Are you a chronograph or an automatic? Introducing the recommended IWC Portugieser models

The Portugieser is one of IWC's most popular collections. Even if you've never paid attention to the Portugieser before, it's a good idea to check out the lineup. Once you learn why the Portugieser attracts enthusiasts and find out about recommended models, including new releases, you'll definitely be captivated by its appeal.

Why the IWC Portugieser Attracts Enthusiasts

Among the famous Swiss watch brands, IWC is known for producing timepieces that are as simple and sturdy as German-made watches. The Portugieser, which has a lineup of many models equipped with complicated mechanisms, has become a signature collection of IWC, along with the Pilot's Watch, since the first model was released in 1939.

What is it about the Portugieser that has captivated so many enthusiasts? Let's take a closer look at the appeal of the Portugieser.

Refined second hand and dial design

One of the great attractions of the Portugieser is its high visibility thanks to its streamlined design. The dial features simple Arabic indexes and leaf hands that fill the entire dial, making it easy to read the time.

Another distinctive feature of the Portugieser is that it does not have a 12-hour counter among its chronograph models. Instead, it has only two symmetrical subdials: a 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock and a small seconds at 6 o'clock.

The Portugieser continues to be loved because it emphasizes the purpose of a watch - to tell time - and pursues a simple design.

Slim bezel for compact design

Each Portugieser model has a bezel that allows for a compact case size. Normally, when the dial is enlarged to accommodate a high-performance movement, the case size naturally becomes larger.

However, by adopting a slim bezel, the Portugieser is able to keep the case diameter to around 40mm while still being equipped with a high-performance movement.

Furthermore, a flange (inner bezel) that slopes diagonally from the bezel to the dial is provided, making the dial appear larger. Compared to the Portofino chronograph, the Portuguese dial appears larger and easier to read.

Recommended IWC Portugieser Chronograph Models

Among the many Portugieser models in the lineup, the one you should check out first is the Portugieser Chronograph. This series is a major reason why the collection has become synonymous with IWC. We've picked out two Portugieser Chronograph models that offer very different impressions.

Portuguese Chronograph, Ref. IW371609

The Ref. IW371609 is simple and compact, yet striking. The dial and alligator strap are unified in black, with the IWC logo at 3 o'clock clearly visible.

A 30-minute counter is located at the 12 o'clock position, and a small seconds hand with a stop function is located at the 6 o'clock position.

The in-house movement visible through the see-through case back is the automatic Cal. 69355. With a power reserve of approximately 46 hours and a vibration frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it is sure to be a comfortable watch for everyday use.

Portuguese Chronograph, Ref. IW371611

For those who appreciate a luxurious and elegant model, we recommend the reference IW371611, which has an 18K red gold case.

The watch is paired with a Santoni alligator strap, and its antique dark brown finish gives it a sophisticated and stately look. When you remove the watch, the orange interior of the strap is revealed, highlighting your style.

The dial is accented by a blue second hand. While maintaining a classic design, the use of color is playful. The sapphire crystal caseback allows a view of the automatic movement, Cal. 69355, the same as the Ref. IW371609.

Recommended IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 Models

The Portugieser Automatic 40 is a series characterized by a simpler look that inherits the design of the first model born in 1939. We will introduce two recommended models, including the new models for 2023.

Portugieser Automatic 40, Ref. IW358313

The Ref. IW358313 is a new addition to the Portugieser Automatic 40 lineup in 2023, and features a salmon-colored dial. The salmon-colored dial with a sunburst finish will add a touch of warmth to your outfit.

Unlike the Portugieser Chronograph, the subdial only has a small second at 6 o'clock, and the IWC logo is at 12 o'clock, resulting in a cleaner design compared to the Portugieser Chronograph.

The movement is the automatic Cal. 82200, and boasts a power reserve of approximately 60 hours, longer than the two Portugieser Chronographs introduced above.

Portugieser Automatic 40, Ref. IW358304

If you find the salmon-colored dial of the Ref. IW358313 too flashy or difficult to coordinate with other items, check out the Ref. IW358304. It has the same case size and movement specifications as the Ref. IW358313, but its two-tone silver and blue color scheme makes it easy to coordinate with a wide range of outfits.

The alligator strap and leaf hands are both a deep blue. Among the Portugieser Chronograph models, those with blue hands are commonly known as "blue hands," and are gaining popularity alongside those with gold hands.

Even among the Portugieser Automatic 40, models with blue hands like the Ref. IW358304 are sure to give off an intelligent and calm impression.

The IWC Portuguese for Stylish Adults

The characteristic of IWC, being minimalist and stylish, is also true of the flagship Portugieser collection. Not only is the dial kept as simple as possible to make it easy to read the time, but the design of the bezel and inner bezel, which make the dial look larger, also contributes greatly to the Portugieser's sophisticated look.

In addition to the ones introduced in this article, there are many other attractive Portugieser models. First, check out the extensive lineup on the official website or in stores to find one that suits you.