WHY THIS WATCH
The IWC Portuguese line was born when two Portuguese businessmen commissioned IWC to create a few wristwatches that had the accuracy of marine chronometers. At the time, the only way IWC could achieve this was to install pocket watch movements into these watches. This made the watches bigger than what was popular at the time. The theme of a big, highly legible and accurate wristwatch continued to IWC's present day Portugieser.
IWC unveiled the original IWC Portuguese 7 Day (ref. 5001) in the year 2000. This watch was a real game-changer for IWC, as it showcased IWC's serious watchmaking and engineering prowess. The calibre 5000 used for this watch was the result of 4 years of R&D. The Pellaton winding system in this movement is based on a patent from the 1950's, developed by Albert Pellaton, IWC's technical director during the 1940s.
IWC did a major update to the Portuguese 7 Day in 2015. The New 52010 calibre features the use of ceramic parts, which will be virtually impervious to wear. Additionally, IWC installed a free-sprung balance system, which helps increase the accuracy of the movement as it approaches days 6 and 7 of the Power Reserve.
On the wrist, this watch feels large, with large 22mm spacing between the lugs, and clocking in at nearly 50mm lug to lug. The 42.3mm diameter is not that big on paper, but remember this watch is nearly 14mm thick. Having said that, I have average wrists and can wear this watch every day. I think the deployment clasp is a must, as it balances out an otherwise top heavy watch. Once you've got this watch strapped on, the dial with those gorgeous blued Arabic numerals and hands becomes the star of the show. It feels great knowing that I can lay this watch down for 7 days and it'll still be ticking. The huge date display at the bottom is also great to have. Flipping it over, you can tell IWC did a huge refresh for this movement.
THE LITTLE DETAILS
Watch was purchased in 2018 from an IWC Authorized Dealer and comes with the full set of Box and Papers, including stamped warranty card dated 2018. This watch is in Near Mint Condition, around 95%. Sides of case are very clean, almost perfect, some scratches on the deployment buckle and a little wear on the strap. The strap has most of it's life left, I would say it's around 80%. The movement is running strong without any issues.Available for Pickup in our Showroom in Mclean, Virginia
Want to see this watch in person? We are located in Mclean Virginia off of Chain Bridge Road. We are by appointment only (no walk ins), so please shoot us an email to schedule a time and get the address.