197
IWC
Ref. 325
Portugieser
A rare, attractive and oversized stainless steel wristwatch with three-tone dial
- Estimate
- CHF70,000 - 140,000€60,000 - 120,000$74,100 - 148,000
CHF110,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- IWC
- Year
- 1944
- Reference No
- 325
- Movement No
- 955'085
- Case No
- 1'107'287
- Model Name
- Portugieser
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 98, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel IWC pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 42mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by IWC Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1944.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
During the late 1930s, IWC received a rather unusual order from a customer in Portugal, requesting a wristwatch with the same case size and accuracy of a pocket watch. To meet the needs of this client, IWC created an ultra thin and oversized wristwatch. The result was an attractive, precise and particularly large timepiece.
While the very first Portugiesers were fitted with the caliber 74, IWC eventually switched to caliber 98 in the 1940s, which we see on the present watch.
The present watch is distinguished by its three-tone champagne dial, boldly displaying contrasting silvered and brushed finishes on the dial. The dial condition is rather remarkable, especially since it was only shielded by a non-waterproof snap-on case back. Despite its age, the watch is preserved in excellent condition, with sharp finishes and crisp edges. Research indicates that this watch was delivered to Weinstabl in Bratislava.
Absolutely ahead of its time, the Portugieser is today an incredibly iconic watch that is integral to the DNA of IWC. The firm has constantly reinvented this model with a variety of complications, such as a chronograph function.
While the very first Portugiesers were fitted with the caliber 74, IWC eventually switched to caliber 98 in the 1940s, which we see on the present watch.
The present watch is distinguished by its three-tone champagne dial, boldly displaying contrasting silvered and brushed finishes on the dial. The dial condition is rather remarkable, especially since it was only shielded by a non-waterproof snap-on case back. Despite its age, the watch is preserved in excellent condition, with sharp finishes and crisp edges. Research indicates that this watch was delivered to Weinstabl in Bratislava.
Absolutely ahead of its time, the Portugieser is today an incredibly iconic watch that is integral to the DNA of IWC. The firm has constantly reinvented this model with a variety of complications, such as a chronograph function.
IWC
Swiss | 1868With a clear focus on technology and development, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing timepieces of lasting value since 1868. The company has gained an international reputation based on a passion for innovative solutions and technical ingenuity. One of the world's leading brands in the luxury watch segment, IWC crafts masterpieces of haute horlogerie at their finest, combining high precision with masculine design. Vintage wristwatches such as the oversized Portugieser, Aquatimer, Ingenieur and the B-UHR pilots watch are especially desirable for collectors.
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