IWC Portugieser Chronograph 18K Rose Gold - IW371482
Ref: IW371482
Specification
Reference : IW371482
Movement : Automatic IWC Caliber 79350
Age : 2011/NOW
Specific Age : February 2017
Case Size : 41mm
Case Thickness : 13mm
Lug to Lug : 48mm
Lugs : 21mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : 18ct Rose Gold
Service History : N/A
Points of Mention
This watch is sold with its original IWC box and original IWC paperwork, the watch was purchased from retail February 2017. The watch was purchased on the beautiful strap you see photographed with a matching 18ct Rose Gold IWC Signed Buckle. The watch is in worn condition but is overall very good, see the photos. The watch is running well as you would expect.
The Watch
The IWC Portugieser was first introduced way back in 1939 when 2 businessmen Rodrigues and Texeira visited the factory in Schaffhausen. They had an unusual request they required a marine chronometer in the form of a wristwatch. IWC got to work and created a 43mm, stainless steel watch with a hand-wound Cal.74 pocket watch movement. This was very large for the time with 33mm being the norm, for a wristwatch. It had Arabic numerals, an almost non-existent bezel and slim leaf-shaped hands, a seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Only 304 pieces were ever created with the Cal.74 movement. Since then the IWC Portugieser has become one of IWC most iconic and best selling. Today the same aesthetic can be seen on the beautifully crafted 18k Rose Gold Portugieser Chronograph. It’s a slim 41mm case with slightly domed Sapphire glass with AR Coating protecting a sunburst slate grey dial, that radiates when the light hits it, embossed Arabic numerals for the hours with minute pips surround a recessed 30-minute subdial above a 60 seconds subdial. Elegant leaf-shaped hands for the Chronograph seconds and hour hands complete the perfect proportioned dial. Inside beats the smooth 31 Jewels Automatic Cal. 79350, at 28800 beats per hour, it achieves up to 44-hour power reserve. Even though the screwed-down case back is closed IWC has expertly finished the movement with Côtes de Genève and perlage. A large signed crown sits between the Chronograph pushers, that have a satisfying resistance when pushed in. Offering just 30m water resistance makes it no diver, but who would be crazy enough. Fitted with a 20mm black Alligator strap complete with a signed buckle.
Personal Note
I have never been a big Rose Gold fan and I always thought the Portugieser range would be too big for me, oh boy how wrong was I about both of those things? This watch fits like a glove and looks absolutely stunning on the wrist, not only that but the Rose Gold adds a warmth that is vastly different from Yellow Gold! What a stunning watch and it will definitely make someone very happy once on the wrist.