To celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Portugieser collection, IWC has created two timepieces that take inspiration from the original Portugieser (Ref. 325) from the 1930s.
“All design elements of the historic Portugieser have been carefully adopted with the only extra being the date display underneath the small second,” according to IWC.
The Portugieser Hand-Wound Eight Days is presented in a 43 mm by 12 mm case that comes in stainless steel or 18K red gold. The watch appears less bulky than than you might expect, thanks to what IWC calls a “coved bezel,” which is a typical design characteristic of the Portuguese line, and the arched-edge sapphire glass.
Inside, is a modern movement that boasts a impressive eight day power reserve (192-hours). The IWC in-house developed and manufactured, hand-wound, caliber 59215, runs at 4Hz, has 30-jewels and features a power reserve display on the movement side. It features a date display and small hacking seconds. A Glucydur beryllium alloy balance features adjustment screws, and a Breguet balance spring. The main plate is decorated with circular graining. The three-quarter plate and bridges have vertical Geneva stripes and chamfered edges.
The dial borrows heavily from the original version, a model that has fortunately remained in an IWC collector’s private collection, and provided much of the source of inspiration for the design team. From the Arabic numerals to the slim feuille hands to the railway-track-style chapter ring to the small seconds (at 6 o’clock). Everything about this timepiece pays homage to the original, down to the the historic “International Watch Co. Schaffhausen” printed on the dial.
The red gold reference (Ref. IW510206) is exclusively limited to 175 watches, while the steel case (Ref. IW510205), ardoise dial variant is limited to 750 pieces. All models are fitted with exclusive alligator leather straps produced by Italian shoe manufactured Santoni, and fitted with a pin buckle matching the metal of the case. Water resistant to 30 meters.
For more, visit IWC.
