#Ref. IW371610

[watchilove]

At the beginning of the week, I have published the press release of the new IWC Portugieser Chronograph with in-house calibre. Two days later I drove to Munchen, to the IWC Boutique to see them live. This historic collection does look good in the new chronograph version and I decided to share with you some pictures and impressions.

Ref. IW371606

Review IWC Portugieser Chronograph

IWC Schaffhausen launched 6 new models of the well known Portugieser Chronograph. The novelty consists in the use of in-house movement 69355 instead of the modified ETA Valjoux 7750. For those familiar with the brand and particular with this model, the manufacture movement is not a big surprise. Moreover quite expected. IWC used previously the calibre 69355 in the IW371601 (blue dial) and IW371602 (white dial) – the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Edition “150 Years”. These two references were launched at SIHH 2018 together with other anniversary pieces.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371605

Unfortunately, I was not able to photograph all six of them. But other than the dial colour variations there are no other differences (of course, there are the four steel and two gold versions). I focused mainly on the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371605, the white dial with blue accents as one of the most classic versions (more a bit of a favourite).

Ref. IW371605

An elegant classic

Decades of Portugieser has established the model as an elegant but slightly sporty watch with roots in the nautical side of the watchmaking. The brushed case band makes a great contrast with the polished bezel and see-through caseback.

Ref. IW371605

The crown and pushers are well integrated into the 41 mm steel or gold case. The polished “mushroom” pushers have nice and firm feedback. It is a pleasure to use the chrono. Definitively an improvement over the classical versions with modified Valjoux.

Ref. IW371605

The IWC specific crown is decorated with embedded IWC logo. I found that without a bit of fingernail it is difficult to get the crown in the setting position. The fingertips do not have enough grip. The winding imposes no problems, being smooth, effortless.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph triple folding clasp

The watch is fitted with a solid deployant clasp. The brushed buckle is decorated with the IWC logo medallion. A nice view for the back of the wrist. The watch sits comfortably on the wrist.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph steel caseback

The caseback is fixed with 4 screws. The watch offers 3bar water-resistance (visible also as engraving detail on the caseback). The 13.1 mm height is just slightly bigger as the older closed case version, in order to accommodate the sapphire crystal.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph steel side

The Portugieser dial

The IWC Portugieser is one of the most recognisable timepieces. Not only from IWC but also between the classic timepieces. The model gained respect for its simple look and excellent visibility – the main requirements that led to the born of the Portugieser.

Ref. IW371605

The clean dial is adorned with applied numerals as hour indexes. The minutes’ register uses a set of recessed dots in the colour scheme of the watch. Rest of the decorations are printed, including the sloped inner bezel featuring the seconds’ register.

Ref. IW371605

The small seconds and the chronograph 30 minutes counter uses two vertical placed recessed sub-dials with circular guilloche pattern.

Ref. IW371605

Between the models, the variations are just purely cosmetic.

Ref. IW371611

Above is visible the gold case IW371611 that shares the same dial with the steel Ref. IW371604. These two references have the same dial decoration, including the blued chronograph central seconds’ hand and 30 minutes’ counter hand.

Ref. IW371609

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371609 with black dial is adorned with rhodium-plated hands and appliques. The recessed circular pattern is kept. The blue dial Ref. IW371606 shares the decoration with the black dial version.

Ref. IW371610

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371610 features a slate-coloured dial. The contrast with the black sub-dials is lovely.

ef. IW371610

IW371610 offers, in my opinion, the best spectacle of the sunray adorned dial.

Ref. IW371610

IWC manufacture calibre 69355

IWC Schaffhausen made the right choice when decided to go with an in-house movement for the chrono Portugieser. Many voices expressed the opinion that the statute and price of the historic pieces deserved a manufacture movement.

IWC manufacture calibre 69355

The Calibre 69355 is part of the IWC’s 69000-family. The mechanical automatic chronograph movements do not feature a chrono hour totalizer nor a date complication.

IWC manufacture calibre 69355

The 46 hours power reserve is depleted by a 28,800 vph / 4 Hz escapement visible through the skeletonised rotor weight and the “aperture” of the top bridge.

IWC manufacture calibre 69355

The chronograph mechanism is partly visible too –  the column wheel. You can easily observe the hand made perlage, circular Cotes de Geneve and the brushing.

IWC manufacture calibre 69355

The Calibre 69355 is nicely decorated. Not breathtaking, but for the price, one can not expect thousands of hours spent on finishes. The decorations are nicely made, a combination of machined and hand finishing.

Ref. IW371605

Final impressions

I am happy that IWC decided to go to an in-house calibre for this prominent collection. The new chronographs keep alive the heritage of the Portugieser family.

I was enchanted by the wrist feel and the lovely colour combinations available for the dials. Even if the silvered white dial with the golded accents is considered the “classic”, I was attracted by the blue accents. From the gold versions, the dark slated IW371610 is clearly a favourite. After some time spent with all the watches and some good thinking after it is hard to draw a single “winner”. All have a certain charm.

The Calibre 69355 offers a nice view on the back of the watch. I was satisfied by the movements behaviour: chrono feedback and ease of use. It is a good start of the new decade for the IWC and I am looking forward to what Watches & Wonders will bring. Since I have seen some prototypes, I am confident that you will be impressed.

Ref. IW371605

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Technical Specifications and Prices

FEATURES

Mechanical movement

stopwatch function with minutes and seconds

small hacking seconds

the see-through sapphire-glass back

MOVEMENT

IWC manufacture calibre 69355

Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz

Jewels: 33

Power reserve: 46 h

Winding Automatic

WATCH

Materials

Ref. IW371604: Stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands and appliques, black alligator strap, 7.850 € (Germany), $7,950 (USA)

Ref. IW371605: Stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, blue hands and appliques, blue alligator leather strap, 7.850 € (Germany), $7,950 (USA)

Ref. IW371606: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, black alligator strap, 7.850 € (Germany), $7,950 (USA)

Ref. IW371609: Stainless steel case, black dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, black alligator strap, 7.850 € (Germany), $7,950 (USA)

Ref. IW371610: 18-carat 5N gold case, black dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliques, black alligator strap by Santoni, 17.400 € (Germany), $17,800 (USA)

Ref. IW371611: 18-carat 5N gold case, silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliques, brown alligator leather strap by Santoni, 17.400 € (Germany), $17,800 (USA)

Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides

Water-resistant: 3 bar

Diameter: 41 mm

Height: 13.1 mm

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Gallery

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371605

Ref. IW371605

Ref. IW371605

Ref. IW371605

Ref. IW371605

Ref. IW371605

IWC Portugieser Chronograph steel side

Ref. IW371605

Ref. IW371605

Ref. IW371605

IWC Portugieser Chronograph triple folding clasp

Ref. IW371605

IWC Portugieser Chronograph steel caseback

IWC manufacture calibre 69355

IWC manufacture calibre 69355

IWC manufacture calibre 69355

IWC manufacture calibre 69355

Ref. IW371609

Ref. IW371606

Ref. IW371611

Ref. IW371610

ef. IW371610

Ref. IW371610

Hands-on IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW3716XX with in-house calibre At the beginning of the week, I have published the press release of the new IWC Portugieser Chronograph with in-house calibre…

[watchilove]

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Technical Specifications and Prices FEATURES Mechanical movement stopwatch function with minutes and seconds small hacking seconds the see-through sapphire-glass back MOVEMENT IWC manufacture calibre 69355 Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz Jewels: 33 Power reserve: 46 h Winding Automatic WATCH Materials Ref. IW371604: Stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands and appliques, black alligator strap, 7.850 € (Germany), $7,950 (USA) Ref. IW371605: Stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, blue hands and appliques, blue alligator leather strap, 7.850 € (Germany), $7,950 (USA) Ref. IW371606: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, black alligator strap, 7.850 € (Germany), $7,950 (USA) Ref. IW371609: Stainless steel case, black dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, black alligator strap, 7.850 € (Germany), $7,950 (USA) Ref. IW371610: 18-carat 5N gold case, black dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliques, black alligator strap by Santoni, 17.400 € (Germany), $17,800 (USA) Ref. IW371611: 18-carat 5N gold case, silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliques, brown alligator leather strap by Santoni, 17.400 € (Germany), $17,800 (USA) Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides Water-resistant: 3 bar Diameter: 41 mm Height: 13.1 mm Link in bio https://www.instagram.com/p/B8WaGrBKR1L/?igshid=noe62zuvrbw7

[watchilove]

IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled a reworked version of the Portugieser Chronograph. The iconic design, with its clean, open dial, two recessed totalizers and flange with quarter-second scale, remains unchanged. Inside the case of the much-loved chronograph, however, IWC now uses a high-quality in-house movement from the 69000-calibre family, which can be seen through the transparent back.

Not without reason has the Portugieser Chronograph proved to be one of the most popular watches ever to emerge from Schaffhausen. The open, clean, functional dial, with two recessed totalizers at “6 o’clock” and “12 o’clock”, appliquéd Arabic numerals and slim feuille hands, is encircled by a filigree bezel. The flange, printed with a quarter-second scale, enables precision reading of stopwatch times and gives this timeless Portugieser a subtle, sporty touch.

Externally, the iconic design of the new models, which are grouped under Reference 3716, remains unchanged. The decisive new feature is hidden away inside the watch: the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre ensures the precise display and measurement of time. The rugged, precision chronograph movement with the classic column-wheel design can be seen through the transparent back. An automatic pawl-winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours.

Six different versions are available in 18-carat 5N gold or stainless steel. The stainless-steel models are equipped with the newly developed butterfly folding clasp, which is particularly comfortable in wear.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371604: Stainless-steel case, silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands and appliqués, black alligator leather strap.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371605: Stainless-steel case, silver-plated dial, blue hands and appliqués, black alligator leather strap.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371606: Stainless-steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliqués, black alligator leather strap.

  IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371609: Stainless-steel case, black dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliqués, black alligator leather strap.

  IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371610: 18-carat 5N gold case, slate-coloured dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliqués, black alligator leather strap by Santoni.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371610 back

  IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371611: 18-carat 5N gold case, silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliqués, brown alligator leather strap by Santoni.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371611 back

IWC Schaffhausen

In 1868, the American watchmaker and entrepreneur Florentine Ariosto Jones travelled from Boston to Switzerland and founded the ‘International Watch Company’ in Schaffhausen. His visionary dream was to combine advanced American manufacturing methods with the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers to make the best pocket watches of his time. In doing so, he not only laid the foundation for IWC’s unique engineering approach but also established the centralised production of mechanical watches in Switzerland.

Over its 150 year history, IWC Schaffhausen has developed a reputation for creating functional complications, especially chronographs and calendars, which are ingenious, robust, and easy for customers to use. A pioneer in the use of titanium and c eramics, IWC today specialises in highly engineered technical watch cases manufactured from advanced materials, such as titaniumaluminide and Ceratanium®. Preferring the principle of “form follows function” over decoration, the Swiss watch manufacturer’s timeless creations embody their owners’ dreams and ambitions as they journey through life.

IWC sources materials responsibly and takes action to minimise its impact on the environment, creating intrinsically sustainable timepieces that are built to last for generations. The company prides itself in training its own future watchmakers and engineers, as well as offering an excellent working environment for all employees. IWC also partners with organisations that work globally to support children and young people.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Technical Specifications

FEATURES

Mechanical movement

stopwatch function with minutes and seconds

small hacking seconds

see-through sapphire glass back

MOVEMENT

IWC manufacture calibre 69355

Frequency: 28,800 vph / 4 Hz

Jewels: 33

Power reserve: 46 h

Winding Automatic

WATCH

Materials

Ref. IW371604: Stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands and appliques, black alligator strap

Ref. IW371605: Stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, blue hands and appliques, blue alligator leather strap

Ref. IW371606: Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, black alligator strap

Ref. IW371609: Stainless steel case, black dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, black alligator strap

Ref. IW371610: 18-carat 5N gold case, black dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliques, black alligator strap by Santoni

Ref. IW371611: 18-carat 5N gold case, silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliques, brown alligator leather strap by Santoni

Glass: Sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides

Water-resistant: 3 bar

Diameter: 41 mm

Height: 13.1 mm

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371604: Stainless-steel case, silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands and appliqués, black alligator leather strap.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371605: Stainless-steel case, silver-plated dial, blue hands and appliqués, black alligator leather strap.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371606: Stainless-steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliqués, black alligator leather strap.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371609: Stainless-steel case, black dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliqués, black alligator leather strap.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371610: 18-carat 5N gold case, slate-coloured dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliqués, black alligator leather strap by Santoni.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371610 back

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371611: 18-carat 5N gold case, silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliqués, brown alligator leather strap by Santoni.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371611 back

Six new IWC Portugieser Chronograph with in-house calibre IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled a reworked version of the Portugieser Chronograph. The iconic design, with its clean, open dial, two recessed totalizers and flange with quarter-second scale, remains unchanged.