IWC Schaffhausen debuts three new editions of the Portugieser Chronograph at Watches and Wonders 2024.
The new models offer dials in Horizon blue, Obsidian, and Dune hues, inspired by the perpetual cycle of day and night.
The first model pairs a Horizon blue dial with an 18-carat white gold case and a blue calfskin strap. The second features an Obsidian dial, an 18-carat 5N gold case, and a black alligator leather strap. Lastly, the third variant presents a Dune-colored dial, a stainless steel case, and a black alligator leather strap. These models house the IWC-manufactured 69355 caliber, a robust mechanical chronograph movement designed with a classic column-wheel mechanism for precision and durability.
Since its inception in 1998, the Portugieser Chronograph has epitomized sporty elegance in the collection. Noteworthy design elements include vertically aligned sub-dials for easy readability, with stopped minutes placed at 12 o'clock and small seconds at 6 o'clock. The inner flange is marked with a quarter-second scale for precise timekeeping. The new editions feature intricately crafted dials, involving a meticulous process of applying up to 15 layers of lacquer to brass bases, resulting in a stunning three-dimensional effect.
Each dial undergoes over 60 steps of manufacturing, presenting a significant challenge in craftsmanship. The Horizon blue variant exudes a light blue hue reminiscent of the early afternoon sky, complemented by a polished and brushed 18-carat white gold case, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, and a gradient light-blue calfskin strap. In contrast, the Obsidian black dial, paired with an 18-carat 5N gold case and gold-plated hands and appliques, evokes the depth of the night sky adorned with stars. The Dune dial edition, coupled with a stainless steel case and gold-plated hands and appliques, reflects the mood of the sunset, with the lacquer finish creating a floating effect for the gold appliques.
Powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 caliber, the Portugieser Chronograph ensures reliability, with a column-wheel mechanism for precise control of the chronograph function. Its vertical sub-dial arrangement enhances readability, maintaining a timeless elegance characteristic of the Portugieser collection.
