Joining the IWC catalog in 1998, the IWC Portugieser Chronograph ref. 3714 features a 41 mm case, a leather strap, and a slim bezel design that accentuates the surprisingly large dial. Remaining largely unchanged since its debut, this watch has retained its original iconic aesthetic. The only significant change from the original 1998 model concerns the movement.
IWC’s reputation for using and improving base movements is well known; just think of Richard Habring’s work on the Doppelchrono. For the first 21 years, IWC used a heavily modified Valjoux/ETA 7750 for the Portugieser. In 2020, IWC updated the automatic chronograph movement to the company’s new 69355 caliber and adopted a transparent sapphire case back in place of the traditional steel case back, allowing for a view of the movement. The current example features the proven ETA movement.
IWC Portugieser is a timeless and elegant watch, launched in the early 2000s. This model is a modern interpretation of the classic chronograph, which perfectly combines precision and refinement. The stainless steel case measures 40.9 mm in diameter and 12.3 mm thick, making it ideal for those looking for a watch that fits discreetly on the wrist without sacrificing visibility and functionality. The silver-colored dial features applied Arabic numeral indexes and a clear and easy-to-read layout of the subdials. The gold-plated leaf-shaped hands add a touch of elegance in contrast to the luminous dial. The in-house movement is the Caliber 79350, an automatic chronograph with 44 hours of power reserve, which guarantees great precision and reliability. This IWC Portugieser Chronograph is in excellent condition both in terms of movement and aesthetics, testifying to the quality and care in its maintenance. It comes complete with the original box and papers. It is a versatile watch, perfect for both formal occasions and everyday use, representing a balance between sportiness and refinement, with a design that has become a modern classic in the world of fine watchmaking.
