Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Dune, Horizon, Obsidian… The New Colours of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph (Incl. Video)
IWC’s classic chronograph flaunts three captivating new dial colours.
Chronographs made their way into the Portugieser family in 1995 with a sophisticated Valjoux-modified rattrapante (IW3712), followed by a classic chronograph, again with a modified Valjoux, in 1998 with the reference IW3714. And then, in 2020, IWC equipped it with a manufacture column-wheel chronograph movement to become the IW3716 (don’t miss our article comparing the two models). An iconic, timeless collection that bears many of its ancestor’s traits, the Portugieser Chronograph has adapted to the times with an ever-increasing range of dial colours and strap options. In this spirit, IWC introduces three very attractive versions of its Portugieser Chronograph with new dial colours.
Nothing has changed regarding the specifications. The 30m water-resistant cases, available in 18k white gold, 18k 5N (red) gold, and stainless steel, have a 41mm diameter and a thickness of 13.1mm. Decorated with two finishings, the signature thin bezel and piston chronograph pushers are polished while the caseband is brushed.
True to its heritage, the dial upholds the Portugieser’s clean, symmetrical layout and exceptional legibility. Arranged vertically, the two sub-dials are slightly recessed and snailed with the 30-minute elapsed time counter at noon and small seconds at 6 o’clock. The hands are classic feuille or leaf-shaped, the hallmark numerals are applied, and the inner flange is printed with a quarter-second scale for high-precision chronograph readings.
While most people associate the Portugieser Chronograph with classic silver dials and blue appliques, as we mentioned, the model is no stranger to colour and has flaunted a winning white-and-blue Panda dial along with a host of vivid colours, like these introduced in 2023 with colourful rubber straps.
The new colours – Horizon Blue, Obsidian Black and Dune Beige – are well-combined with the case material. The spectacular light blue Horizon dial is paired with an 18k white case, the powerful black Obsidian with an 18k 5N gold case, and the extremely elegant sand-coloured Dune dial with a stainless steel case.
Intricately crafted, the brass base of the dial is first given a sunburst finish radiating from the centre before the colour is applied. Protected by 15 layers of transparent lacquer, the dial is then polished to a high gloss. The two totalisers are milled into the brass and lacquered and snailed. The final touch is the Arabic appliques. Depending on the case material, the appliques vary. For example, the handsome Obsidian model in the red gold case has solid gold appliques and gold-plated hands. The white gold case of the Horizon is echoed on the dial with its rhodium-plated hands and appliques, while the refined Dune dial plays with contrasts and features gold appliques and gold-plated hands.
The Obsidian model is paired with an elegant black alligator Santoni strap and a red gold pin buckle. The Dune has a black alligator strap but is fitted with a steel butterfly clasp and the Horizon blue goes one step further in its monochromatic suit and comes with a gradient light-blue calfskin strap and a white gold pin buckle.
Beneath the sapphire crystal caseback is IWC’s in-house automatic calibre 69335. With its classic column-wheel design, the distinct tactile resistance when the buttons are pushed is guaranteed. It beats at a frequency of 28,800vph and has a 46-hour power reserve.
The Portugieser Chronograph in white gold with the Horizon dial retails for CHF 19,000; the 5N gold model with the Obsidian dial for CHF 18,000; and the stainless steel with the winning Dune dial for CHF 8,200. For more information, please consult iwc.com.
