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, the ref. IW371480, is a stunning example of the brand’s commitment to its founder’s legacy. The Portugieser Chronograph boasts a classic design language that has been a hallmark of the Swiss manufacturer for centuries. It’s case is made of 18k Red Gold, giving it a luxurious and sophisticated appearance. The elegant silhouette and delicate finish of the round case harken back to the golden era of watchmaking, while its size of 40.9 mm strikes a perfect balance between classic and modern aesthetics. The champagne silvery dial with Red Gold hands, except the blued chronograph and the 30 minute counter ones, is a testament to the watch’s refinement and attention to detail. The subdial layout is a nod to the 1950s, while its pristine appearance is reminiscent of the original Portugieser that debuted in the mid-1930s. It’s easy to see why the Portugieser Chronograph has remained unchanged since its launch in 1998.
Under the hood it is powered by the IWC caliber 79350 – a 31-jewel self-winding movement that operates at 28,800 VpH and boasts a power reserve of 44 hours. The patented Pellaton winding system ensures the in-house movement is incredibly wear-resistant and consistently accurate, making it a reliable and durable choice for any watch enthusiast.
Our offering was just polished and is in excellent cosmetic condition. It comes in a full set of boxes and papers and is outfitted with a brand new OEM brown leather strap. Ticking per specs.
Covered by a limited warranty of 1 year by us, starting on the date of purchase.