IWC. A VERY RARE AND LARGE STAINLESS STEEL WRISTWATCH

The present reference 325 is a very attractive example of the legendary 'Portugieser' model, impressing with its good, original overall condition. The unrestored dial has developed a beautiful “stardust” effect - giving to the watch a remarkable look. Like the colour shift of tropical dials, this characteristic is due to ageing and it amplifies the collectability and aesthetic impact of the timepiece. Furthermore, the timepiece is allied with the IWC Caliber 74, enhancing the reliability of the timepiece.

In the late 1930s, IWC received a rather unusual order from a customer in Portugal who wanted a wristwatch with the same size and accuracy of a pocket watch. To meet this request, the company chose its slimmest and most reliable calibre 74 at the time and installed it in a stainless steel case. With its stately diameter of 42 mm, the Portugieser was considered huge compared to the wristwatches in vogue at the time and did not correspond to the spirit of the times, which was more oriented towards smaller watches in the Art Deco style. Therefore, the model was only produced in a very limited series.

The Portugieser, the first wristwatch with a pocket watch movement, can be considered the forerunner of today's large-format wristwatches. The revolutionary model is a legend and a classic among collectors.