IWC Portugieser Chronograph 40.9 ref. IW371446 – Very fresh

Florentine Ariosto Jones was a man of great vision and a truly adventurous and bold spirit. He founded IWC in 1858, in the town of Schaffhausen, with the intent to produce movements that would be exported to the United States, where a partner company would encase them and market them. This approach proved economically inviable, however, so it wasn’t too long before Jones started to see his dreams crumble. Nevertheless, he pushed on and ensured that IWC would survive by transforming it from the ground up. Today, the company is among the most highly praised watch manufacturers out there, thanks in no small part to the values that Jones instilled: fine engineering, foresight and innovation, and a superb production system.

The watch on offer here – ref. IW371446 – stands as definitive proof that IWC has stayed true to the legacy of its founder.
The Portugieser Chronograph embodies the traditional design language of the centuries-old Swiss manufacturer. It comes equipped with a round stainless steel case, whose elegant silhouette and delicate finish harken back to the glory days of watchmaking, but whose size has been increased to a modern – yet balanced – 40.9 mm. Its pristine silver-plated ial exudes an air of sophistication that isn’t exactly commonplace within contemporary watchmaking either, instead evoking the design of the original Portugieser that made its debut in the mid-1930s. The layout of its subdials, meanwhile, is a nod to a later period in the brand’s history – the 1950s. It’s quite easy to tell why the Portugieser Chronograph hasn’t changed one bit ever since it saw the light of day in 1998, isn’t it?
The Portugieser Chronograph is powered by the IWC caliber 79350 – a 31-jewel self-winding movement, which operates at 28,800 vph and, as previously mentioned, boasts a power reserve of 44 hours. Thanks to the patented Pelloton winding system, the in-house movement is incredibly wear-resistant and consistently accurate. It features Côtes de Genève and perlage decorations.

Our offering is in very good condition – shows minimal wear here and there, mainly from strap changes. It comes with its original box and is outfitted with an IWC blue strap with steel buckle. Ticking per specs.

Covered by a limited warranty of 1 year, starting on the date of purchase.