While the origins of the IWC Portugieser ref. 325 have been long debated by scholars (with a proposed introduction date ranging anywhere within the 1930s), the topic has recently been resolved. At the beginning of 1932, two Portuguese watch importers by the name of Mr. Rodrigues and Mr. Teixeira commissioned IWC with a special request: an oversized wristwatch with a highly accurate movement. Luckily, IWC had already developed and implemented in their pocket watches their cal. 74, a manually wound savonette movement with subsidiary seconds and a 54-hour power reserve. Whilst it was pretty common back then to have a large diameter pocket watch, a 42mm wristwatch was well beyond the norm for the time (when 37mm was considered oversize).

The very first IWC references 325 were shipped to Lisbon in 1932 to Mr. Rodrigues, later of the firm Rodrigues & Gonçalves, Ltd. According to IWC, only 304 examples reference 325 were produced with the caliber 74, with a total of 690 examples in total produced until 1981. Over these 49 years, only 141 actual Portugieser watches were imported to Portugal. Though prized by collectors today because of their rarity, size, and history, IWC's reference 325 did not enjoy acclaim during its actual production most likely due to its intimidating size - resulting in the aforementioned scarcity.

Historically very important, the present timepiece was sold in April 1946 in Bratislava - thus one of the very first post-war examples made.

Its appeal is boosted by its absolutely unrestored condition and incredibly well-preserved case. Possibly unpolished, it sports full lugs, sharp edges and absolutely unmolested proportions.

The dial as well exudes charme thanks not only to the fully original luminous material now aged to an intriguing mustard/chestnut hue, but also thanks to the strong ivory patina which enormously boosts the vintage appeal of this superb timepiece.