The IWC Portugieser is a style icon. It's a generational watch that transcends changes in design culture. Since its introduction to the world in the late 1930s, the IWC Portugieser's infamous aesthetic has remained the same: slim feuille hands, railway-track-style chapter ring, Arabic numerals and an imposing size all laid out across one of watchmaking's most balanced dials.
As profoundly contemporary as the Portugieser is, its history is just as interesting. IWC can trace the Portugieser's roots back to the late 1930s, when two Portuguese businessmen ordered wristwatches with the precision of marine chronometers. What began with the famous original Portugieser Reference 325 has now grown to include many variations and versions.
We've put together 9 of the best examples of the IWC Portugieser we could find currently available on Amazon that we feel best exemplify the collection. Enjoy!
IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371445
The IWC Portugieser Chronograph reference IW371445 is one of the most balanced watches I've ever come across. I love the symmetry of the dial, the vertically orientated registers, the mushroom chronograph-pushers and the subtle crown. But the Portugieser Chronograph IW371445's best feature is its use of gold and blue hands.
I really like the simple yet super effective use of these coloured hands, especially so against the silky white silver-plated dial. The IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371445 is as beautiful as it is functional.
IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371606
A fan favourite and perhaps one of the most visually stunning of all IWC Portugieser Chronographs is the gorgeous reference IW371606. The combination of that striking sunburst blue dial, the cold steel of the case and the polished steel hour numerals and hands make the Portugieser Chronograph IW371606 a definitive winner.
Perhaps not as formal as the IW371445, the IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371606 does have the benefit of being able to be dressed up or down and can be worn super casually or spruced up in a tuxedo.
IWC Portugieser Automatic IW500705
Let's take a break from the chronograph models of the IWC Portugieser and show you instead one of the most popular models of the collection, the Portugieser Automatic IW500705. I really like the layout of the Portugieser Automatic IW500705's dial. No-nonsense, uncluttered and very legible.
It's a piece that can be worn up or down, but I think the Portugieser Automatic IW500705's natural habitat is best suited under a shirt cuff. But if you find me wearing one with shorts and a t-shirt, don't be surprised!
IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371615
Back to the chronographs! Next up is the green-dialled Portugieser Chronograph IW371615. This is especially beautiful, more so in the metal. I'm not the biggest fan of green-dial watches, but the sunburst green of the Portugieser Chronograph IW371615 is amazing.
IWC really went to town with the Portugieser Chronograph IW371615, proving once again that the Portugieser has yet to see its final iteration.
IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371616
Like the green-dialled IW371615, the IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371616 uses the power of colour to refresh itself. I actually prefer this burgundy-coloured model over the green variation. I really like how the burgundy dial looks behind the steel hands and hour numerals.
As striking as the Portugieser Chronograph IW371616 is, I don't think it's the most versatile of models from the collection. But that's not to say I don't think it's utterly beautiful.
IWC Portugieser Chronograph Classic IW390405
The IWC Portugieser Chronograph Classic IW390405 is an outstanding model and one of the highlights of the collection. This particular reference is clad in 18k 5N gold and features a slate-grey coloured dial.
IWC's gold watches are some of the best in the game, and the Portugieser Chronograph Classic IW390405 is absolutely no exception to that.
IWC Portugieser Chronograph Boutique Edition IW371614
The Portugieser Chronograph Boutique Edition IW371614 is the next piece on the list. Also crafted in 18k 5N gold, the Portugieser Chronograph Boutique Edition IW371614 features a stunning blue dial which contrasts beautifully with the warm gold case.
IWC's finishing touches on the Portugieser Chronograph Boutique Edition IW371614 are just impeccable too, like the gold hands and hour numerals and the lovely blue alligator leather strap.
IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar IW503504
Next up we have the Portugieser Annual Calendar IW503504. One of the more complicated Portugieser models, the IW503504 is the ultimate expression of daily functionality and versatility.
The Portugieser Annual Calendar IW503504 is crafted in 18k 5N gold, accentuating its subtle features while still remaining relatively low-key.
IWC Portugieser Hand-Wound IW545406
Last but not least is the fantastic Portugieser Hand-Wound IW545406. Now discontinued, the IWC Portugieser Hand-Wound IW545406 is a delicate yet divine piece of haute horlogerie that combines the beautiful warmth of gold with the functional and inconspicuous nature of a slate-grey dial.
This was once upon a time the crowning jewel of the Portugieser collection, and it's a piece that is still revered and loved. Ladies and gentlemen, the fabulous IWC Portugieser Hand-Wound IW545406.
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