IWC Portuguese F. A. Jones Limited edition ref. IW544203 – Polished, Perfect

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 idea of producing movements that were to be exported to the United States, where a partner company would encase them and market them. This approach proved economically inviable, so it wasn’t too long before he saw his dreams crumble. And yet, today his company has not only survived, it is thriving – thanks to the values Jones instilled: fine engineering, foresight and innovation, and an excellent production system. It’s only fitting that eastern Switzerland’s most renowned manufacture would celebrate the legacy of the man who started it all with a fine piece like the one on offer here. The IWC Portuguese F.A. Jones is a showcase of IWC’s finest watchmaking traditions. Its “Portugieser” case and F.A. Jones-inspired pocket watch movement draw from two of the company’s core strengths. The dial is rather utilitarian, just as impactful as it is elegant, and is also inspired by the pocket-watch aesthetic. The ornamented hands alone are reason enough to come back to the dial again and again, simply to admire it. The case is conservative, yet subtle in detail, giving the eye motive to explore, with the fine brushing on the flanks – and it is extremely fine – underlining the utilitarian feel and contrasting the sleek polished bezel. The movement is based on the IWC pocket caliber 98, which has been powering variations of the Portuguese for generation and is a classic in its own right. It has been modified such as to incorporate signature elements from the original Jones calibers of the 1860s – a sprawling “Jones Arrow” regulator index, a three-quarter plate to enclose the barrel and train gears, and a series of train jewels set in chatons. The finishing touch is the engraving, which also draws inspiration from traditional, old-fashioned design motifs. Our offering is in superb condition – just polished & on an OEM strap. Ticking per specs. Comes as watch only.

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