IWC Portugieser: a timeless style icon

The IWC Portugieser‘s history takes us back to the end of the 1930s, when IWC accepted a commission from two Portuguese businessmen to create large wristwatches with a particularly high degree of precision, featuring Savonnette-style calibre 74 and 98 pocket watch movements. Significantly larger than other watches at the time, it was brought to market in 1939.

In 1993, to mark the 125th anniversary of the Portugieser, IWC relaunched the model in a new limited-edition version: this prestigious timepiece boasts a sapphire-glass back through which to admire its internal movements. The calibre 9828 of the modern Portugieser was based on the original pocket watch’s calibre 98.

Among the most captivating models in the IWC Portugieser line, we find the Rattrappante Chronograph, presented to the public for the first time in 1995 under the slogan “A watch like none other previously seen”. This is indeed a very fitting description for a watch combining a Portugieser and chronograph in one case, to extraordinary effect.

Other famous watches in the IWC Portugieser collection include the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar, which was first created by Kurt Klaus in the 80s. The watch automatically recognizes the different durations of months and leap years and is easily adjusted via a single crown.

The current model integrates the complication into a movement from the 82000 calibre family for the first time: thanks to its ceramic components, IWC’s 82650 calibre Pellaton winding system makes it possible to achieve a charge lasting 60 hours. Measuring 42mm in diameter, the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar features a stainless-steel case, a silver dial, and applied gold hands and indices. Elegant and timeless, this Portugieser has a black alligator leather strap by Santoni.

The model’s early success was huge, and it was relaunched in 2015 with a new look characterised for the first time by the perpetual yearly calendar.

Among the new models, the 52000 calibre family stands out for its use of materials such as ceramic which prevent wear on the winding mechanism.