Welcome back to Favorite Watch Friday which is simply me sharing with you some of my favorites from the world of watches. Last week was the Omega Speedmaster. This week I’m featuring a brand and model that is much less well-known here in the U.S. But not any less awesome.
IWC Portuguese
IWC is a Swiss firm located in Schaffhausen that was founded by an American engineer named Florentine Ariosto Jones in 1868. The Portuguese (or sometimes call Portugueser) line of watches pay homage to the skilled Portuguese sailors and their intricate navigation techniques which required accurate and reliable chronometers. IWC took it’s pocket watch movements and fitted them in to what was then a king-size wristwatch creating an large yet elegant and functional watch that continues to be popular today.
The Portuguese comes in many varieties with various functions and materials. For my money, the Automatic model is the one to have. At 41 mm, the case is large, but not clunky or heavy. A bracelet is not offered with this model, but it looks great with the crocodile leather strap. The crystal is large with only a small bezel surrounding it which adds to the elegant feel of this watch. The movement is IWC’s Calibre 79350 which is an automatic (self-winding), 31 jewels and chronograph function. The dial features vertically stacked sub-dials and stylish raised/polished Arabic numerals. The swallow-shaped hands complete the look.
The Portuguese, like any IWC model, is not an inexpensive watch. The stainless steel model can easily cost $6,000 new. But some patience and research can provide a bargain.
