The IWC Portugieser Chronograph 3716, now on Steel Bracelet (Live Pics & Video Review)

Today is the opening of Watches & Wonders Shanghai, a new watch fair dedicated to the Chinese market. While the main idea for exhibiting brands is to display the watches introduced in April, some of them have decided to benefit from this physical and digital space to launch some new models. One of these is IWC, which brings an update to what is certainly one of its most emblematic models, the Portugieser Chronograph 3716, which comes for the first time on a stainless steel bracelet. And we have a video review of the watch above.

Background

Minimalistic yet easily recognizable, well-designed and with a nautical sporty-chic vibe, the modern Portugieser finds its roots in the late 1930s following the request of two Portuguese merchants who wanted to have the precision of IWC’s deck clocks in a wristwatch format for sailing. The result was a large wristwatch powered by a pocket watch movement with a distinctive design and a minimalist approach focused on legibility and precision. 

IWC resurrected the name Portugieser in 1993 for the 125th anniversary of the brand. And in 1998 IWC launched a model that would soon become a modern icon, the Portugieser Chronograph 3714. The beauty of this watch resided in its visual simplicity and the symmetry of its design. For the following 22 years, IWC kept the watch almost intact cementing its cult status.

The evolution towards the ref. 3716

Earlier this year, IWC introduced a new version of its emblematic Portugieser Chronograph, under the reference 3716. IWC is well aware of the commercial success and timeless appeal of this watch and any drastic update could pose a risk. However, IWC made the right decision to maintain most of the design elements intact and updated what matters: the movement. Indeed, what was somehow seen as a weakness by some watch enthusiasts in the past model, the out-sourced calibre has now been replaced by an in-house movement. Other than that, the Portugieser Chronograph is still the watch we’ve loved for more than two decades.

The evolutions are subtle, to say the least. The stainless steel case of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph 3716 now measures 41mm in diameter (just 0.1mm more than before) and is just a bit thicker (0.3mm more, due to the new movement). This meant reshaping some parts, such as the lugs, but only in minor proportions. All the classic elements, such as the ultra-thin bezel and expansive dial, the brushed and polished surfaces or the oversized pushers, have been maintained. 

The dial evolves, once again, only on almost imperceptible details. The surface is still silver-plated with a galvanic treatment, offering nice metallic reflections. The 3716 still has its beautiful symmetrical dial with elegant applied Arabic numerals and thin leaf-shaped hands, here coloured in blue – perfectly in line with the sporty/nautical theme of the Portugieser. The ultra-clean display, with sub-counters at 12 and 6 o’clock, is retained for great visual pleasure. The only noticeable difference is the “IWC Schaffhausen” logo, with a more modern font and a slightly smaller size. And thankfully, no date window has been added.

What really differentiates the older 3714 from the new 3716 is the movement. In the past, the IWC Portugieser Chronograph used to have a deeply modified Valjoux movement. But in 2020, with a name like IWC, having an internally produced movement has become a must. For this reason, the 3716 is fitted with the automatic calibre 69355, part of the 69xxx family of movements (focused on replacing Valjoux ébauches) that we’ve explored in detail here. This integrated column-wheel chronograph, which can be seen through the transparent caseback, offers 46 hours of power reserve and runs at 4Hz.

Today, the main novelty comes the introduction of a stainless steel bracelet on the IWC Portugieser Chronograph, a first for this model, which has always been offered on alligator leather. The new bracelet features H-shaped brushed links and polished centre links. It is closed by a concealed butterfly folding clasp. It adds a sportier, fresher look to this elegant chronograph and will be a great option for those living in warmer countries or who want a more robust watch.

Note that this steel bracelet is also available as an accessory, and it will fit all steel models in the Portugieser Chronograph 3716 collection. However, it won’t be possible to install it on the older reference 3714, as the lugs are slightly different.

The IWC Portugieser Chronograph 3716 on stainless steel bracelet will soon be available at boutiques and retailers for a price of CHF 9,200. More details at iwc.com.