IWC Portugieser 325

Portugieser, Reference 325 | A stainless steel wristwatch | Made in 1942

Dial: black Calibre: cal. 74 manual winding, 16 jewels Case: stainless steel, snap-on case back Case number: 1'047'182 Size: 42 mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Box: yes Papers: no Accessories: IWC Extract from the Archives, travel pouch and presentation caseThe origin of the IWC Portugieser dates back to the 1930's when two Portuguese businessmen, Rodrigues and Teixeira, visited the IWC factory proposing the development of a large stainless steel wristwatch housing a movement that could match the precision of a marine chronometer, with perfect readability and the highest possible precision. This quest led to the introduction of the legendary reference 325 in 1939. The proportions of the pieces were extraordinary at the time. A 42mm case diameter was substantially larger than an normal timepiece of an average diameter just above 30mm. To power these watches, IWC first used their calibre 74, which was originally a pocket watch movement. According to the Manufacture, only 304 examples were powered by this calibre. This tool watch has now become an horological icon of the first part of the 20th century as well as an inspiration for generations of watch designers. While the vast majority of these rare watches show heavy signs of age, especially to their dials, this present lot has its glossy dial preserved in most outstanding condition. Furthermore, the gilt signature and indexes are equally well preserved and contrast beautifully over the dial plate, creating a striking effect. The case is similarly preserved, further enhancing its desirability. This exceptional condition can be explained by the fact that this watch was preserved in its original presentation case, also accompanying the lot, for many decades and just recently rediscovered.