IWC - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: IWC
    Year: 1943
    Reference No: 325
    Movement No: 931'916
    Case No: 1'087'208
    Model Name: Portugieser
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 74, 16 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 42mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by IWC Certificate dated August 27, 2018 confirming production of the present watch and its subsequent sale on July 16, 1943.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The original Portugieser is a well-known piece of horological lore. Believed to have been created after the request of a Portuguese dealer in the late 1930s, the model satisfied the demands of the Portuguese market for a man's watch featuring marine chronometer precision. However, the first Portugieser pieces were not delivered to Portugal until 1942, a delay most probably caused by times of War. Instead, these watches were first delivered to an Ukrainian retailer in 1939.

    Originally the watch had no reference number, but some early examples bear the number 228 in the inside of the case back, and traces of a “Mod. 228” can be found in the IWC archives. However, soon the model was internally designated with the much better known reference 325, although this number never appeared on catalogues of the time.

    While today one of the best known and most beloved designs by the company, originally the model did not perform very well. It would appear that barely 250 sales of ref. 325 are recorded at IWC until the early 1970s. The present example is one of these rare and sought-after examples, and it is furthermore offered with a charming black dial professionally restored by the manufacturer itself, offering a remarkable combination of historical importance, rarity and wearability.

  • 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.

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Ref. 325
A fine, large and very attractive stainless steel wristwatch with black dial

1943
42mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€26,400-52,800
$30,700-61,500

Sold for CHF35,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018