The most popular model in the IWC collection is the Portugieser. It has many appealing features, and all models, both old and new, are highly acclaimed by watch enthusiasts. Let's learn about the history and features of the Portugieser and check out the classic models.
Get to know the IWC Portuguese
What is the background behind the creation of IWC's masterpiece, the Portugieser? Let's take a look at the origins of the collection's name and the history of the Portugieser.
Origin of the collection name
The birth of the Portugieser began in 1939 when two Portuguese merchants commissioned IWC to manufacture a watch. Their request was for a wristwatch that could rival a marine chronometer.
A marine chronometer is a highly accurate timepiece for sailing, and IWC incorporated a pocket watch movement into it to meet the demands of Portuguese merchants.
The name Portugieser means "Portuguese."
The history of the Portuguese
The Portugieser, which used a pocket watch movement to ensure high accuracy, had a case diameter of 41.5 mm, which was quite large for its time.
At the same time, IWC was also developing pilot watches, which also featured pocket watch movements in large cases, but featured large Arabic numerals and thick hands to ensure legibility even during flight.
Compared to pilot watches from the same period, the Portugieser offers high accuracy while also having a dressy design.
The Portugieser was not well-received when it was first released, possibly due to its large case diameter. It wasn't until it was reissued in 1993 that it gained popularity among watch enthusiasts around the world.
Since then, the Portugieser has gained recognition as a model that combines strength and sophisticated design, and has now established itself as the brand's flagship collection.
Why the IWC Portugieser is so popular
There are four main reasons why the Portuguese is so popular:
Originality that shines through universality
One of the reasons why the Portugieser is so highly acclaimed is that it has timeless details yet is sprinkled with originality throughout.
Each detail is understated, but the result is a look with a refined individuality.It is a timeless design that could become a standard for decades to come.
The large movement, derived from pocket watches, is a major originality of the Portugieser.
Classic design
One of the great attractions of the Portugieser is its classic design, which inherits the style of the first model.
The large case, slim leaf hands, and rounded Arabic indexes all maintain an exquisite balance, enhancing the watch's visibility.
The lack of extravagant decoration is also an element that enhances the design of the Portugieser. By suppressing excessive assertions, the design is more streamlined and refined.
Well-crafted thin case
The Portugieser's case is large but thin. The reason behind the adoption of a thin case is clear: it was intended to differentiate it from military pilot watches. Even compared to the current Pilot's collection, the Portugieser is significantly thinner.
The slim bezel also adds to its elegance. The dial fills the entire case, while the movement is housed without any gaps.
A wealth of variation
Another appealing feature of the Portugieser is the wide variety of options available, from simple three-hand models to complicated models.
Even though the model incorporates a complex mechanism, the dial design is simple, ensuring high visibility. Another distinctive feature is that the appearance changes depending on whether the hands are gold or blue.
Complication models are broadly divided into chronograph and calendar types.
