Coming up with a concept for a new watch is an art but reissuing an established classic is an even bigger art, especially if it’s an IWC Portugieser. Easily identifiable with a class of its own, today, we’re looking at the all new the Portugieser Chronograph Classic (Ref. 3903).
For those of you new to the Portugieser family, Ref 3903, the third Chronograph in the Portugieser family was first presented in 2013 and till date retains its character of the originals from the 1930s. How have the guys at IWC pulled this off? Let’s take a look.
As far as looks go, the Chronograph Classic doesn’t veer off completely from its original design. The dial with the typical Portugieser railway-track- style chapter ring looks even neater than its predecessor without the subdivision of the seconds, while the watch as a whole has a more modern impact thanks to the convex sapphire glass.
Presented in an 18-carat red gold case, the silver-plated dial acts as a perfect backdrop for the appliquéd arabic numerals and golden hands. To complete the look, the watch is accompanied by a hand-finished brown alligator leather strap.
Other features of the Portugieser Chronograph Classic are mostly carried over from past versions including the tried-and-tested IWC-manufactured 89361 calibre with flyback function, self-winding system and a power reserve of 68 hours.
The recorded time is particularly easy to read on the combined hour and minute counter at “12 o’clock”. Turn the watch around and you’ll notice a see through sapphire glass back which provides a spectacular view of the movement and the rotor which is adorned with Geneva stripes.
The new Portugieser Chronograph Classic is available in two other colour combinations. One with a silver-plated dial and blue hands and appliqués (Ref. IW390302) and the other in a midnight blue dial with rhodium-plated hands and appliqués (Ref. IW390303).
Australian Pricing – RRP:
18-carat red gold case and a silver-plated dial, (Ref. IW390301): AUD $29,200
Silver-plated dial and blue hands and appliqués (Ref. IW390302): AUD $15,100
Midnight blue dial with rhodium-plated hands and appliqués (Ref. IW390303): AUD $15,100