214Σ
IWC
Ref. 325
Portugieser
A rare and oversized stainless steel wristwatch with luminous Arabic numerals and hands
- Estimate
- CHF30,000 - 60,000€25,900 - 51,800$31,000 - 62,000
CHF52,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- IWC
- Year
- 1946
- Reference No
- 325
- Movement No
- 955'178
- Case No
- 1'117'240
- Model Name
- Portugieser
- Material
- Stainless steeel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 98, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Alligator
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 42mm. Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by IWC Extract from the Archives confirming sale of the present watch on January 31, 2008.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
During the late 1930s, IWC received a rather unusual order from a customer in Portugal, requesting a wristwatch with the same case size and accuracy of a pocket watch. To meet the needs of this client, IWC created an ultra thin and oversized wristwatch. The result was a timepiece of utmost legibility and the highest precision.
While the very first Portugiesers were fitted with the caliber 74, IWC eventually switched to caliber 98 in the 1940s, which we see on the present watch.
The present watch is distinguished by its luminous Arabic numerals and luminous hands. Portugiesers were usually fitted with leaf hands, making this example particularly rare. Research shows that the present watch was delivered to the wholesaler Kuchàr & Wittmann in Bratislava, Slovakia on April 24th 1946.
Absolutely ahead of its time, the Portugieser is today an incredibly iconic watch that is integral to the DNA of IWC. The firm has constantly reinvented with model with a variety of complications, such as a chronograph function.
While the very first Portugiesers were fitted with the caliber 74, IWC eventually switched to caliber 98 in the 1940s, which we see on the present watch.
The present watch is distinguished by its luminous Arabic numerals and luminous hands. Portugiesers were usually fitted with leaf hands, making this example particularly rare. Research shows that the present watch was delivered to the wholesaler Kuchàr & Wittmann in Bratislava, Slovakia on April 24th 1946.
Absolutely ahead of its time, the Portugieser is today an incredibly iconic watch that is integral to the DNA of IWC. The firm has constantly reinvented with model with a variety of complications, such as a chronograph function.
IWC
Swiss | 1868With 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.
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