Pre-Owned
IWC Portugieser Watches
In the late 1930s, two Portuguese businessmen asked IWC to make them an oversized watch that was accurate to marine chronometer grade and easily readable in tricky conditions. The IWC Portuguesier—large for the time at 43mm due to its pocket watch movement—was the result.
IWC Portugieser Watches
The IWC Portugieser—known as the “Portuguese” until an official name change in 2016— is a testament to timeless elegance and a rich heritage, having won the hearts of watch connoisseurs globally. The genesis of this iconic timepiece dates back to the late 1930s when two Portuguese businessmen, said to be watch importers, sought a precise, marine chronometer-like watch from IWC that was larger than the standard wristwatches of the era.
IWC duly responded, making a watch that ran on its Calibre 98 pocket watch movement, and the first IWC Portugieser was born.
The watch was made in small batches up until the 1980s before it went out of production, making vintage models rare. However, it was revived in 1993 to celebrate the brand’s 125th anniversary, and the Portugieser has since established itself as a key collection that encompasses some of the brand’s most impressive complications, from perpetual calendars to minute repeaters, as well as tourbillons.
What sets the IWC Portugieser apart is its minimalist yet sophisticated design featuring Arabic numerals and slender hands. Its simplicity is its strength, giving the IWC Portugieser a timeless allure that outlives trends.
The IWC Portugieser collection offers a plethora of models to cater to diverse preferences. From the classic Portugieser Automatic with its stainless-steel case and black dial, to the sporty yet refined Portugieser Chronograph, there's a model for every discerning taste. The collection also boasts of intricate complications like the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar and the Portugieser Annual Calendar, reflecting IWC's commitment to style and functionality.
The movements used in the Portugieser are no longer pocket watch movements. From the late 1970s it began using the manual-wind Calibre 982, an improved form of the Calibre 98, and these days the collection uses several of IWC’s superb in-house movements that are either manually wound or automatic, depending on the model. Calibres such as the 51900 are renowned for their huge power reserves, with some holding up to 168 hours of power.
Whereas many steel versions are still produced, the Portugieser is also available in prestigious gold or platinum, with the latter used in top-tier examples like the incredible Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition “150 Years”, released to celebrate the brand’s 150th anniversary.
With its impressive lineage, iconic design, and a vast range of models, the IWC Portugieser truly represents a classic. It's a worthy addition to the collection of any watch lover or anyone who appreciates exquisite craftsmanship.
Whether you're a long-standing IWC fan or simply looking to own a piece of horological history, this remarkable watch combines heritage, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance. At Watchfinder, you can find a number of pre-owned IWC Portugieser models in a range of styles and sizes.