IWC - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: IWC
    Year: Circa 2007
    Reference No: 5242, numbered 190 of 250
    Movement No: 3’204’358
    Case No: 3’421’142
    Model Name: Portugieser Minute Repeater
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 95290, 54 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold
    Dimensions: 43mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by blank IWC Certificate, blank guarantee booklet and card, instruction manual, polishing cloth, additional strap, and presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Portugieser has been the bastion of the IWC line-up since its introduction in the first half of the 20th century. The style has been reinterpreted, the movement improved upon, and complications added and subtracted, but the overall physical profile – a slim and oversized men’s wristwatch with short, broad lugs – has remained consistent. It is integral to the DNA of the IWC brand and retains a timeless aesthetic. The origins of the IWC Portugieser are somewhat shrouded in myth, but it is widely agreed by scholars that in 1939, Portuguese watch importers – a Mr. Rodrigues and a Mr. Teixeira – made a special request of IWC to create an oversized wristwatch with a highly accurate movement for their market.

    Made in a limited edition run of 250 pieces, the reference 5242 in white gold from IWC combines the sporty elegance of their classic Portugieser case with the refined complication of a minute-repeater. At 43mm, it is considerably larger than the majority of minute repeaters even with the modern trend of larger diameter wristwatches, yet it remains superbly wearable and tasteful. Perhaps due to the large case size, the tone of the minute repeater’s chimes are melodic and its loudness impressive. Boasting a soleil-finished “ardoise” dial – a deep blue-purple-grey – it is nevertheless an exercise in restraint and subtlety, with the subsidiary seconds function placed on the left side of the dial.

    Presented in virtually unworn condition and with its original accessories, Phillips is pleased to offer this rare and unusual complicated wristwatch, one with a chiming mechanism certain to delight.

  • Artist Biography

    IWC

    Swiss • 1868

    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.

    View More Works

Σ115

Ref. 5242, numbered 190 of 250
A large, impressive, and rare white gold limited edition minute repeating wristwatch, with guarantee card and box, numbered 190 of 250

Circa 2007
43mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$15,000 - 30,000 
CHF13,500-27,000
€12,700-25,300
HK$116,000-233,000

Sold for $47,880

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020