Schaffhausen / Shanghai, 9th September 2020 – At the Watches & Wonders exhibition in Shanghai, IWC Schaffhausen presented the iconic Portugieser Chronograph on a stainless steel bracelet for the first time. Thanks to this new bracelet option, the elegant and sporty chronograph becomes even more versatile and apt for a whole new range of adventures. The high-quality stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly foldingclasp is also available as an accessory for all new models of the Portugieser Chronograph.
With the Portugieser Chronograph, IWC established a sportier design expression in the Portugieser family more than 20 years ago. Thanks to the clear and open dial with the two recessed totalisers at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock, as well as the inner flange printed with a quarter seconds scale, the timelessly modern chronograph has turned into one of the most popular models from Schaffhausen.
Now, the Portugieser Chronograph becomes even more versatile; for the first time, IWC has launched a version of this iconic timepiece with a stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet is beautifully detailed and elaborately finished with polished and satin-finished surfaces. Thanks to the butterfly folding clasp, it sits ergonomically on the wrist and provides excellent wearing comfort.
“Stainless steel is robust and practical for everyday use, but also corrosion-resistant and unaffected by moisture, sweat and seawater splashes. With this new bracelet option, the Portugieser Chronograph becomes the timepiece of choice for even more activities and adventures, and an extremely versatile companion on the wrist.”
The new reference with a stainless steel bracelet (Ref. IW371617) features a stainless steel case, a silverplated dial, as well as blue hands and appliques. Ticking away inside is the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre. The robust and precise chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design is visible through the sapphire glass back. An efficient, bi-directional pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours.
The new stainless steel bracelet is available as an accessory for all new models of the Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW3716).
In 1868, the American watchmaker and entrepreneur Florentine Ariosto Jones travelled from Boston to Switzerland and founded the ‘International Watch Company’ in Schaffhausen. His visionary dream was to combine advanced American manufacturing methods with the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers to make the best pocket watches of his time. In doing so, he not only laid the foundation for IWC’s unique engineering approach but also established the centralised production of mechanical watches in Switzerland.
Over its 150 year history, IWC Schaffhausen has developed a reputation for creating functional complications, especially chronographs and calendars, which are ingenious, robust, and easy for customers to use. A pioneer in the use of titanium and ceramics, IWC today specialises in highly engineered technical watch cases manufactured from advanced materials, such as titaniumaluminide and Ceratanium®. Preferring the principle of “form follows function” over decoration, the Swiss watch manufacturer’s timeless creations embody their owners’ dreams and ambitions as they journey through life.
IWC sources materials responsibly and takes action to minimise its impact on the environment, creating intrinsically sustainable timepieces that are built to last for generations. The company prides itself in training its own future watchmakers and engineers, as well as offering an excellent working environment for all employees. IWC also partners with organisations that work globally to support children and young people.