IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371439
Concept & Heritage
The Portuguese Chronograph has been one of the most sought-after timepieces from Schaffhausen since its reissue in 1998. The reference IW371439 in 18 carat white gold with original brilliant-cut diamonds on the rehaut and lugs combines the classic design language of the original Portugieser from 1939 with modern luxury. The peripheral precision scale and recessed totalizers follow the minimalist design of the first Portugieser chronographs, while the diamonds ensure discreet exclusivity. With a diameter of 40.9 mm the watch moves in the ideal range between classic restraint and contemporary presence.
Caliber & Technology
At the center works the Caliber 79350 - an automatic movement extensively modified by IWC on the basis of the legendary Valjoux 7750. The manufacture moved the small seconds to 6 o'clock, removed the 12-hour counter for clearer dial architecture and increased the number of jewels from 25 to 31 stones. The escapement, balance and hairspring were replaced with higher-quality components to achieve more precise rate values. With a frequency of 28,800 A/h (4 Hz) and 44 hours power reserve the movement combines reliability with the characteristic oscillation behavior of the bidirectional automatic winding system. The decoration with Côtes de Genève and careful finishing underline the manufactory's claim.
Case & diamond setting
The housing made of 18 carat white gold measures 40.9 mm in diameter with an overall height of 12.5 mm. The bezel features an original diamond setting ex works - a rare variant that IWC only offered for selected Portugieser models. The convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides guarantees glare-free readability, while the water resistance of 3 ATM underlines its orientation as a dress watch. The unscrewed, generously dimensioned crown and mushroom-shaped chronograph pushers allow comfortable operation. The brown alligator leather strap with White gold buckle completes the appearance.
Dial & readability
The gray dial with polished white-gold Feuille hands and Arabic numerals follows the iconic Portugieser aesthetic. The two recessed totalizers with snail pattern show running seconds at 6 o'clock and chronograph minutes at 12 o'clock. Blued chronograph hands stand out clearly from the main hands. The peripheral minute track allows the watch to be read to the second, while the metallic surface changes depending on the light. The condition with no signs of wear on the full set and the first sale date of 2006 make this example with brilliant-cut diamonds a rare opportunity for collectors of elegant IWC complications.
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For more information, see Technical Details.
