New Release
India Whiskey Charlie's original post introduces two significant additions to the IWC Portugieser collection: the Automatic Ref. IW500715 and the Chronograph Ref. IW371620. These models feature a striking white and blue 'panda dial' aesthetic, a design choice that not only enhances legibility but also pays homage to the Portugieser's nautical heritage. This article delves into the technical specifications and community reception of these new references, highlighting why they resonate with collectors.
Schaffhausen, 15th August 2022: IWC Schaffhausen introduces new versions of the Portugieser Automatic and the Portugieser Chronograph, two of the most popular models in the brand’s Portugieser collection. Both watches feature stainless steel cases, contrasting white and blue dials with the characteristic railway-track style chapter ring, blue Arabic numerals, and blued feuille hands. The Portugieser Automatic is powered by the IWC-manufactured 52010 calibre with a power reserve of 7 days and fitted with a blue alligator leather strap. The Portugieser Chronograph features the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre chronograph movement and a blue rubber strap.
A design with a marked contrast between the dial and the subdials, often affectionately referred to as “panda dial” by watch enthusiasts, has frequently featured in IWC’s Portugieser collection. The combination of the two colours improves legibility and makes for a very distinctive appearance. This summer, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer presents two of its most iconic Portugieser models in a unified design code with contrasting white and blue dials. The white dials boast a polished lacquer finish, while the deep blue sub dials feature an “azurage” finish. Such nautical colours not only lend these classic models a fresh and contemporary look: they are also a reminder of the origins of the Portugieser, whose iconic design was initially inspired by marine deck observation watches.
The Portugieser Automatic (Ref. IW500715) features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 42.3 millimetres, a white and blue dial, and blued feuille hands. The balanced dial layout places the small seconds at 9 o’clock and the power reserve display at 3 o’clock. This timepiece is powered by the IWC-manufactured 52010 calibre. Its automatic Pellaton winding system has been reinforced with components made of virtually wear-free ceramic. It uses even the slightest movements of the rotor in both directions to build up a power reserve of 7 days in two barrels. The movement can be admired through the sapphire glass case back. This timeless and elegant Portugieser is fitted with a blue alligator leather strap with a folding clasp.
The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371620) features a 41-millimetre case made of stainless steel, a white and blue dial, and blued feuille hands. The chronograph minutes counter is located at 12 o’clock, the small seconds at 6 o’clock. The IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre with automatic winding and a power reserve of 46 hours is at work inside the case. The chronograph movement in a classic column-wheel design is visible through the sapphire glass case back. In addition, this elegant sports watch is fitted with a durable and flexible blue rubber strap, providing excellent wearing comfort during the summer.
The Portugieser Automatic and Portugieser Chronograph are available immediately through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners or online at IWC.com . Both models are eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
I like this version. It’s kinda like the Golf GTI for me, forever admired, never owned.
But I'm still with you on the 7-day Portuguese--long-admired, never owned
I’m I was in the Geneva Boutiqe and noticed the new reference. I first thought it may be a Boutiqe limited edition but wat told regular production. The white dial is a true white which makes the blue sub-dials really pop!
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