IWC Portugaise Chronographe IW371445

In the anniversary year of 2015, the Portuguese Chronograph continues its success story as the most popular Portuguese watch. Thanks to a wide choice of different versions, there is a suitable model for every watch lover.

The term chronograph – “writer of time” – refers to an earlier version of this type of watch in which the dial would turn and a writing implement that rested on top of it recorded stopped time either as short or longer strokes, rather like the tachographs used in commercial vehicles today. The word has since come to refer mainly to time-pieces with an additional stopwatch function. But if the Portuguese Chronograph (Ref. 3714) writes anything, it is the story of its own success. After all, it has been the most sought-after model in the Portuguese family since 1998. Back then, it was the first Portuguese watch that not only allowed the wearer to read the time, but also to stop it. With a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour, the movement is extremely precise, and times can be recorded on the high-precision calibrated scale running round the dial to an accuracy of one-eighth of a second. As a timeless watch designed for everyday use, it has an understated, unmistakable design that makes it a genuine classic combining elegance with a distinctly sporty touch.

This timepiece owes its popularity to, among other things, its moderate 40.9-milimetre diameter, which makes it ideal  for a more slender wrist. Thanks to its proportions and elegant design, it is equally popular with men and women. Everything is integrated harmoniously on the clearly organized dial: the recessed totalizers, the embossed Arabic numerals and the perfectly proportioned feuille hands for hours and minutes. The push-buttons for stop times and resetting provide the sporty highlights that are simply de rigueur in a chronograph.

HIGHLY EXPRESSIVE INDIVIDUALS

The Portuguese Chronograph is available in a choice of five  different designs. The various cases, dials and hands together with the alligator leather straps give each model a personality of its own. In the Reference IW371482, the most striking feature is the stark contrast between the warm glow of the 18-carat red gold case, controls and displays and the cool, slate-coloured dial and black strap. The shimmering sun pattern finish on the dial creates a  multitude of captivating reflections. The classically designed Reference IW371480 in its 18-carat red gold case is available with a silver-plated dial and dark brown strap. The small blue seconds hand in the counter at “12 o’clock” enhances the dial’s attractiveness, as in the Reference IW371445 in its stainless-steel case. In the Reference IW371447, the consistent use of stainless steel and black gives the watch a cooler and more technical feel, while the stainless-steel Reference IW371446, which features blue hands and appliqués together with a blue leather strap, has a modern, sporty appearance.

The choice of different variations of the Portuguese Chronograph makes it possible for any watch lover to choose the model that best expresses their personality. Despite nuances of difference in design, all versions of the chronograph have one thing in common: they are all highly  success ful and will continue to write IWC’s history for years to come.