Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Chronograph

The Portugieser Chronograph from IWC has always been one of the contemporary classic chronographs in the eyes of watch lovers. Its tremendous popularity is attributed to the concise and elegant design, excellent quality and the reasonable pricing of the Portugieser Chronograph. Its appearance, with the distinctive traits of leaf-shaped hands, applied Arabic numerals and two sub-dials at the top and bottom, has hardly changed since its birth in 1995.

In 2018, on the brand’s 150th anniversary, the Portugieser Chronograph was also re-issued as an anniversary edition amongst a few of IWC’s other notable timepieces. The greatest, most eye-catching feature is the use of a lacquered dial (whereas regular editions use silvered dials). It was made available in blue and white and came with a stainless steel case.

Another significant change was that the watch was, for the first time, equipped with the automatic in-house Cal. 69355 by IWC. For the first time, the watch came with a see-through case back, to show off this new milestone for the brand. All editions of the Portugieser Chronograph launched before this model are driven by the ETA 7750. The Cal. 69355 is part of the 69000 caliber series that IWC created in 2014, and while many people hoped to see the Cal. 69355 equipped in regular editions ever since it was launched, it was not officially used in the Portugieser Chronograph line until the 2018 anniversary editions.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph (Image © Revolution)

But now, finally in 2020, IWC has launched a regular series of Portugieser Chronograph with the Cal. 69355. You can say the strategy comes as no surprise, as it is a developing trend of major brands today to use in-house movements. For this entry-level chronograph of IWC, the use of an ETA-modified movement was justified in cost and price considerations before. It’s a massive achievement for IWC to be able to offer the same watch with an in-house movement today. It’s a small increase in price, but a great leap in value.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph (Image © Revolution)

Turning over this Portugieser Chronograph, we note that the movement almost occupies the whole back. The self-winding calibre 69355 movement consists of 194 components and is equipped with a bidirectional winding system. Its decoration is also remarkable. The chronograph system includes a column wheel and measures up to 30 minutes; the 4Hz (28,800 bph) frequency provides a 46-hour power reserve.

The new Portugieser Chronograph series is available in six models with alligator straps. The stainless steel case comes with a white, blue or black sunray dial. On the white dial, the hour markers and hands are in blued steel or gold, while the blue and black dials come with white gold hour markers and hands. For the rose gold case, you can choose between a white and black sunray dials with gold applied hour marks and hands.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph (Image © Revolution)

The Portugieser Chronograph is a formal wristwatch that is both timeless and understated. The 41mm watch case diameter is perfect for this, with a thickness of only 13.1mm, making it ideal for watch lovers who value versatility, wearing comfort and cost performance. In brief, you can never do wrong with a Portugieser on your wrist.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph (Image © Revolution)

Technical Specifications

Movement

In-house automatic cal. 69355 chronograph with hacking function; 46-hour power reserve

Case

41mm stainless steel or 18K rose gold case; water resistant to 30m

Strap

Black alligator strap

IWC Portugieser Chronograph (Image © Revolution)
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