and a way to honour IWC’s legacy while building momentum for its mechanical future.
1993 – Portugieser Ref. 5441, the Jubilee edition and the rebirth
The 125th anniversary of IWC in 1993 provided the perfect opportunity to revive Ref. 325 with a commemorative model to start a new collection name as we know it: the Portugieser Reference 5441, widely known as the Jubilee edition. Closely following the design of the original, the watch featured a 42mm diameter and a slim 9mm profile, with a matte silver dial showcasing a recessed small seconds sub-dial, dotted minute track, raised Arabic numerals, and slender leaf-shaped hands. Also, it retained the old IWC logo in English script. A sapphire caseback offered a view of the movement, Calibre 9828, a refined version of the pocket watch-based Cal. 982, distinguished by nickel-plated bridges engraved with “International Watch Co. 1868-1993.”
Image by EveryWatch
The Portugieser Jubilee was produced in 1,750 pieces: 1,000 in stainless steel, 500 in rose gold, and 250 in platinum, each individually numbered. A special set of 125 box editions containing all three metals was also offered. Despite the relatively generous production, demand quickly outpaced supply, underscoring the model’s immediate success and collector appeal. Additionally, a limited run of 50 pieces was produced for retailer Pisa, featuring cursive blue Breguet numerals and a railroad minute track.
Above: the trilogy of Jubilee 5441 (image bachmann-scher.de) – Below: the Pisa Edition (image MrWatchley) and the Calibre 9828 (image ACollectedMan)
Thus, despite its very modest commercial success, the early Reference 325 laid the groundwork for what would later become the important Portugieser collection. With its oversized case, minimalist dial, and precision-driven movement, it quietly pioneered a design language that would become appreciated and fully blossom in the 1990s. Still, when it did, it became one of the most enduring collections in modern watchmaking.
1993 – Portugieser Minute Repeater Ref. 5240
The time-only Jubilee edition 5441 of 1993 laid the foundation for an entirely new family within IWC, the Portugieser, and arguably helped popularise the trend for larger wristwatches. Building on the technical know-how acquired through the complex Grande Complication Ref. 3770, IWC was ready to push further. That earlier model combined a Valjoux 7750 base with Kurt Klaus’s perpetual calendar module and a minute repeater mechanism developed by Renaud & Papi. The same concept, enhanced with a tourbillon and manual winding, became the ultra-complicated Il Destriero Scafusia (1993), or “The Warhorse of Schaffhausen,” a 125-piece limited edition that cemented IWC’s reputation in high complications.
Image by MrWatchley
This technical groundwork led directly to the introduction of the Portugieser Minute Repeater Ref. 5240 in 1995, a significant expansion of the Portugieser line that remained true to the refined design language of the Jubilee model. Despite the additional complication, the 43mm case (only 1mm larger than the Jubilee) retained the elegant proportions, slim bezel, narrow caseband, integrated lugs, and signature design elements: logo in English script, Arabic numerals, dotted minutes track, leaf-shaped hands, and small seconds, relocated to 9 o’clock to accommodate the chiming mechanism, revealed only by the discreet repeater slide.
Image by MrWatchley
Produced between 1995 and 2005 in a total of 550 pieces (50 in platinum, 250 in rose gold, and 250 in yellow gold), the Minute Repeater featured a Plexiglas front crystal and a sapphire display caseback, a rarity for chiming watches at the time.
Inside was the hand-wound Calibre 95290, based on the classic pocket-watch Cal. 95 architecture. Measuring 37.8mm across and beating at 18,000 vibrations/hour, it was adjusted in five positions, featured a large hacking lever for precise time setting and offered 54 hours of power reserve. A specially developed dial-side chiming module by Renaud & Papi transformed the movement into a repeater. The movement was cleanly and functionally finished, reflecting its roots in robust pocket-watch engineering.
Image by MrWatchley
The Ref. 5240 was where the elegance of the Portugieser met the complexity of haute horlogerie, and if it signalled the brand’s renewed technical confidence in the post-quartz era, the Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante, introduced the same year, cemented it further.
The IWC Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante was launched in 1995 as Reference 3712 and was the first to feature the new IWC logo on its dial. Immediately applauded for its look, a rather conservative evolution of the Portugieser, with the same iconic design and great discretion, this watch entered the pantheon of icons mainly for its movement. While the concept of a split-seconds chronograph usually means immense complexity in the development and manufacturing process, here, it is different. The Calibre 76240 was based on a Valjoux 7760 (the hand-wound version of the 7750 and relied on an additional split-seconds module developed by Richard Habring, an employee of the Schaffhausen-based manufacturer at that time. This movement, the Doppelchronograph, made accessible a complication that was usually extremely costly and hard to produce.
Image above by Bulang and Sons – Image of the movement below by Zeitauktion
The manual winding Chronograph Rattrapante ref. 3712 was followed by the Automatic Chronograph, Ref. 3714, which, thanks to the perfectly organised dial layout and the sporty elegance of the 40.9 mm case, became the most successful IWC watch ever produced.
1998 – Portugieser Chronograph Ref. 3714
The IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. 3714, introduced in 1998, was a foundational model in the brand’s catalogue until 2020, offering a mechanically simplified yet visually faithful continuation of the earlier Ref. 3712 Rattrapante. By removing the split-seconds mechanism to create a more accessible automatic chronograph movement, IWC crafted a watch that balanced technical reliability with timeless aesthetics, contributing to its nearly two-decade production run with minimal changes. It survived the regular updates to the collection (that made quite a few Portugieser references short-lived) and for a good reason.
The 3714 came housed in a 40.9mm stainless steel case with a height of 12.6mm and a lug-to-lug span of 47mm. The case construction is straightforward: a central container with integrated lugs, topped by a fixed bezel and a domed, anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The caseback was screwed, and the watch offered a nominal water-resistance of 30m.
Dial execution remained central to the 3714’s appeal. This reference followed the classic Portugieser formula: applied Arabic numerals, feuille (leaf-shaped) hands, and a clean bicompax layout with recessed sub-dials. The small seconds sat at 6 o’clock, while a 30-minute chronograph register was located at 12 o’clock. Crucially, the absence of a date window maintains visual symmetry.
The watch was powered by the IWC Calibre 79350, a reworked version of the Valjoux 7750 base. This movement omitted the 12-hour counter and date function and relocated the small seconds from 9 to 6 o’clock. IWC’s modifications also included upgrades to the escapement components, and the jewel count increased from 25 to 31. Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations/hour, the calibre delivered a 44-hour power reserve. While the movement was decorated with Geneva stripes and perlage, it remained hidden beneath the solid steel caseback.
Image by Zeitauktion
The IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. 3714 remains an exceptional watch in the brand’s history, not for groundbreaking complications but for its disciplined execution of core design and chronograph functionality. It represents a highly refined take on a utilitarian complication, wrapped in proportions and aesthetics that have proven enduring, the essential Portugieser.
2000 – Portugieser Automatic Ref. 5000
In 2000, IWC introduced the Portugieser Automatic, marking a significant milestone in the collection’s evolution. Housed in a 42.3mm case, the watch debuted the newly developed in-house Calibre 5000, an impressive automatic movement that signalled the brand’s return to full in-house mechanical watchmaking. Initially released as a 2000-piece limited edition in stainless steel, pink gold, and platinum, the Portugieser Automatic retained the hallmark traits of the collection, such as the case design, a clean, legible dial with Arabic numerals and leaf-shaped hands, but added practical functionality with a pair of horizontal sub-dials: small seconds at 9 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock. This layout ensured visual balance but also left space for future complications.
Image by Zeitauktion
Calibre 5000 was notable for its size and upgrades. At 37.8mm wide and 7.15mm thick, it was purpose-built to fill the large Portugieser case and support a 7-day (8-day, limited to 7) power reserve. The energy came from a massive mainspring barrel, efficiently wound by an upgraded version of IWC’s famed Pellaton system. This modernised mechanism featured dual pawls that engaged in both directions of rotor movement, significantly improving winding efficiency. The calibre also included a large balance wheel, ticking at a traditional 18,000 vibrations per hour, and paired with a unique dual-regulation system. Fine adjustments could be made via both balance screws and a conventional index regulator.
Image by Zeitauktion
Image by Zeitauktion
Over the years, the movement continued to evolve. In 2004, it became Calibre 50010, and by 2005, it was updated to Calibre 51010 with a faster 21,600 vibrations/hour beat rate. In 2007, the Calibre 51011 was introduced, bringing further refinements. Eventually, the architecture gave rise to the 52000 series with twin barrels for more consistent torque delivery over the full 7-day reserve.
2003 – The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5021/5032
The IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar, introduced in 2003, made the Portugieser version iconic. It successfully merged mechanical innovation with classical design, making it a technical and aesthetic benchmark within the collection. It retained the original spirit of the Portugieser, a wristwatch born of pocket-watch proportions and legibility, while introducing one of horology’s most revered complications in a clean, timeless execution.
Image by Antiquorum
While IWC first introduced the perpetual calendar in the groundbreaking 1985 Da Vinci Ref. 3750, the 2003 Portugieser version refined the concept. It brought it into the brand’s most elegant and historically significant collection. The leap from the baroque Da Vinci case to the clean lines of the Portugieser resulted in one of IWC’s most enduring and technically impressive watches.
Image by EveryWatch
The foundation for the modern IWC perpetual calendar was laid by master watchmaker Kurt Klaus during the height of the quartz crisis. Klaus developed an ingenious perpetual calendar mechanism in the early 1980s, a system with all indications (day, date, month, year, and moon phase) adjustable via the crown alone. The module required no additional pushers and was mechanically programmed for 577 years. Initially mounted on a chronograph movement for the Da Vinci, this module was later adapted to fit IWC’s proprietary 7-day automatic calibre for the Portugieser, enhancing performance and power reserve.
The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar of 2003 debuted in a 42.3mm case with classic proportions, crafted in precious rose gold or platinum, with IWC’s signature thin bezel and expansive dial opening that amplified legibility – a cornerstone of the Portugieser line.
The dial layout was equally elegant and functional. Four symmetrically arranged sub-dials presented the complete calendar information: the day at 9 o’clock, the date and power reserve at 3, the month at 6, and the moon phase at 12. Notably, the moon phase display in the Portugieser version was upgraded to deliver extraordinary accuracy, deviating by just one day in 577.5 years – a significant improvement over the already impressive 122-year moon phase of the Da Vinci – and included a moon for the second hemisphere, with both moons correctly oriented. The perpetual calendar was programmed to run without intervention until 2499, indicating the current year in the dial aperture at 7 o’clock, in digital format.
Inside the watch was the IWC calibre with a 5000-series base, Cal. 50611. For the new dimensions of the case and movement, Kurt Klaus rebuilt his module by adding a few additional wheels, including an intermediate wheel with a larger number of teeth, to enable a more precise moon phase display. Cal. 50611 was updated in 2005 with a faster operating frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour to become Cal. 51612, further updated in 2007 as Cal. 51614. Also, Cal. 51610 was introduced in 2006 with a single moon phase indicator, updated to Cal. 51613 in 2007.
In the year following the introduction of the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar, IWC unveiled two standout models, one of which was the Portugieser Tourbillon Mystère Ref. 5042. Drawing on IWC’s expertise from the Il Destriero Scafusia of 1993, the watch incorporated a refined flying tourbillon escapement with a lightweight titanium cage, an advanced construction developed in-house during the 1990s. It was integrated into the large Calibre 50900, an automatic movement featuring IWC’s Pellaton winding system, a Breguet overcoil hairspring, and a 7-day power reserve.
Images above and below by Christie’s
While the tourbillon introduced visual drama and horological prestige, the movement also delivered practical utility with a power reserve display and small seconds at 9 o’clock. Encased in a 44.2mm case made in platinum (50 pieces) or red and white gold (250 pieces each), the watch retained the signature aesthetics of the Portugieser line: clean dials in silver or slate grey, applied Arabic numerals, and elegant feuille hands.
Portugieser Minute Repeater Squelette 5241 – image by Christie’s
The IWC Portugieser Minute Repeater Squelette 5241 came as a rare and highly refined expression of mechanical artistry within the Portugieser collection. Limited to 50 pieces each in red and white gold and measuring 42mm diameter x 12.3mm thick, this watch showcased a skeletonised interpretation of the hand-wound minute repeater Calibre 95911 (operating at 18,000 vibrations/hour, with a 43-hour power reserve, composed of 250 parts), offering a clear view of its intricate architecture through a dramatically openworked design. The dial was reduced to a narrow peripheral ring, while the bridges and components of the repeater mechanism were exposed and minimised to their essential structure.
2005 Portugieser F.A. Jones Edition 5442 – Image by Antiquorum
Before moving on, let’s mention in this limited editions context a 2005 Portugieser F.A. Jones Edition (Ref. 5442) released in a 43mm case featuring an onion-style crown, with 3,000 pieces in steel, 1,000 in gold, and 500 pieces in platinum, powered by the Cal. 98290. Displaying time only, the Portugieser F. A. Jones Edition charmingly rendered the dial with Breguet hands, outsize numerals, and a copy of F. A. Jones signature.
2005 – Portugieser Régulateur Ref. 5444
In the mid-2000s, IWC expanded its celebrated Portugieser line with a striking interpretation of classic horology: the Portugieser Régulateur. The watch separated the hour, minute, and second displays into distinct registers. At the heart of the Régulateur was the IWC-manufactured Calibre 98245, a hand-wound movement derived from the historic Calibre 98. Cal. 98245 featured a three-quarter plate made of nickel silver. Beating at 18,000 vibrations/hour and providing a 46-hour power reserve, the movement offered traditional architecture and excellent timekeeping performance. A Jones-style elongated adjustment index further elevated its technical finesse. The movement was visible through a sapphire caseback, showcasing traditional decoration.
Images above and below by Iconeek
Housed in a 43.1mm case with a height of 11.8mm, the Portugieser Régulateur was offered in stainless steel, rose gold, white gold, or platinum. The dial, available in silver or anthracite depending on the version, was home to blued or gold hands and featured a vertical layout: minutes displayed centrally, hours at 12 o’clock, and small seconds at 6.
Image by Sotheby’s
In 2007, IWC introduced the limited-edition Portugieser Régulateur Tourbillon in a 43.1mm case made of platinum, white gold, or rose gold. It was powered by the hand-wound Calibre 98845, an elaborately finished movement derived from the brand’s historic pocket watch calibres, but upgraded to beat at a higher frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, making it one of the fastest in this lineage. The flying tourbillon was prominently displayed through an aperture at 9 o’clock, creating a visually balanced layout alongside the separate hour and seconds displays typical of a regulator dial.
In 2008, IWC paid tribute to its earliest Portugieser models with the release of the Portugieser Hand-Wound from the Vintage Collection, a faithful reinterpretation of the 1939 original, updated with modern mechanical precision. Visually, the watch echoed the classic design language that defined the Portugieser line: a clean silver dial with Arabic numerals, a traditional railway track chapter ring, and a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, subtly modernising the historical look.
Images above and below by watchclub.com
Beneath the vintage-inspired exterior lay the hand-wound Calibre 98295, a movement directly descended from IWC’s historic pocket watch Calibre 98. Evolved over seven decades, this updated version featured a large Glucydur balance with weight-compensation screws, a Breguet hairspring, and a Jones-style elongated fine adjustment index. Beating at 18,000 vibrations per hour, the movement delivered a 46-hour power reserve and was visible via the sapphire caseback.
Image by Zeitauktion
Housed in a 44mm stainless steel or platinum case with a slim 10mm profile and 30m water-resistance, the Portugieser Hand-Wound Vintage Collection Ref. IW544501 (steel) and Ref. IW544505 (platinum, limited to 500 pieces), with a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock to complete the minimal yet elegant display, stayed true to the original’s essence and delivered the performance expected from a modern IWC.
2010 – Portugieser Grande Complication Ref. 3774
The IWC Portugieser Grande Complication Ref. 3774, introduced in 2010, brought the full breadth of IWC’s mechanical expertise into the Portugieser line. At 45.5mm in diameter and 16.5mm thick, the 30m water-resistant case, available in red gold or platinum, housed the extraordinary IWC-manufactured Calibre 79091. Derived from the reliable Valjoux 7750 base but completely reengineered and enhanced by IWC, the automatic Calibre 79091 featured 659 components, including 75 jewels. It operated at 28,800 vibrations/hour and delivered a 44-hour power reserve. It powered 20 distinct functions, making the watch one of the most complex ever produced by the brand.
Among its complications were a perpetual calendar with a full four-digit year display, a moon phase with an accuracy deviation of one day every 122 years, and a chronograph. The perpetual calendar was mechanically programmed until 2499 and accounted for leap years automatically. A minute repeater complication was operated via a lateral slide on the left side of the case. Despite the complexity, the dial remained legible and balanced, with a refined finish, applied indices, and classical feuille hands. A discreetly engraved globe decorated the dial.
2011 – Portugieser Sidérale Scafusia Ref. 5041
Unveiled after a decade of research and development, the IWC Portugieser Sidérale Scafusia marked the most complex and ambitious timepiece ever produced by the Schaffhausen-based manufacture. A monumental entry into the realm of astronomical horology, the Sidérale Scafusia was not just a showcase of IWC’s technical prowess, but a fully bespoke, made-to-order timekeeping instrument. Each piece was individually configured for its owner’s precise geographical location, an essential factor for the watch’s primary purpose: to measure sidereal time and display a personalised celestial map.
At the heart of the Sidérale Scafusia was the newly developed in-house Calibre 94900, a hand-wound movement with twin barrels providing a 96-hour power reserve. While the tourbillon at 9 o’clock with an integrated patented constant-force mechanism (with a dead-beat seconds hand on top) and a simplified perpetual calendar (with leap year display and absolute day of the year) demonstrated classical haute horlogerie, they were secondary to the astronomical focus of the watch. A sub-dial at 12 o’clock displayed sidereal time, a timekeeping system used by astronomers that tracks Earth’s rotation relative to fixed stars rather than the sun, using a 24-hour format with two hands for precision.
The watch’s reverse was even more technically astonishing. Under a sapphire crystal, a personalised celestial chart depicted the exact night sky as seen from the customer’s specific latitude and longitude. The sky chart could track the apparent movement of over 500 stars, complete with solar time, sunrise and sunset indications, equinoxes, solstices, and sidereal indications. Each map was tailored using high-precision astronomical software to ensure accuracy over the course of decades. Encased in a 46mm housing made of platinum or red gold, the Sidérale Scafusia fused astronomical science with traditional watchmaking in a manner rarely attempted, let alone accomplished; its complexity, exclusivity, and sheer technical audacity secured its place as a crown jewel and one of the most sophisticated wristwatches ever made.
2015 – Portugieser 75th Anniversary
In 2015, IWC celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Portugieser, and to mark the milestone of its most iconic watch, the company presented twelve new Portugieser models, some featuring minor refinements. The highlights included the new Automatic Reference 5007, the all-new Annual Calendar and the Hand-Wound Eight Days.
The IWC Portugieser Hand-Wound Eight Days “75th Anniversary” Edition 5102 was produced in two limited variants: 750 pieces in stainless steel and 175 in 18k red gold. Both versions featured a 30m water-resistant 43.2mm case, measuring 12.3mm thick, with a polished bezel and lugs, brushed case flanks with a domed sapphire crystal treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides. The highlight was the IWC-manufactured Calibre 59215, a large manually wound movement measuring 37.8mm in diameter and 5.6mm in thickness. It operated at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and incorporated a single mainspring barrel capable of delivering a power reserve of 192 hours (8 days). The calibre was visible through a sapphire caseback and featured Geneva stripes, perlage, and bevelled edges.
The dial layout adhered closely to the 1930s original: a railroad minute track, large Arabic numerals, and leaf-shaped hour and minute hands. A recessed small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock integrated a discreet round date aperture. The dial was offered in a matte black finish for the stainless steel version and a silvered finish for the gold model.
The IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar 5035 introduced the brand’s first in-house annual calendar complication, powered by the IWC-manufactured Calibre 52850. A small seconds sub-dial was placed at 9 o’clock, while a power reserve indicator was positioned at 3 o’clock. The main feature, however, was the annual calendar complication displayed through three arched apertures at 12 o’clock, indicating the month, date, and day. The calendar required adjustment only once a year, at the end of February and was fully settable via the crown.
The case measured 44.2 mm in diameter and 15.3 mm in height, with a 30m water-resistance. A domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides covered the dial, while a transparent sapphire caseback offered a view of the finely finished movement.
The IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month Ref. 3972 came in a 45mm case (available in red gold or platinum); the watch featured IWC’s in-house Calibre 89801, an automatic movement combining a flyback chronograph with a digital perpetual calendar. Unlike traditional calendar layouts, this model displayed the date and month via large digital windows at 3 and 9 o’clock, using dual-disc systems for enhanced legibility. Visible through the sapphire caseback is the Calibre 89801, built on an existing movement architecture.
The IWC Portugieser Automatic 7 Days Ref. 5007 was a refined update of one of the brand’s cornerstone models. It maintained the essential characteristics that made the original Ref. 5000/5001 a modern classic and the iconic Portugieser design language, while introducing a significantly improved movement and subtle updates to the case and dial. The most significant evolution occurred internally; the new Automatic Ref. 5007 was powered by the in-house Calibre 52010, part of the newly developed 52000 series of movements. This calibre replaced the earlier 5000-series and was designed to improve performance and durability. The Calibre 52010 was upgraded with ceramic components for increased resistance to wear and tear. It most notably introduced twin mainspring barrels instead of the single barrel used in the Calibre 50011, resulting in a more stable torque curve across the full seven-day power reserve.
The case measured 42.3mm in diameter and 14.5mm in height, up slightly from the previous generation. The dial layout was virtually unchanged, preserving the iconic twin-register display. Several dial and case variants were launched, bridging robust engineering with refined aesthetics in a package that stayed true to its roots.
To mark its 150th anniversary in 2018, IWC Schaffhausen released the Portugieser Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “150 Years,” a platinum-cased, 15-piece limited edition featuring one of the brand’s most technically advanced movements. The 46mm case stood 13.5mm tall, and the watch was powered by the in-house, hand-wound Calibre 94805, an evolution of the 94800. It combined a constant-force tourbillon and a highly precise single moon-phase display that required adjustment only once every 577.5 years.
The calibre integrated two barrels to deliver a 96-hour power reserve, 48 hours of which operated in constant-force mode. A one-second remontoire mechanism ensured consistent torque to the escapement by using a secondary coiled spring that released energy to the escape wheel in even impulses. The oversized flying tourbillon at 9 o’clock (15.8mm diameter) was mounted under an openworked bridge and rotated in one-second steps, characteristic of the constant-force mechanism. The moon phase display at 1 o’clock was supplemented by a power reserve indicator at 4 o’clock.
2020 – Major revamp of the collection, new 40mm Automatic model, new Perpetual 42mm model
In 2020, IWC reintroduced a classic format to its most iconic collection with the launch of the Portugieser Automatic 40, reference IW3583, which balanced the historical appeal of the original 1939 design with a contemporary approach to size and mechanics, making it one of the most wearable and refined entries in IWC’s catalogue. Designed as a time-only model with a compact case and clean dial, this release returned to the original spirit of the Portugieser, functional, nautical-inspired precision timekeeping in an elegant form. While preserving the unmistakable DNA of the collection, this model brought updated proportions and modern mechanics for daily wear.
The case measured 40.4mm in diameter and 12.4mm in height, significantly more compact than typical Portugieser models. It retained hallmark design features such as a slim bezel, a large open dial, and a railroad-style minute track.The dial followed traditional Portugieser aesthetics with applied Arabic numerals, leaf-shaped hands, and a small seconds display at 6 o’clock. Available variants included silver-plated or blue sunray dials with gold-plated, blued, or rhodium-plated markers, depending on the case material and reference.
Powering the Portugieser Automatic 40 was the in-house Calibre 82200. This modern automatic movement featured IWC’s Pellaton winding system with ceramic components, a 60-hour power reserve, and a 28,800 vibrations/hour beat rate.
Next, IWC made a key technical upgrade to one of its most enduring models with the launch of the Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW3716. While preserving the iconic design that had defined the Ref. 3714 since 1998, the new reference replaced the longstanding Valjoux-based movement with the manufacture Calibre 69355, marking a significant move toward full manufacture status for the Portugieser line.
Visually, Ref. 3716 remained nearly identical to its predecessor. The case measured 41mm in diameter (slightly larger than the previous 40.9mm), with a thickness of 13.1mm, and retained the classic elements of the Portugieser Chronograph: a thin bezel, vertical sub-dials at 12 and 6 o’clock, applied Arabic numerals, leaf-shaped hands, and a symmetrical dial layout free of a date window. The polished and brushed surfaces, piston-style pushers, and domed sapphire crystal reinforced the familiar aesthetic.
The main innovation lay in the movement. Replacing the modified ETA 7750-based Cal. 79350 was the Calibre 69355, part of the 69000-series chronograph family. This integrated automatic chronograph featured a column-wheel control mechanism and a bi-directional pawl-winding system derived from the brand’s Pellaton design. The Portugieser Chronograph IW3716 was introduced in six variations. Four were housed in stainless steel, with dial options including silver-plated (with gold or blue hands), black, and sunburst blue. Two models came in 18k 5N rose gold with a silver-plated or slate-grey dial.
In 2020, IWC also introduced a more compact and streamlined version of its iconic perpetual calendar: the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 Ref. IW3442. This model retained the hallmark design codes of the Portugieser line while with a 42.4mm case diameter and a thickness of 13.8mm, it was noticeably smaller than the classic 44mm model yet still upheld the collection’s nautical-inspired presence.
The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 used the IWC-manufactured Calibre 82650, based on the robust 82000 series. This automatic movement featured the efficient Pellaton winding system with wear-resistant zirconium oxide ceramic components. Beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, it delivered a power reserve of 60 hours. The perpetual calendar module, originally developed by Kurt Klaus, remained highly intuitive, with all indications, date, day, month, moon phase, and leap year, synchronised and adjustable via the crown.
Compared to the larger version, the calendar layout was simplified. The moon phase display was moved to 6 o’clock and integrated into the month sub-dial, while the date and day appeared at 3 and 9 o’clock, respectively, alongside a small leap year aperture. The four-digit year display and small seconds were omitted. The watch was offered in two main versions: stainless steel and 18k 5N rose gold; a third variant in rose gold with a blue dial also joined the lineup.
The IWC Portugieser Hand-Wound Tourbillon IW545801 represented a refined addition to the Portugieser collection, a mix of classic aesthetics with a high-performance flying tourbillon in a new manual-winding movement. Designed as a slimmer, more accessible alternative to the brand’s more complex tourbillon offerings, the model followed the design direction set by the Automatic 40 and Perpetual Calendar 42, combining mechanical sophistication with compact proportions.
The case measured 42.4mm in diameter and 10.8mm in height, making it the thinnest Portugieser. It was crafted from IWC’s proprietary 18k Armor Gold, an enhanced red gold alloy with improved hardness and durability. The dial was silver-plated and classically styled, with applied 18k red gold Arabic numerals and leaf-shaped hands. The design was minimal, limited to hours, minutes, and a prominent one-minute flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock. This modern tourbillon featured a silicon pallet fork and escape wheel coated with IWC’s low-friction Diamond Shell technology. Uniquely, the mechanism also incorporated a hacking function, an uncommon feature for tourbillons. Powering the watch was the new Calibre 81905, a hand-wound movement explicitly developed for this model.
The current Portugieser collection (2024) and concluding notes
In 2024, IWC revealed quite a few updated Portugieser models: Perpetual Calendar 44 Ref. 5037, Automatic 40 and 42 models with new dials and cases, and the Yacht Club Moon & Tide became the first IWC watch to use a silicon hairspring. The new Portugieser Hand-Wound Tourbillon Ref. IW5459 was now accompanied by a 24-hour rotating globe to indicate night and day, powered by the new IWC Calibre 81925. However, 2024 will be remembered as the year when the brand introduced its Portugieser Eternal Calendar Ref. 5057.
The IWC Portugieser Eternal Calendar marked another major technical achievement for the brand, its first secular perpetual calendar. Unlike conventional perpetual calendars requiring adjustment in centurial years like 2100, the Eternal Calendar accounted for the Gregorian calendar’s exceptions with a 400-year gear. This allowed the watch to correctly skip three leap years every four centuries, eliminating the need for adjustment until 3999. You can read all about it in this in-depth article.
As of today, the IWC Portugieser collection comprises 58 references, which quite brilliantly bridge the gap between classic design and modern mechanics, offering refined simplicity and grand complexity. Over the decades, the Portugieser has proven remarkably adaptable without losing its identity. From elegant time-only models to grand complications such as the Perpetual Calendar, Constant-Force Tourbillon, and Sidérale Scafusia, the collection has maintained a design language rooted in clarity, symmetry, and precision. Whether housing classic Valjoux-based chronographs or in-house movements, every reference upholds the commitment to functional elegance and engineering excellence.
The collection’s modern renaissance, spanning achievements like the 7-day automatic Calibre 5000, integration of Kurt Klaus’s revolutionary perpetual calendar module, and the recent launch of the secular Eternal Calendar, has reaffirmed the Portugieser as IWC’s flagship. What began in 1939 as an oversized wristwatch with a pocket watch movement, a project to meet the needs of two Portuguese merchants, has evolved into a platform for some of IWC’s most celebrated horological achievements.
The Portugieser is a canvas for IWC’s past, present, and future innovations. Few collections in the industry can claim such a coherent yet diverse legacy, and we are happy to share the story with you. While not every reference since 1993 made it into this story, we hope to have included the most important ones.
Moon-phase watches, at anything but astronomical prices, made a rare appearance from recent Noah x Timex collabs to Longines. Solid steel APs seem to be the new tough guy timepiece, paired with chic Neapolitan summer styles or rough military vintage. Dress watches, dainty, particular, obscure, and esoteric, enjoy the popularity vintage Rolex watches once did. The variety is nearly infinite: Tiny Tanks, 50s-60s Omegas, Genta-hyped lesser-known Universal Geneve, and even modern options from small brands like Sericas.
Free-to-play open-world RPG NTE recently launched its Containment Test, a closed beta that showcases the upgrades developer Hotta Studio has made since the game’s last technical test. There are improvements across the board, including better visuals, new mechanics, racing content, reworked combat, and more.
NTE takes place in Hethereau, a sprawling metropolis that’s really more like two cities in one. On the surface, it’s a pristine urban center filled with people going about their daily lives. But the underworld is constantly warped by reality-defying anomalies, and you’re an unlicensed Anomaly Hunter tasked with investigating these strange occurrences and putting a stop to them.
Hethereau itself has always been one of the game’s focal points, a city built in Unreal Engine 5 to allow seamless travel across its massive size. But the latest updates have taken things to another level, giving the city a comprehensive visual overhaul. There’s richer detail, updated aesthetics, and improvements to lighting and environmental effects.
Light and shadows now show more contrast, which is especially apparent as you progress through the natural day/night cycle. You also can experience dynamic weather conditions — from fog to rain to snow — as you travel across the city, and snow effects in particular have been enhanced. Thanks to physically based rendering, snowflakes now look translucent and lifelike.
Characters have also gotten a graphical makeover. The materials of their clothes and strands of their hair are now much more detailed, making each character pop even more in the anime-inspired art style.
You’ll form a party of four characters during your anomaly-hunting missions, and each character has their own skills called Esper Abilities. You control one character at a time, but can switch between the four in your party on the fly to chain their Esper Abilities together and form combos that synergize well together.
That experience has also been refined in the latest update, with actions, skills, and the overall feel of combat reworked for smoother gameplay. There are also new mechanics, like parry attacks and critical dodge counterattacks, that have been introduced to add more variety to combat.
No matter which characters are in your party, you can make use of their Esper Abilities inside and outside of combat. Some help with traversal of the city, like allowing you to run up the sides of buildings and parkour to get around quickly. But that’s not the only way to travel through Hethereau. There are also ziplines that can help you find hidden corners of the city, and with the help of the character Mint from the Bureau of Anomaly Control, you can “requisition” cars.
Buying and modding cars has always been part of NTE. There are lots of customization options — including colors, tires, bumpers, and engines — and you can mix and match until you have your ride just how you want it. There are dozens of different custom cars, and you can drive in first-person or third-person.
Requisitioning cars is new in the latest update and can bring some consequences with it if you’re reckless. With Mint’s help, you can commandeer vehicles at any time across the city, which can help quickly get you from mission to mission if you don’t have an owned car easily at hand. However, be aware that if you damage the vehicle or disturb public safety, things can get out of hand fast. There’s a new multi-level wanted system with escalating consequences — police officers and bots will you pursue you and get increasingly aggressive the higher your wanted level rises. You can see this system in action in the video below.
However you end up with your car, you can take it online and team up with friends to take on street racing crews across different districts in multiplayer races, another new addition in the latest update. Racing also includes drifting, but be careful when it’s raining or snowing — the roads will be slippery and handling will be worse.
The Containment Test is running from now until July 16, after which Hotta Studio will take player feedback and address it in future updates. The full release of NTE will be available on PC, console, iOS, and Android, and it will be free-to-play with cross-progression across all platforms. Pre-registration is open now, and for the latest news and info, you can follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Discord.
Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.
Home cinema speaker systems are our preferred method of achieving immersive cinematic sound. We’re willing to admit, though, that they are, frankly speaking, a bit of a hassle to set up and live with.
We wouldn’t blame anyone for not wanting to traipse cables around their living room, or have floorstanding speakers take up precious space – so what’s the alternative?
The wireless soundbar surround-sound system, of course! This genre of easy-to-use sound systems has been steadily growing in popularity, with more and more manufacturers adding wireless surround speakers and a subwoofer to their Dolby Atmos soundbars.
When it comes to nailing the concept, we have to give Samsung some kudos, as last year’s HW-Q990D was an absolute doozy. This all-in-one surround sound solution skyrocketed its way into the Product of the Year slot, as it delivered grade-A audio performance in an easy-to-use, fuss-free package.
So, when the Korean tech goliath announced the newest version of this neat concept, we were immediately intrigued. Enter the HW-Q990F, a soundbar package that, on the surface, doesn’t look a whole lot different from its predecessor.
In fact, the spotlight seems to be placed mostly on an adorable new subwoofer, but don’t be fooled by its cute cubic chassis, as it packs an almighty punch that takes this already superb soundbar system into a whole new league.
Price
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
The Samsung HW-Q990F is officially priced at £1699 / $1999 / AU$1999. That’s the same price as its predecessor in the UK and Australia, though the US has been subjected to a $400 price increase.
That being said, we’re already seeing discounts that bring it down to $1600. That’s still $200 more than its predecessor’s launch price in the States, but it’s a start.
Therein lies a wider issue; the HW-Q990D is still available at a wide selection of retailers, and it can be snapped up for around half the price of the new model.
The good news is that the 2024 model has seen some truly aggressive discounts throughout its lifespan, so we expect to see some equally good deals eventually come to the HW-Q990F.
Largely speaking, Samsung is its own biggest competitor in this sector, as LG’s equivalent package scored an underwhelming three stars in our review, so we can’t really recommend it as an alternative.
There is the Sonos Arc Ultra Immersive Set, which combines the power of the Sonos Arc Ultra (five stars) with a pair of Era 300 speakers (Award-winners), but you’re looking at £2969 / $2969 / AU$4596 for that package – and even more if you also want to add a sub.
Build
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
If there is one area where we’d like to see Samsung change things up with this concept, it’s the design. Most of the elements of the Q990F package look very similar to the Q990D, which in turn looked very similar to the Q990C.
Samsung HW-Q990F tech specs
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
Connectivity HDMI out (eARC), 2 x HDMI 2.1 in, optical, wi-fi, Bluetooth 5.0, AirPlay 2
Format support Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS:X
The bar itself is an angular hexagonal shape measuring 7 x 123 x 14cm (hwd), with a lined pattern running the length of the top panel. You’ll find a selection of buttons on top to change source, mute the onboard microphones and adjust the volume, with a simplistic dot matrix display on the front displaying corresponding information.
Samsung bundles a simplistic remote with functions to change the input, sound mode and EQ for the system, as well as adjusting the subwoofer level and enabling or disabling the SpaceFit Sound feature.
The surround speakers are also the same boxy, angular design as found with the 2024 model, including the handy cable guide on the bottom edge. They also carry identical dimensions to the 2024 versions, measuring 20 x 13 x 14cm.
Where this version truly differs from its predecessor is with the included subwoofer. Samsung has swapped from a tall, narrow cuboid sub to a much more compact, rounded-cube subwoofer. Side by side, the old subwoofer absolutely dwarfs the new model, with its dimensions of 25 x 25 x 25cm (hwd).
Features
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
We can’t really find fault with the HW-Q990F’s feature set. It’s an 11.1.4 system with 23 drivers across the bar, surrounds and sub. That’s 15 drivers in the main soundbar, three drivers in each of the surround-sound units, and dual 20cm force-cancelling drivers in the subwoofer, which features a claimed 300W power output.
The soundbar and surrounds feature upward-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos height effects (DTS:X is also supported). Samsung recommends placing the rear surround speakers at a 135-150-degree angle behind the listening position, though the system will compensate if you opt to place them in a different position.
Interestingly, the Smart Things app, which can be used to control a variety of functions on the soundbar, has an option to reconfigure the system with the surround speakers at the front to work in tandem with the soundbar. We strongly recommend placing them in the intended rear position for the best surround-sound experience, though.
Speaking of the Smart Things app, we deem it to be a solid, and in many cases, the preferred method of interacting with the bar. The included remote has plenty of useful buttons, including a dedicated rocker to increase or decrease the subwoofer level, but the simplistic dot matrix display on the front of the soundbar is often hard to interpret.
The wireless surrounds and subwoofer connect to the bar seamlessly with an easy pairing process, and once they’re in position, you shouldn’t need to adjust anything. Samsung kindly provides different-length cables in the box, despite all components of the system using the same connection for power. It’s worth saving the longest leads for the surround speakers as this allows for greater flexibility during set-up.
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
Samsung has, unsurprisingly, imbued the Q990F with a hearty helping of its proprietary functions and technology.
SpaceFit Sound Pro returns, which utilises the built-in microphones to constantly monitor and adjust the soundbar and subwoofer to accommodate your viewing space. It’s an optional feature, but we find it to work rather well and see no reason not to switch it on.
Q Symphony is also on board, allowing Samsung TV users to utilise the speakers in their TV alongside the soundbar system, using the power of AI to synchronise the sound. Your mileage with this feature will vary depending on the Samsung TV you pair it with, though we often find that the different drivers within the TV don’t always gel well with the rest of the system; especially considering that the Q990F features excellent tonal balance between its components (more on this later).
There are a handful of Samsung-specific sound processing modes too, many of which can also be found on Samsung TVs – who doesn’t love a bit of synergy? Active Voice Amplifier Pro, which is an AI-backed dialogue enhancement sound mode that can adapt to ambient noise levels in your viewing space, is on board.
Private Listening mode, on the other hand, disables the soundbar and subwoofer and instead relies on the surround speakers to direct sound to your specific listening position. This is an interesting alternative to the sort of Night mode that is found on many sound systems.
There is also a Moderate Bass setting, which disables the subwoofer to allow the soundbar to handle lower frequencies, and a Party mode, which synchronises the rear speakers to play music in all directions.
On top of these are a handful of other sound modes, including Standard, Surround, Game and Adaptive. The last of these will automatically adjust the sound based on the content you’re watching, whereas the Standard option will output the audio channels carried by the original signal.
This is, of course, restricted to anywhere between 2.0 to 7.1.4, meaning the system will never ultilise the full 11.1.4 channels that the system is capable of. Instead, the named sound modes above will use processing to upmix signals into the full 11.1.4 output.
Finally, we have the connectivity features of the HW-Q990F. HDMI eARC and optical ports handle audio transmission from your TV, while the additional HDMI sockets, of which there are two, serve as passthrough sockets.
Both are rated to the HDMI 2.1 standard, with support for up to 4K/120Hz signals, plus HDR10+ and Dolby Vision.
Wireless connectivity is also stellar, with Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music and Deezer, and it’s even Roon compatible.
Alongside the music services, the HW-Q990F is also compatible with a duo of voice assistants, with Amazon Alexa built in and Works with Google Assistant certification.
Sound
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
It takes a moment to decipher the upgrades that the Q990F delivers over its predecessor. However, once we become attuned to the new system, we realise that Samsung has taken a spectacular soundbar package and turned it into an exemplary one.
We’ve paired the system with our reference Sony Bravia 8 OLED TV, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, and a handful of our reference discs, including Civil War, Dune: Part Two, Blade Runner 2049 and The Dark Knight Rises.
We set up this system in the same way we did its predecessor, opting for the Surround mode with SpaceFit Pro on.
Adaptive is also a good option for those who appreciate a punchier and more assertive sound. However, we feel that it makes certain sound effects stick out in an unnatural way. That being said, it’s a close second to Surround, and we especially like that it can, as the name suggests, adapt to different types of content.
We’ll start with the positives that translate from last year’s model. The Q990F retains its clear and crisp sound. Dialogue, such as the conversation between Officer K and Joi in the former’s apartment, sounds excellent, with natural and detailed voices that carry plenty of subtle inflection. This carries forth to sound effects, with the slashing Fremen knives in Dune sounding crisp and textured.
Furthermore, we have to commend the Q990F’s delivery of Dolby Atmos effects. The “bubble of sound” that we look for in any Dolby Atmos system is well and truly present here, and it’s not just the impressively placed height effects that we like. It’s the way that the soundbar and surrounds are so tonally well matched, while the audio processing ensures that sounds move organically between the channels, that truly seals the deal for us.
The disembodied voices that narrate the hologram adverts outside K’s apartment in Blade Runner are at an appropriate height and are placed relative to their position on screen with impressive accuracy. It’s not miles apart from the Q990D, but the Q990F’s handling of Dolby Atmos is certainly an improvement on an already very capable product.
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
We try a non-Atmos movie in the form of The Dark Knight Rises, using the plane heist sequence from the beginning of the film. The HW-Q990F once again has no issue delivering a convincing surround-sound experience, and while the height effects are missing, we still hear plenty of effects being passed from the ’bar to the surrounds in the ensuing chaos.
Another familiar area that the Q990F excels in is dynamics. The pulse-pounding battle sequence in the final third of Civil War features dynamic build-ups with punchy and weighty payoffs, while immediate dynamic shifts, such as sudden gunshots, are impactful too.
Subtle improvements in areas we already approved of with its predecessor are one thing; however, the Q990F has an ace up its sleeve in the form of its new subwoofer. To cut a long story short, it is incredibly effective, and it elevates the system as a whole.
We run our bass stress test, Blade Runner 2049’s chapter two sequence, which includes the notoriously tricky Flight To The LAPD track. The crackle and occasionally unfocused low-end that we observed on the Q990D’s subwoofer is nowhere to be heard. Instead, the Q990F’s rich and powerful bass sounds are controlled and dynamic, as we gain a sense of mounting tension as K approaches the police precinct.
There is a much greater sense of tonal variation from this sub, which unearths a new layer to the bass. The Q990F’s bass feels more organic, balanced, and seamlessly integrated into the system as a result.
Dune: Part Two’s Harkonnen Arena sequence has a range of bass-heavy alien chanting and a bone-rattling score, and we are immediately immersed thanks to the Q990F’s encompassing sound and rich, textured bass.
Switching to music, we put the bar into the Standard sound mode for some two-channel testing.
Aurora’s Churchyard and Wolf Alice’s Bloom, Baby Bloom (via Tidal Connect) are both presented with a clear-cut sense of timing and rhythmic drive, more so than the previous model. Vocals sound clear and emotive, while instruments have depth and texture.
Our music testing ultimately affirms the positive attributes that we discovered with our movie testing.
Verdict
(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)
This is how to take a product that was already highly regarded and make it even better. Samsung’s upgrades didn’t appear to be that striking on paper, but the HW-Q990F’s enhancements need to be heard to be believed.
Once again, this system should be on the radar for anyone who wants a full Dolby Atmos experience without having to buy an AVR or finding the space to place countless speakers around your room.
The compact new cube subwoofer is easily the star of the show, offering a richer, more focused sound with greater tonal variation. Who knew shrinking down a core component of your system could deliver such huge performance gains?
SCORES
MORE:
Read our review of the Samsung HW-Q990D
Also consider the Sonos Arc Ultra
Read our Sony Theatre Bar 9 review
Best soundbars options for every need, recommended by our experts
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a unique lipoprotein particle structurally similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), consisting of apolipoprotein B-100 covalently linked to apolipoprotein(a) via a disulfide bond.1 Its plasma concentration varies widely among individuals and is primarily determined by genetic factors through an autosomal co-dominant inheritance pattern.2 Lp(a) exhibits both atherogenic and thrombogenic properties due to its structural resemblance to plasminogen and LDL.3 It contributes to lipid deposition, impaired fibrinolysis, inflammation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation,3 thus playing a significant role in the development of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Elevated Lp(a) levels have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk and recurrent ischemic events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).4–6
Drug-eluting stents (DES), particularly newer-generation devices with thinner struts and more biocompatible polymers, have substantially reduced in-stent restenosis (ISR) and thrombosis rates compared to first-generation stents.7 However, stent edge restenosis (SER)—restenosis occurring at the proximal or distal margins of the stent—remains a relevant limitation.8 SER is often attributed to mechanical and procedural factors, including vascular injury during balloon dilation, residual plaque at the stent edge, mismatches between stent and vessel size, and mechanical stresses at the stent-artery interface.9–11 Additional contributors include hinge motion, plaque burden, and lipid arc presence.11,12 Despite these known mechanical factors, the potential biological contributors to SER, particularly the role of elevated Lp(a), have not been well defined. Given Lp(a)’s proatherogenic and prothrombotic properties, it is biologically plausible that elevated Lp(a) may influence the development of SER. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), a high-resolution imaging modality, plays a central role in assessing lesion morphology and plaque characteristics and is therefore instrumental in evaluating the underlying mechanisms of SER. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the association between elevated Lp(a) levels and the incidence of SER in patients with CAD undergoing PCI, using IVUS to provide detailed lesion characterization. In particular, the study sought to assess whether elevated Lp(a) levels were associated with specific tissue features of restenosis, such as neoatherosclerosis and neointimal hyperplasia(NIH), to better understand potential biological mechanisms underlying SER.
Materials and Methods
Study Population
This single-center, retrospective observational research initially encompassed 211 consecutive CAD patients receiving IVUS-guided treatment for SER lesions from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021. Exclusion criteria encompassed bare metal stent (BMS)-related SER (n=12), absence of serum Lp (a) measurement (n=25), suboptimal IVUS image quality (n=6), serious pulmonary, hepatic, or renal insufficiency (n=8), malignant tumor or autoimmune disease (n=2)(Figure 1). The final cohort was stratified into two cohorts based on serum Lp(a) levels: elevated Lp (a) group (≥50 mg/dL, n=75) and non-elevated Lp (a) group (<50 mg/dL, n=136).13 The study protocol adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki (2013 revision) and received approval from the Research and Ethics Committee of Xiangtan Central Hospital. Written informed consent from all participants or their legal representatives was obtained after they had been fully informed about the objectives of the study (X201863231-3).
Figure 1 Study flow.
Abbreviations: SER, stent edge restenosis; PCI, percutaneous coronary intervention; IVUS, intravascular ultrasound; BMS, bare metal stent; Lp(a), lipoprotein(a).
Clinical Baseline, Procedures and Angiographic Characteristic Data
A dedicated database captured comprehensive information on patient demographics, comorbidities, and laboratory findings. The choice of interventional strategies, encompassing drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty, second-generation DES implantation, auxiliary device usage, and pharmacotherapy, was determined by operators based on current guidelines and local best practices.14,15 Medication regimens at discharge were documented on dual antiplatelet therapy with 100 mg aspirin daily and a P2Y12 inhibitor (clopidogrel 75 mg daily or ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily), selected according to guideline recommendations and individual bleeding risk assessments. Additional secondary prevention medications, including statins, nitrates, β-blockers, as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, were prescribed in alignment with prevailing guidelines.
Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was conducted using QAngio XA software (Medis Medical Imaging Systems, Leiden, the Netherlands). Coronary lesion morphology evaluation followed previously established methodologies.16 Two experienced angiographers, working independently and blinded to the study details, performed all quantitative measurements using off-line computerized analysis. Lesion images were acquired in at least two orthogonal projections following the administration of 0.5 mg intracoronary nitroglycerin.The major angiographic parameters assessed included minimum lumen diameter (MLD), lesion length, diameter of reference vessel, and percentage diameter stenosis. To minimize procedural variability, all interventions were performed by experienced interventional cardiologists following current PCI guidelines. Decisions on lesion preparation, stent sizing, and landing zone selection were made under IVUS guidance and QCA support. Although lesion preparation techniques (eg, pre-dilation or scoring balloon use) were not uniformly documented, stent deployment adhered to best practices and IVUS-optimized expansion targets.
Lp(a) Measurement
Serum Lp(a) levels were quantified using an immune-turbidimetry assay, with ≥50 mg/dL established as a risk-enhancing threshold in accordance with recent guidelines.13 For patients with multiple preprocedural Lp(a) measurements, the value closest to the procedure date was selected for analysis.
IVUS Image Acquisition and Assessment
IVUS imaging of SER arteries was performed using a 40-MHz OptiCross™ catheter (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA). Following intracoronary nitroglycerin administration (0.1–0.2 mg), automated pullback (0.5 mm/s) was initiated. The IVUS catheter was advanced >10 mm beyond the stent distally and proximally. IVUS image analysis utilized QIvus® software (Medis, Leiden, the Netherlands). SER was defined as >50% diameter stenosis within 5mm proximal or distal to the stent edge.17 Reference segments, representing the most normal-appearing cross-sections in 5 mm of the SER, were identified for comparative analysis (Figure 2). The minimum lumen area (MLA) and minimum stent area (MSA) sites were determined based on smallest lumen/greatest plaque and smallest stent area, respectively. Two independent, blinded cardiologists performed SER identification and quantitative analyses, with high intra-observer as well as inter-observer agreement (κ = 0.92 and 0.90, respectively). NIH area (stent area minus lumen area) and percentage (NIH/stent area) were calculated from stent and lumen areas. Stent expansion was defined as MSA divided via the largest reference lumen,18 with under-expansion classified as MSA <4 mm2 or expansion <50%.19 To further address potential procedural bias, IVUS analysis included parameters related to stent expansion and plaque morphology. The classification of neoatherosclerosis and other SER subtypes was based on consensus definitions and validated by two independent observers. While procedural nuances such as exact lesion preparation were not systematically recorded, the combination of anatomical imaging, blinded review, and high inter-observer agreement (κ = 0.90–0.92) supports the reliability of lesion classification.
Figure 2 In the example, the coronary angiogram at the time of SER (A) is shown accompanied by a white dotted line indicating the old stents. (B–E) in the coronary angiograms correspond to the IVUS image (B–E). (B′–E′) are the same images with annotation compared with (B–E). IVUS images shown excessive neointimal hyperplasia with good stent expansion; blue dotted lines in the IVUS images indicate old stent struts; the blue asterisks indicate excessive neointimal hyperplasia.
SER was categorized into five primary patterns: 1) NIH, 2) Neo-atherosclerosis, 3) uncovered lesion, 4) stent under-expansion, and 5) protruding calcified nodule (CN). Neo-atherosclerosis was characterized by atherosclerotic changes at the MLA site within the stent, manifesting as calcified NIH (echogenic tissue with acoustic shadowing), attenuated NIH (ultrasound shadowing without superficial calcium), or ruptured NIH (cavitation within NIH).20 A neo-atherosclerotic calcified nodule was distinguished from a non-neoatherosclerotic protruding calcified nodule, which presented as an irregular, convex calcium deposit within the old stent, lacking adjacent NIH.21 In cases of multiple potential causes, the primary factor contributing to in-stent restenosis was determined based on its predominant impact on stenosis severity.
Clinical Follow-up and Outcomes
The study’s primary endpoint focused on device-oriented clinical endpoints (DoCE), encompassing cardiac mortality, myocardial infarction (MI) related to the target vessel or stent thrombosis, and target lesion revascularization (TLR). These clinical outcomes were defined in compliance with the Academic Research Consortium guidelines.22 The investigation prioritized the incidence of DoCE as its main objective, while the secondary goal examined the occurrence of individual DoCE components. Patient monitoring involved periodic assessments at six-month intervals, conducted either through in-person clinical visits or telephone consultations. The follow-up period extended up to two years, with all study participants completing a minimum of one year of observation.
Statistical Analysis
Continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation or median (interquartile range), and categorical variables in terms of frequencies and percentages for data presentation. Analysis of continuous outcome data was done by comparing data employing the Student’s t-test or Mann–Whitney U-test, based on the data distribution. Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate categorical outcome data when the total number of observations was 9 or fewer; chi-square analysis was used if the total number of observations was greater than 9. Cox regression analysis, both univariate and multi-variable, were conducted to ascertain independent determinants of SER, providing odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Those variables demonstrating P less than 0.10 in univariate analysis were then joined into a multi-variable marginal Cox proportional hazards model. Kaplan-Meier survival assessment was utilized to estimate event rates, and hazard ratios (HR) was calculated from Cox regression analysis. For patients for whom multiple DoCEs were applicable, the first was employed for analytical purposes. All analyses were carried out at a statistical significance of P < 0.05. The statistical program SPSS 24.0 was used to handle and evaluate the data (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, US).
Results
Baseline Clinical Characteristics and Angiography Characteristics
The research encompassed 211 patients (136 males, 75 females; mean age 64.28±10.78 years) presenting with SER and 211 corresponding target lesions. Upon analysis, no noteworthy disparities in baseline clinical or angiographic features were detected between subjects with elevated and non-elevated Lp(a) levels (Tables 1 and 2).
Table 1 Baseline Clinical Characteristics
Table 2 Angiography Characteristics
IVUS Analysis of SER Lesions
The IVUS findings of SER were not different between the elevated Lp(a) cohort and the non-elevated Lp (a) cohort (Table 3). Between the two cohorts, there was a noticeable difference in the distribution pattern of SER stenotic tissue shape. The elevated Lp(a) cohort exhibited fewer instances of NIH compared to the non-elevated Lp(a) cohort (24.0% vs 33.8%, P<0.001)(Figure 3). Conversely, Neo-atherosclerosis was more prevalent in the elevated Lp(a) cohort than in the non-elevated Lp (a) cohort (56.0% vs 44.1%, P<0.001) (Figure 3).
As depicted within Table 4, both univariate (OR: 3.612, 95% CI: 2.226–5.477; P<0.001) and multivariate (OR: 3.391, 95% CI: 2.030–5.273; P<0.001) assessments show that elevated Lp(a) was independently correlated with the development of SER.
Table 4 Univariate and Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis to Determine the Independent Factors Affecting the Presence of SER
Clinical Outcomes
Table 5 and Figure 4 illustrate the comparative clinical outcomes between participants with elevated and non-elevated Lp(a) levels. Over a 2-year observational follow-up period, the elevated Lp(a) cohort consistently demonstrated higher incidences of DoCE and TLR compared to the non-elevated Lp(a) cohort (16.0% vs 7.4%, P<0.001; 13.3% vs 5.1%, P= 0.011, respectively).
Table 5 Clinical Outcomes During Follow-up
Figure 4 Kaplan-Meier survival curves of DoCE for 2 years.
This study’s principal observations can be summarized as follows: 1.Among patients with SER, Neo-atherosclerosis was much more prevalent within the elevated Lp(a) cohort. 2.NIH was less frequent in the elevated Lp(a) cohort. 3.Elevated Lp(a) levels exhibited an independent correlation with SER. 4.The cumulative 2-year incidence of both DoCE and TLR was consistently elevated within the elevated Lp(a) cohort.
Impact of Lp(a) on SER
This real-world investigation reveals a notable disparity in the distribution of SER stenotic tissue structure between the two cohorts. The elevated Lp(a) cohort exhibited fewer instances of NIH but a higher prevalence of neo-atherosclerosis compared to their counterparts with non-elevated Lp(a) levels. Lp(a) promotes atherosclerosis by transporting cholesterol while adhering to macrophages, facilitating foam cell formation, which contributes to atherosclerotic plaque development.23 In addition, Lp(a) competes for specific binding sites with plasminogen and enhances the activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor, both processes promoting thrombogenesis.24 The post-stent implantation inflammatory response is badly affected by Lp(a). Through its actions on white blood cells and the immune cascades at sites of injured vessel walls, it stimulates proinflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase secretion. It triggers a localized inflammatory response and then promotes vascular smooth muscle proliferation and migration towards atherosclerotic lesions.25 A second potential proatherogenic mechanism of Lp(a) is its inverse association with vascular reactivity. Lp(a) directly binds to the extracellular matrix, is internalized via macrophages, and is associated with lipid accumulation and Neo-atherosclerosis and in-stent restenosis.26 As a consequence, increased plasma Lp(a) levels result in endothelial dysfunction,27 a major impetus for SER development.28
Predictors of SER
The development, severity, as well as pattern of SER are due to multiple factors, such as mechanical (stent under-expansion, uneven drug distribution, and stent fracture), biological (drug resistance and hypersensitivity), or operator-related technical factors (barotraumas beyond the stented section, stent gaps, and remaining uncovered atherosclerotic plaques).29 Our study corroborates that elevated Lp(a) levels independently correlate with an elevated SER risk, supporting Lp(a)’s potential impact on restenotic lesions. However, previous IVUS and optical coherence tomography (OCT) studies have highlighted several key risk factors for SER: mechanical injury, hinge motion, stent under-expansion, smaller lumen size, residual plaque at the stent edge PCI, and a larger step-up index (ie, the ratio of stent border to reference minimum lumen area).11,30,31 A retrospective OCT study of 319 patients immediately after everolimus-eluting stent implantation revealed lipidic plaque (OR: 5.99; 95% CI: 2.89–12.81; P<0.001) and minimum lumen area (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.42–0.96; P=0.029) as independent predictors of SER.11 For post-PCI patients, intensive management directed toward conventional risk factors (elevated LDL level, lesion morphology, hypertension, and diabetes) is usually performed.32 Our cohort’s lack of correlation between these conventional risk variables and SER could be due to the fact that their potential influence may not be a major driver of SER and that the control of these risk factors through intense treatment interventions following baseline PCI has been effective. In contrast, secondary prevention with Lp(a)-targeted therapies is approved but only in development and not yet standardized, giving us the advantage to study the persistent effect of elevated Lp(a) levels on stent durability.
Clinical Outcome
Our study revealed consistently higher cumulative 2-year incidences of DoCE and TLR in the elevated Lp(a) cohort in contrast to the non-elevated Lp(a) cohort. The association seen in SER patients with elevated Lp(a) and adverse clinical outcomes following repeat PCI indicated these findings as a potential causal effect even in the DES era. Landmark assessment showed that the differences in SER in patients with elevated and non-elevated Lp(a) were greatest following the index post-baseline PCI and therefore consistent with Lp(a)’s 2-year clinical effects on SER. In fact, a previous OCT study has shown that 185° of lipid arc and a minimal lumen area of 4.10 mm² at the stent edge predict SER and future adverse clinical events.11
Limited data exist on the association involving Lp(a) levels and stent thrombosis risk following PCI with DES. Due to structural homology between apolipoprotein(a) and plasminogen, Lp(a) may compete with and inhibit tissue plasminogen’s thrombolytic activity.33 Park et al reported an association involving higher Lp(a) levels as well as stent thrombosis following PCI with DES,34 suggesting a more thrombogenic state within patients having high Lp(a) levels. However, our study found no statistically significant difference in cumulative 2-year stent thrombosis incidence involving the two cohorts, possibly due to insufficient sample size. Larger sample size studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions about Lp(a)’s role in stent thrombosis development.
Despite high and similar statin use in both cohorts (85.3% in elevated Lp(a) cohort versus 89.7% in non-elevated Lp(a) group, P=0.601), significant differences in 2-year DoCE outcomes were observed, suggesting that Lp(a) is not modified by statin therapy.35 Following treatment with a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor (PCSK9i), which decreased Lp(a) levels from 71.5 to 47.4 mg/dL, a patient with elevated Lp(a) levels showed no ISR recurrence, according to a case report by Akiyama et al. It is noteworthy that before to starting PCSK9i, this patient had a history of recurrent ISR (6 times) while receiving appropriate traditional antihyperlipidemia medication. Further studies are warranted to investigate potential therapies for preventing SER within patients having high Lp(a) levels undergoing PCI with DES.
Lp(a) is discussed as a promising risk factor and therapeutic target for SER prevention, and research in this area is encouraged. In patients undergoing PCI, elevated Lp(a) levels should be managed meticulously with a corresponding decrease in Lp(a) level. Of particular relevance in this era of emerging Lp(a)-targeted therapies,36 this approach is important.The clinical importance of Lp(a) in the prevention of SER is amplified because SER is routinely treated by revascularization, which may be complex PCI or surgical intervention and could affect patient prognosis.29 In addition, though, beyond treatment trials, more prospective studies are necessary to better explore the role of Lp(a) in SER.
Limitations
This study has several limitations. First, the single-center, non-randomized, retrospective design and limited sample size may introduce selection and information bias. Additionally, some patients were excluded due to missing IVUS assessments or Lp(a) measurements, which may have affected representativeness. Second, the types of DES previously implanted at SER sites included both first- and second-generation devices, potentially influencing plaque morphology and confounding the analysis. Third, although patients received guideline-directed medical therapy, detailed information on prior pharmacological interventions—particularly statin and P2Y12 inhibitor use—was not fully available, which may have contributed to observed differences in restenotic tissue characteristics between cohorts. Fourth, while clinical follow-up was performed for up to two years, extended long-term data beyond this period, including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) or late revascularization rates, were not collected. This may have limited the ability to fully assess the long-term prognostic implications of elevated Lp(a). In addition, dynamic changes in Lp(a) levels and longitudinal data on stent type during follow-up were not available, which may have further influenced outcomes. Fifth, while IVUS provided detailed structural information, it has intrinsic limitations in accurately characterizing tissue composition, as its imaging features may not fully correspond with histopathological findings. Future studies incorporating multimodal imaging—such as OCT, NIRS, or hybrid imaging platforms—are warranted to improve tissue characterization and validation.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that elevated Lp(a) is independently associated with the occurrence of neoatherosclerosis and adverse two-year outcomes in patients with SER after PCI. These findings reinforce the biological plausibility of Lp(a) as a risk factor, given its pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic properties that may promote plaque progression and vascular remodeling. The results highlight the potential of Lp(a) not only as a predictor of SER but also as a future therapeutic target or risk stratification tool in post-PCI patient management. While the findings are supported by robust imaging and clinical analysis, the single-center, retrospective design and limited follow-up duration represent inherent limitations. Future prospective, multicenter studies with extended follow-up are warranted to validate these observations and assess the impact of Lp(a)-targeted interventions.
Data Sharing Statement
The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate
The present research was carried out in accordance with the tenets mentioned in the Helsinki Declaration and was approved by the Ethical Board of Xiangtan Central Hospital (approval number:X201863231-3). Prior to the commencement of the research, our team obtained written informed consent from each patient.
Consent for Publication
Not applicable. No individual patient data will be reported.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas. Specifically, X.W. and L.W. conceived the study and critically reviewed the manuscript for important intellectual content. H.B.H. and H.H. performed the literature search and data analysis. X.W., M.X.W., L.W., Z.L., and H.H. contributed to drafting and revising the manuscript. All authors gave final approval of the version to be published, agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Funding
This work was supported by Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province (No.2022JJ30575) and Health Research Project of Hunan Provincial Health Commission (No. 20233486).
Disclosure
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Honor is thought to unleash a new Android smartphone with the industry’s biggest display in 2025, and it might belong to the upcoming X70 series. The potentially affordable “GT” might also have a “custom” 50MP main camera and a large battery.
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It is thought to be 1.5K in resolution at best, which might result in a somewhat sparse pixel-matrix when stretched across that much screen real estate.
It is also thought to have LTPS backplane technology, as opposed to the LTPO alternative of higher-end smartphones.
Then again, potential for enhanced battery capacity implied by the “X70 GT’s” sheer size might offset its possibly impaired power efficiency somewhat.
Deirdre O Donnell – Senior Tech Writer – 8495 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
I became a professional writer and editor shortly after graduation. My degrees are in biomedical sciences; however, they led to some experience in the biotech area, which convinced me of its potential to revolutionize our health, environment and lives in general. This developed into an all-consuming interest in more aspects of tech over time: I can never write enough on the latest electronics, gadgets and innovations. My other interests include imaging, astronomy, and streaming all the things. Oh, and coffee.
Capturing life in motion has come a long way in recent years. From strapping cameras to helmets on mountain trails to filming immersive city walks, creators today are looking for gear that does more than just record. And rightly so. It’s hard enough to know when you’re going to be able to capture a moment, let alone know that you’re covered with whatever camera you have. Enter the action camera. It can do all that and then some. And right now, you can get one for a great price thanks to this Best Buy deal.
Check out Best Buy right now to get the Insta360 X4 8K 360 Degree Action Camera for $350, down from its usual price of $500. That’s $170 off and a discount of 34%.
See at Best Buy
Capture all your coolest tricks and more with this camera
The Insta360 X4 is built for action, but it’s also meant to be super easy to use, so you can have it around for whatever needs it should fit in your life. But it’s made to give you gorgeous cifeo. It captures 8K video at 30 frames per second in full 360 degrees, allowing you to shoot first and frame later. You don’t need to think about lining up the perfect angle while filming—just record everything and choose your perspective in post. For creators who are used to filming in tight windows or on unpredictable adventures, that kind of flexibility is a game changer.
There’s also a standard single-lens mode, which lets you record in 4K using just one side of the camera. This is useful for more traditional content when you don’t need the full 360-degree field of view. It extends battery life and simplifies the editing process without sacrificing quality.
It also has plenty of battery if you’re worried that it might not last. You can shoot an hour of continuous 8K footage or more than two hours at lower resolutions. That’s plenty of time for trail runs or record-breaking swims or even bike tricks. That’s not the only trick this camera has up its sleeve, though. It also has advanced stabilization, horizon leveling, and a responsive touchscreen.
To control things and tweak settings as you like, there’s a special companion app and AI editing tools. You can remove selfie sticks from shots, reframe your footage, and create share-ready clips all from your phone. The app makes things a lot easier than just forcing you to manually edit on your own without help.
If you’re the kind of person who wants to take video of everything cool that you do while out and about, this camera is for you. It’s just $350, which is a great price. Whether you’re upgrading your gear, starting a new content channel, or just want the freedom to film everything around you in super high definition, this is your best bet.
Updates this week to the Gemini app on Android and iPhone introduce a new app icon that adopts the four Google colors.
The new four-color logo takes after every other Google icon. It’s still predominantly blue at the right, while the other points are red, yellow, and green. There’s also a nice gradient at center-left like the current ‘G’ icon.
The four points are rounded and not as sharp as before for a friendlier look. At small sizes, like on your homescreen, it means the icon doesn’t fade out into very thin lines.
Finally, the new logo is slightly larger than the last one and takes up more of the white circular background, which always helps. Ultimately, Google moving to red, yellow, green, and blue brings Gemini into the fold, and can be seen as a sign of confidence. The sparkle shape is unique enough so it shouldn’t be easily confused with other first-party applications.
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After Android and iPhone, we’re still waiting for the new Gemini icon on gemini.google.com.
Old vs. new
With this update, Google has also tweaked the homescreen widget on Android. (There are no changes to the iOS version.) Besides the new icon, there are now shortcuts for Video and Screenshare that launch those Gemini Live modes directly. It’s pretty convenient, with Google emphasizing those new actions in smaller configurations.
Overall, the widget is less dense than before, with one less shortcut at some sizes. At 3×3 and above, you get all eight shortcuts: open app (with keyboard activated), voice input, Camera, Gallery, Files, Video, Screenshare, and Live. Lastly, the “Ask Gemini” field is now just the “Gemini” bar with Google no longer giving it a separate Dynamic Color background.
As of Friday, version 1.0.776555963 of the Gemini app is now widely available via the Play Store. On iOS, version 1.2025.2562103 rolled out on Wednesday, with Google making official the ability to search past conversations, like on the web. Tap the chat icon in the top-left corner for the new search field, with this feature not yet on Android.
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