Portugieser
Marine-chronometer precision on the wrist
The Portugieser was born of a special commission: two Portuguese merchants wanted a wristwatch with the accuracy of a marine chronometer. IWC responded by fitting a pocket-watch movement into a large case.
The evolution of the Portugieser
In 1939 IWC delivered the first series with pocket-watch calibre 74, housed in a case of roughly 42 mm — unusually large for its time. Only a small number of examples were sold at first.
In 1993 IWC revived the model for the brand's 125th anniversary with a limited commemorative edition, launching the line's present-day significance.
The Portugieser Minute Repeater followed in 1995, and the Portugieser Chronograph with calibre 79350 in 1998 — to this day the line's best-selling model.
The Portugieser Automatic with seven-day power reserve and Pellaton winding arrived in 2000, followed in 2003 by the Perpetual Calendar with moon-phase display for both hemispheres.
- Case
- Round, 40.9–44.2 mm
- Dial
- Railway-track minute scale, Arabic numerals
- Hands
- Slender feuille or leaf-shaped hands
- Movement
- Pellaton winding, 7-day power reserve
- Variants
- Automatic, Chronograph, Perpetual, Tourbillon
- Character
- Classic, large, precision-focused
Key reference numbers at a glance
What to look for when buying
- 01
The IW3714 chronograph is the brand's most liquid reference; blue-hand-on-silver variants are especially sought after.
- 02
On seven-day models the power-reserve display and Pellaton winding mechanism must be checked for condition.
- 03
Early 1993 anniversary models with documented numbering form a collecting segment of their own.
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser at Predeluxe
Questions about IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser?
Book a complimentary live call with our specialists. We will explain the process, answer detailed questions and guide you in your decision — regardless of whether the piece is currently available.
We purchase Your IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser — discreetly, verified and at fair market terms.
Send us a few details about your watch. You will typically receive an initial assessment from our experts in Zurich and Dubai within 24 hours.