IWC Portuguese Watch Origins

The origin of IWC Portuguese watches dates back to the 1930s when two Portuguese sailors approached the International Watch Company (IWC) with a specific request, giving birth to this iconic series.

During that era, precise timekeeping was crucial for maritime navigation. Two Portuguese merchants expressed their desire for IWC to manufacture a precise and reliable timepiece to assist sailors in navigation at sea. In response to this need, IWC introduced a special watch, laying the foundation for the creation of the IWC Portuguese series.

The inaugural IWC Portuguese watch was launched in 1939, characterized by its large-diameter case and clear dial design. This design made it easier for sailors to read the time during navigation, thereby enhancing navigational accuracy. The watches of that time featured manual winding mechanical movements, ensuring a high level of precision.

Main Features of IWC Portuguese Watches

The design philosophy of IWC Portuguese Automatic 40 or Chronograph watches has consistently adhered to a concept of simplicity and classic elegance.

The IWC Portuguese watch series highlights its distinctive design elements, including a clean dial, Arabic numerals, delicate leaf-shaped hands, and a railroad-style minute track, all of which contribute to its unique design identity. Even with the integration of various complex functions, IWC Portuguese 40mm watches maintain a spacious dial feel, while the watch case is unmistakably characterized by its oversized dimensions.

What is the difference between Portuguese and Portugieser?

You may have noticed that IWC’s Portuguese watch series has two expressions: “Portuguese” and “Portugieser.” Are these two terms synonymous? Is there any difference between them?

The answer is yes. “Portuguese” and “Portugieser” actually refer to the same series of watches, but they represent two different naming conventions due to language differences and brand adjustments.

Initially, in a German-speaking context, IWC’s Portuguese watches were referred to as “Portugieser,” which is the German term for Portuguese. However, over time and with the internationalization of the brand, IWC decided to use a more direct English translation for the English-speaking market, naming the watches “Portuguese.”

Therefore, “Portuguese” and “Portugieser” have no inherent difference in this context. It’s simply a naming adjustment made by the brand to accommodate different language contexts and markets. Regardless of the naming version, both terms refer to IWC’s renowned Portuguese watch series.

Introducing IWC Portuguese Watches

Today, the IWC Portugieser watch collection has emerged as one of the brand’s most iconic collections among the various IWC collections.
Representative models of the IWC Portuguese collection include the Schaffhausen Portugieser Automatic 40, Classic Portuguese Chronograph, 7 days, Annual Calendar, Yacht Club Chronograph, Tourbillon, the Portuguese Perpetual Calendar, the Nautical Elite Chronograph and the Portuguese Complication. Each of these watches showcases unique and fascinating functions, cementing their important place in IWC’s prestigious product range.

IWC Portuguese Automatic 7 days Watch in 18K Red Gold

The IWC Portuguese series once again showcases its outstanding watchmaking craftsmanship and a design philosophy that emphasizes attention to detail.

This exquisite timepiece features an 18K red gold case with a diameter of 42.3mm and a thickness of 14.5mm. It is paired with a delicate 18K red gold folding clasp and a custom-crafted curved-end alligator leather IWC Portuguese watch strap, presenting a perfect blend of luxury and elegance.

In terms of movement, it is equipped with the Cal.52010 automatic movement, comprising 31 jewels and operating at a high frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. This mechanism ensures an impressive power reserve of up to 168 hours.

The highlight of this Portuguese year lies not only in its exquisite internal mechanical structure but also in its unique design concerning market positioning and commemorative themes. The reissued 2015 Maritime Elite Chronograph continues the original design style in its appearance, with a raised bezel and strong, shouldered lugs conveying a sense of power. The dial’s scale further accentuates an ultimate sense of quality.

Portuguese Perpetual Calendar with Single Moon Phase

Display in 18K Red Gold

Featuring an 18K red gold case with a diameter of 44.2mm and a thickness of 15.3mm, paired with an exquisite 18K red gold folding clasp and a curved-end alligator leather IWC watch band, this exquisite Portuguese annual calendar exemplifies its exceptional craftsmanship and elegant design.

In terms of movement, it is equipped with the Cal.52610 automatic movement, comprising 54 jewels and operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. It also boasts an outstanding 168-hour power reserve.

Two perpetual calendar models in the Portuguese Annual Calendar series also carry the new Cal.52000 series in-house movement. The version with the North-South moon phase is paired with the Cal.52615, while the single moon phase version is equipped with the Cal.52610.

One of its noteworthy features is its highly practical function – calendar adjustments can be easily made through the crown, although it’s important to note that it only supports forward adjustments.

This practical technology is a result of the research and development efforts of Kurt Klaus, former Director of Research and Development at IWC (International Watch Company), in 1985. Hence, he is rightfully hailed as a pioneer in the watchmaking industry.

IWC Portuguese Annual Calendar

This IWC Portuguese Annual Calendar has become the focal point in the watchmaking industry due to its outstanding design and highly exquisite craftsmanship. With a case diameter of 44.2mm and a thickness of 15.3mm, paired with an alligator leather IWC strap replacement featuring a red gold folding clasp, it exudes a majestic aura.

In terms of external design, this Portuguese Annual Calendar exemplifies its exceptional quality through an unwavering pursuit of detail. The large-sized case, grooved bezel, classic minute track, leaf-shaped hands, and unaltered Arabic numerals all perfectly align with the Portuguese originals from the 1930s. The case thickness is a mere 15.3mm, with a meticulously crafted bezel, short and swiftly curved lugs, and a IWC leather watch strap base designed in a curved shape, ensuring a snug fit on the wrist and aligning with contemporary aesthetic preferences.

IWC Portuguese Strap Size Measurement

When discussing the IWC Portuguese watch series, it’s evident that this collection offers two distinct strap designs – one with curved lugs and the other with straight lugs.

The curved lug strap presents a unique curved design, adding a touch of distinctive elegance to the timepiece. This style not only conforms to the curvatusre of the wrist, enhancing the watch’s aesthetic appeal, but also provides the wearer with unparalleled comfort.

Leather watch band flat end vs curved end

On the other hand, the flat end lug strap prioritizes a minimalist straight-line design, emphasizing a modern and sleek style.

Custom Alligator leather strap for IWC watch 20mm 22mm (brown.black.blue…)

Curved end leather strap for IWC watch 20mm 22mm (brown.black.blue…)

While these two designs differ in the head of the strap, their measurement methods remain consistent. Daydaywatchband provides you with the custom leather watch straps for IWC Portuguese, Portugieser, Pilot, Big Pilot, Top Gun, Mark XVII, and Portofino measurement methods for IWC watches, as illustrated in the diagram below.