Manufacturer: IWC Year: 1981 Reference No: 325 Movement No: 2'286'247 Case No: 1'455'162 Model Name: Portuguese Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 982, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 42mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by original pouch and IWC Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale of the present watch on July 7, 1981 in Frankfurt
Catalogue Essay
The IWC Portuguese is an iconic watch amongst collectors worldwide. Many years after its initial debut, this watch has become the archetype for one of the most successful contemporary IWC watch families ever produced.
In the late 1930s, IWC tried to develop further its business in various markets. During that time, a wholesaler from Lisbon, Portugal, believed to be Messrs. Rodrigues and Antonio Teixera, approached IWC. The demand of the Portuguese market was not only for pocket watches and women’s dress watches, but also for men’s wristwatches with the precision of marine chronometers.
Years later, following strong demand, especially from Germany, a small series was re-made between 1977 and 1981 and consequently became known as the 'German Edition' amongst collectors. This 3rd series model used the same case but utilized the IWC Caliber 982-17'''.
The reference 325 was made in three series. The numbers and dates are as follows;
Series 1. Calibre 74 Produced 1939-1951 Number made 304
Series 2. Calibre 98 Produced 1944-1970 Number made 329
Series 3. Calibre 982 Produced 1977-1981 Number made 57
The rarity of the present watch is further enhanced by its original condition and IWC Extract from the Ledger confirming the sale of the present watch on 7 July 1981 by IWC, Frankfurt, Germany.
With a clear focus on technology and development, the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has been producing timepieces of lasting value since 1868. The company has gained an international reputation based on a passion for innovative solutions and technical ingenuity. One of the world's leading brands in the luxury watch segment, IWC crafts masterpieces of haute horlogerie at their finest, combining high precision with masculine design. Vintage wristwatches such as the oversized Portugieser, Aquatimer, Ingenieur and the B-UHR pilots watch are especially desirable for collectors.