IWC

WHY THIS WATCH

The IWC Portuguese line was born when two Portuguese businessmen commissioned IWC to create a few wristwatches that had the accuracy of marine chronometers. At the time, the only way IWC could achieve this was to install pocket watch movements into these watches. This made the watches bigger than what was popular at the time. The theme of a big, highly legible and accurate wristwatch continued to IWC's present day Portugieser. 

 

 

IWC unveiled the original IWC Portuguese 7 Day (ref. 5001) in the year 2000. This watch was a real game-changer for IWC, as it showcased IWC's serious watchmaking and engineering prowess. The calibre 5000 used for this watch was the result of 4 years of R&D. The Pellaton winding system in this movement is based on a patent from the 1950's, developed by Albert Pellaton, IWC's technical director during the 1940s. 

 

 

IWC did a major update to the Portuguese 7 Day in 2015. The New 52010 calibre features the use of ceramic parts, which will be virtually impervious to wear. Additionally, IWC installed a free-sprung balance system, which helps increase the accuracy of the movement as it approaches days 6 and 7 of the Power Reserve. 

 

 

On the wrist, this watch feels large, with large 22mm spacing between the lugs, and clocking in at nearly 50mm lug to lug. The 42.3mm diameter is not that big on paper, but remember this watch is nearly 14mm thick. Having said that, I have average wrists and can wear this watch every day. I think the deployment clasp is a must, as it balances out an otherwise top heavy watch. Once you've got this watch strapped on, the dial with those gorgeous blued Arabic numerals and hands becomes the star of the show. It feels great knowing that I can lay this watch down for 7 days and it'll still be ticking. The huge date display at the bottom is also great to have. Flipping it over, you can tell IWC did a huge refresh for this movement. 

THE LITTLE DETAILS Watch was purchased in 2018 from an IWC Authorized Dealer and comes with the full set of Box and Papers, including stamped warranty card dated 2018. This watch is in Near Mint Condition, around 95%. Sides of case are very clean, almost perfect, some scratches on the deployment buckle and a little wear on the strap. The strap has most of it's life left, I would say it's around 80%. The movement is running strong without any issues. 
 

Available for Pickup in our Showroom in Mclean, Virginia 

Want to see this watch in person? We are located in Mclean Virginia off of Chain Bridge Road. We are by appointment only (no walk ins), so please shoot us an email to schedule a time and get the address. 

 

  

WHY THIS WATCH

History of the Portuguese 

 

The IWC Portuguese line was created in the 1930's when two Portuguese wholesalers approached IWC to commission a large wristwatch that carried the precision of a pocket watch. The 43mm reference IWC 325 was created as a result. Although this reference was not a big seller for IWC at the time, it gained a cult-like following decades later. It also paved the way for the IWC's Portuguese lineup. The modern Portuguese line pays homage to the original reference 325, with a range of watches that are around 41mm in diameter with a focus on big, accurate movements.

 

 In 1998 IWC launched the IWC Portuguese Chronograph, reference 3714. With it's perfect proportions, and a simple yet elegant dial layout, this reference would soon become IWC's high selling and most popular watch. In 2020, IWC released the reference 3716 which was a major update to the Portuguese Chronograph. Most notably, the reference 3716 was powered by IWC's in-house chronograph movement. 

 

A formula that works 

 

Outside of the new In-House movement, IWC didn't change much when it introduced this new reference, and that is a smart decision in our opinion. The design and engineering elements that made this watch so beloved were not changed. Namely, the case of this watch is very compact, at 41mm and 13mm in height. The dial is simple, but very elegant and extremely legible. This is a watch that can be worn by almost anyone and for any occasion. 

 

In House Calibre 69355

  

The biggest change to the Portuguese Chronograph is the introduction of the in-house movement, reference 69355. This movement is far superior to the Valjoux 7750 in the older model. It's a column wheel chronograph, meaning it's smoother upon activation. Also the power reserve is up a few hours to 46. 

  

Wrist Impressions

 

This watch was always been one of my favorite references, not just from IWC but from any brand. It's just the perfect size for my average 6.5 inch wrist. I can't stop staring at those Arabic numerals. There's something just so special about this dial. I would venture to say this is the most beautiful and readable dial of all time. I find that this watch dresses down pretty well with the brown suede strap. 

 

THE LITTLE DETAILS This watch was purchased in 2022 from an Authorized IWC Dealer, and has a full IWC WARRANTY UNTIL 2030. It comes with the full set of box, and papers, including IWC Warranty card with matching serial number. This watch was only worn a dozen times, and is in overall Near Mint Condition with only very minor wear. This watch retails for $19,200. 

 

Come Visit our Storefront in Mclean, Virginia

Want to see this watch in person? We are located in Mclean Virginia a few minutes from Tysons Corner I and II malls. We are by appointment only, so please look us up on the web to get the number and schedule a time to browse our catalog. 

 

Available for Pickup in our Showroom in Mclean, Virginia 

Want to see this watch in person? We are located in Mclean Virginia off of Chain Bridge Road. We are by appointment only (no walk ins), so please shoot us an email to schedule a time and get the address. 

 

WHY THIS WATCH
A fantastic watch for those of us with smaller wrists, this 36mm pilot chronograph has all the appeal of IWCs pre-modern pilot watches. Don't let the fact that this is a quartz watch dissuade you. This 36mm watch has a very high end, Jaeger LeCoultre Mecaquartz movement inside. 

THE LITTLE DETAILS This is a one owner watch that was purchased in 1996. The watch comes with box, tag and papers. Please note, there are no numbers on the warranty card that match the watch, though we are not sure if this was due to an error in filling out the card, or if numbering on the older warranty cards was different back then, or if it's the wrong card, although the owner was very meticulous and says it was the original card. The serial number on the tag does match the watch.

Watch is in overall excellent conditon with wear throughout the case from normal use.The watch is functioning properly with the chronograph running and resetting to zero with no issues. Please note there is a small engraving on the back of the case. 

Available for Pickup in our Showroom in Mclean, Virginia 

Want to see this watch in person? We are located in Mclean Virginia off of Chain Bridge Road. We are by appointment only (no walk ins), so please shoot us an email to schedule a time and get the address. 

 

WHY THIS WATCH

For many of us, the IWC Big Pilot was always a watch we wanted, yet at 46mm it was prohibitively big. The new 43mm Big Pilot solves this problem, and throws in an in-house movement, and IWC's clever strap changing system which allows you to change the strap with literally the press of a button.

 

THE LITTLE DETAILS

Watch was only worn a handful of times and is in Near Mint condition, see pictures. The watch was purchased in 2021 and still under IWC warranty for 7 years. Comes with box papers and stamped warranty card. Please note there is one additional hole punched in the leather strap, see picture. 

 

Available for Pickup in our Showroom in Mclean, Virginia 

Want to see this watch in person? We are located in Mclean Virginia off of Chain Bridge Road. We are by appointment only (no walk ins), so please shoot us an email to schedule a time and get the address. 

 

WHY THIS WATCH

For many of us, the IWC Big Pilot was always a watch we wanted, yet at 46mm it was prohibitively big. The new 43mm Big Pilot solves this problem, and throws in an in-house movement, and IWC's clever strap changing system which allows you to change the strap with literally the press of a button.

THE LITTLE DETAILS

Watch is Like New with no scratches or wear on the case. The watch was purchased in 2021 and still under IWC warranty for 7 years. Comes with box papers and stamped warranty card.

WHY THIS WATCH

A perennial favorite, the IWC Portuguese Chronograph is arguably IWCs most recognizable and highest selling watch. This watch remained largely unchanged until the unveiling of the new reference IW371605 which replaced the Valjoux based movement with a new In House Movement. This particular version is the 3714, which has the same creamy silver dial, blued hands/indices, and reliable Valjoux module that made this watch famous for decades. 

 

ABOUT THIS WATCH

This watch is in excellent condition, with only very minor wear throughout the case. This watch was fully serviced in 2021 by our in house watchmaker. 

WHY THIS WATCH

This IWC Spitfire has an in-house movement (caliber 32110). At 39mm the size is just perfect for those of us with average wrists. Yellow lume is applied to some of markers, giving this watch a more vintage military look.

THE LITTLE DETAILS

Watch is LIKE NEW, with no marks on the case. This watch was only tried on a few times with only the fainest wear on the strap. Case is 99%, strap is 97%. Comes with IWCs 7 year WARRANTY. Comes with full set of box and papers including inner box, outer box, warranty card, and instruction manual.

Watch

Brand	IWC
Series	Spitfire
Model No.	IW326801
Gender	Mens
Movement	Automatic

Dial/Case/Bracelet

Dial Color	Black
Diameter	39mm
Bezel	Steel
Clasp	IWC Tang Bucke

Condition

Case	99%: Like New
Dial/Crystal	1%
Band/Bracelet	97%: Almost new only tried on
Movement	Movement running strong with no issues
Box/Papers	Full set of box and papers, under IWC warranty for 7 years