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.
In 2003, IWC released their newly developed perpetual calendar mechanism in a 44mm diameter case, and the present reference 5023 features an upgraded caliber when introduced in 2010. The perpetual calendar “Portugieser” features the same leap year indication found on the brand’s other well-known model, the “Da Vinci”, first introduced in 1985. The present model in excellent condition and stands out with a symmetrical dial layout with moon phase, 7-day power reserve indication and the notable, digital year display.
With 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.
