IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph Bucherer BLUE

On one side you have IWC and its signature, classic chronograph, the Portugieser 3714. This watch, as we’ve explained in this in-depth review, is a modern icon, practically unchanged since its introduction in the late-1990s. A perfect definition of a classic. On the other side, you have Bucherer, possibly the world’s largest watch retailer, known for its blue-themed special editions – usually very well executed. And when you mix the two, you get the new IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph Bucherer BLUE ref. IW371492 – and yes, it is one superb version of this watch.

As always with the Bucherer BLUE watches, don’t expect any drastic changes to the base watch. Once again we are seeing an update of dial, colours and strap. Still, this doesn’t mean that this can’t lead to a beautiful watch – in fact, it does. After several editions based on Blancpain, Moser, Breguet, Longines, Oris or Glashütte Original (Bucherer covers a large range of watches), it is now time for for the Swiss retailer to team up again with Schaffhausen-based manufacture, this time with IWC’s most emblematic watch, the Portugieser Chronograph.

Practically unaltered since it was introduced 21 years ago, the Ref. 3714 has earned a rightful place in the pantheon of contemporary icons. After the introduction of the Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante “DoppelChronograph” Ref. 3712, the brand decided to add a simple automatic chronograph to the collection, the 3714, making it the cornerstone of the Portugieser line-up. While IWC was known for regularly changing/updating its watches, this one remained untouched – and that’s how you create an icon.

The IWC Portugieser Chronograph is a clean, timeless, well-proportioned watch. Its 40.9mm case makes it suitable for most wrists and most environments, it is both casual and elegant at the same time, its dial is clean, superbly balanced and functional, its movement, despite being based on the 7750 has been drastically changed by IWC and the overall quality is excellent. There’s a lot to love in this watch.

This year, after multiple special versions in blue, we have this new IWC Portugieser Chronograph Bucherer BLUE. There are already several standard steel editions of the 3714 – silver-plated dial with golden indexes, silver-plated dial with blue indexes, black dial with rhodium-plated indexes and blue dial with rhodium-plated indexes. Bucherer adds a fifth steel model.

The IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph Bucherer BLUE ref. IW371492 is based on the reference IW371446, which features a silver dial with blue indexes and hands. The main difference for the Bucherer versions is to be seen on the dial. The central area remains silver-plated with blue indexes, tracks and inscriptions. The evolutions concern the main hands, which are now rhodium-plated (for the hours, minutes and small seconds), while the chronograph hands are blued-steel for better contrast.

The second evolution is visible on the inner flange, with the seconds track. Usually matching the dial, here it is executed in blue, giving the watch a more casual, nautical style. This visually changes the proportions of the 3714 but remains very appealing. Last but not least, the Portugieser Chronograph Bucherer BLUE is worn on a blue textile strap, again to enhance the casual theme.

As for the rest, the watch remains identical to the standard editions, with the same 40.9mm x 12.6mm steel case, the same Calibre IWC 79350 and altogether, this clean, elegant design.

Price and availability

The IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph Bucherer BLUE ref. IW371492 will be limited to 365 pieces, available exclusively at Bucherer boutiques from the end of July 2019, or at the Bucherer webshop here. It will be priced at CHF 7,900 or EUR 7,700.

More details on this new Bucherer BLUE watch at bucherer.com.