Schaffhausen/Geneva, 9^th April 2024: IWC Schaffhausen launches three new versions of the Portugieser Chronograph at Watches and Wonders Geneva. The new dial colours, Horizon Blue, Obsidian and Dune capture the unique atmospheres of different times of day and night. The first watch features a Horizon Blue dial in combination with an 18-carat white gold case and a blue calfskin strap. The second boasts an Obsidian dial, an 18-carat 5N gold case, and a black alligator leather strap. The third impresses with a Dune coloured dial, a stainless steel case, and a black alligator leather strap. The models are powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre, a robust mechanical chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design.

With the Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante from 1995, the chronograph arrived in the Portugieser family. Since then, this functional complication has brought a touch of sporty elegance to the collection. The IWC-typical vertical arrangement of the sub-dials places the stopped minutes directly at 12 o’clock, making them easy to read, while the small seconds are positioned at 6 o’clock. Another distinguishing design feature is the inner flange printed with a quarter-second scale, enabling high-precision stop-time readings. IWC Schaffhausen now launches three new versions of the popular chronograph in the new colour codes Horizon Blue, Obsidian, and Dune.
 

A particular highlight is the intricately crafted dials. The brass bases are first given a sunburst finish before the respective colour is applied. In the next step, 15 layers of transparent lacquer are applied, fine-ground and then polished to a high gloss. The totalisers are milled into both the brass base and the lacquer layer. The printing, carried out through a special process, further adds to the three-dimensional effect. Finally, the appliques are mounted individually by hand. The complete manufacturing process for these dials comprises more than 60 steps and is highly challenging to master.
 

The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371626) features a Horizon Blue dial. Horizon is a light blue shade, reminiscent of the early afternoon sky during the sun-soaked height of the day. This colour is complemented by a polished and brushed 18-carat white gold case, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, and a gradient light-blue calfskin strap from Santoni. 
 

The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371625) impresses with its Obsidian black dial, an 18-carat 5N gold case, gold-plated hands, and gold appliques. Thanks to the lacquer finish, the dial emanates an incredible depth. The combination of black and gold captures the black of the night and the golden warmth of the city lights at night. The chronograph is fitted with a black alligator leather strap from Santoni. 
 

The Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371624) with a Dune dial is paired with a stainless steel case, gold-plated hands and gold appliques, and a black alligator leather strap. This combination reflects the mood in the late afternoon with the golden low sun. Thanks to the elaborate lacquer finish, the gold appliques appear to be floating above the dial.
 

ROBUST AND RELIABLE CHRONOGRAPH MOVEMENT 

The Portugieser Chronograph is powered by the IWCmanufactured 69355 calibre, a mechanical chronograph movement engineered with a focus on robustness, reliability, and longevity. The column-wheel control of the chronograph function ensures that individual phases in the switching sequence are clearly defined. There is also a distinct tactile resistance when the buttons are pushed. Seamless integration with the basic movement and careful coordination of all components helps to ensure that the correct rates are maintained even when the chronograph is subject to intense use. Typical for IWC, the vertical arrangement of the subdials displays the stopped minutes directly at the 12 o’clock position and places the small seconds at 6 o’clock. This layout enhances readability and has become a distinguishing design feature of the Portugieser Chronograph.