IWC Portuguese: Collector's Roll Call

amanico · 2019-03-05T11:07:45Z

Join the IWC Portuguese roll call, exploring iconic references like the Boris Becker Chronograph, Perpetual Calendar, and Minute Repeater. Share your collection and dream pieces.

amanico

WPS member · IWC forum

34 replies8908 views11 photos

Amanico initiates a community roll call for the IWC Portuguese, showcasing a personal journey through various notable references, from limited editions to iconic complications. This article invites collectors to share their own experiences and dream pieces, highlighting the enduring appeal and diverse interpretations of one of IWC's most celebrated lines. His curated selection provides a rich historical and aesthetic context for the discussion.

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If you think " IWC ", the Portuguese is certainly one of the most popular name to come to mind.

I had a few. some have gone in a " normal " way, one has left my collection in an unwilling way.

Here they are:

The first one was the Boris Becker Portuguese Chronograph, issued in a limited edition of 250 pieces in steel:

Credit picture: Unknown.

I also had this Regulateur for Wempe, in platinum, limited to 25 pieces: Credit picture: Unknown.

Here, side by side with the Platinum 500 pieces:

Its F.A Jones movement:

Here one I always wanted to have, but never came to find one... Limited to 1000 pieces, in steel. 1993. Credit picture: Christies.

The one which accidentally left my collection: The famous 7 Days, first generation, with its plexy glass:

The Portuguese Seven Days Perpetual Calendar in platinum, issued in 2003 in a limited edition of 250 pieces. Credit picture: Chronotek. I never owned it, but always had a soft spot for it.

And one I loved, but I let it go because my heart was taken by the Jaeger Lecoultre Master Minute Repeater. The Portuguese Minute Repeater, circa 2003 / 2004.

Let's see those which are in your collection, or those you are dreaming of!

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 5021) is a highly desired model, with some collectors acquiring it in multiple precious metals, including a rare set of three (platinum, rose gold, stainless steel) in a special collector's box.
The Boris Becker Portuguese Chronograph, limited to 250 pieces in steel, and the Regulateur for Wempe in platinum, limited to 25 pieces, represent rare and highly collectible variations within the Portuguese line.
The first-generation Portuguese 7 Days with its plexiglass crystal is a cherished piece, with one collector lamenting its accidental departure from their collection.
The IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater, circa 2003/2004, is a highly regarded complication within the series, though some collectors chose other minute repeaters over it.
The IWC Portuguese Chronograph (Ref. 3714) is a popular choice, with its classic design and versatile appeal.
The IWC Portuguese Automatic (Ref. 5001) with an ardoise dial is a regular in some collectors' rotations, appreciated for its aesthetic and wearability.

The Discussion

Izhik

Mar 5, 2019

the only one that stayed with me....

amanico

Mar 5, 2019

The steel version... Cool one! [nt]

Izhik

Mar 5, 2019

sure, the only one with blued hands.... [nt]

amanico

Mar 5, 2019

That's the nice detail. It dressed it down in such a cool way! [nt]

Izhik

Mar 5, 2019

absolutely agreed, and can't understand why they don't have a regular regulateur (ha, not bad, right?) model in their catallogue... [nt]

Mar 5, 2019

I love the Boris Becker model. The colors are much to my liking.

I had the Big Pilot (first rendition), the steel Ingenieur (built like a Panzer tank) and 3536 Aquatimers in titanium and steel. All gone and I don't even have pics saved. I wonder if someday I won't get another IWC. M4