IWC’s “Portugieser” wristwatch draws its name from the country of origin of the two men who originally commissioned the oversized model. It was in the late 1930s when Messrs. Rodrigues and Antonio Teixera, Lisbon wholesalers, approached IWC with a request for a large sized man’s wristwatch with the precision of a marine chronometer. The original reference 325 wristwatches were delivered in 1939 but were not a commercial success. The market was not yet ready for a large 42mm timepiece with a pocket watch movement. Sales were so low it was no longer featured in the IWC catalogue starting in 1945. However, similar to other twists of horological fate, Kurt Klaus the legendary IWC watchmaker known for some of their best-in-class complicated movements, recounted that in the early 1990s, a client wearing the original “Portugieser” was at the atelier, and the brand team was so taken with the model they chose it as a Jubilee timepiece for their 125th anniversary in 1993. Since that time, the Portugieser collection has become highly desirable, and collectable known for their precision timing and oversized cases.

The Portugieser Chronograph reference IW3714 is one of the most iconic and desirable timepieces from IWC. First introduced in 1998, the chronograph is appreciated for its modern 41mm diameter case, and balanced dial with vertical subsidiary dials at 12 and 6 o’clock. Preserved in excellent condition, it is being offered directly from the collection of Francis Ford Coppola. Coppola purchased the present watch as he was enamored by its design inspired by aviation.