mick92627 Posted May 7, 2009 Report Posted May 7, 2009 The Portuguese of 1939 is a true watch legend that stylistically comes as close as possible to the perfect ideal of good watch design. As the first "wristwatch" it established the large size worn on the wrist that is very popular today. It was also the first to break the taboo of wearing a complete pocket-watch movement on one's arm. It was successful, and still is today for IWC. As many of you already know, it got its name from the fact that just such a watch was requested by two Portuguese businessmen at the end of the 1930s. They wanted a high-precision watch that would embody their proud tradition as a seafaring nation. From the start the "Portuguese", as it was only named years later, with all its features was an unofficial marine chronometer and laid out like a navigational instrument. Arabic numerals and graduations for the indices alternate, the actual measuring range is separated off at the dial center by another circle, the minute chapter ring is in the "chemin de fer" - railway - style very popular at the time. The same graphic elements also appear in the seconds display circle. The case (the rep is 43 mm, whereas the gen is 44mm,) with its fluted bezel and slightly pulled down strap lugs is in keeping with the original. Like the modern gen, the rep Vintage Portuguese does differ from the original 1939 in that it has anti-reflective sapphire glass over the dial. The rep is powered by the Asian Unitas 6498 Manual Handwind Movement, 21600bph, and is a joy to wind; it just feels so solid, and is, as some members here have remarked, fairly bullet-proof. Here too the elongated index, the so called "Jones arrow", which goes from the balance c*ck to the plate, is a reference to F. A. Jones, the boy from Boston who founded IWC on the Rhine 140 years ago. To this day, IWC is the only major Swiss watch factory located in eastern Switzerland, as the majority of the well-known Swiss watch manufacturers are located in western Switzerland. If you only go by the pics on Josh or Andrew's site, you'd be taking a leap of faith on this watch, as I did. I figured, at around a hundred bucks, what do I have to lose? But when I got it I was SO IMPRESSED by the look and feel. The face is gorgeous, the AR is faboo and it has a really nice heft to it. Lots of presence. I can always count on people noticing it and complimenting it. I'm well pleased. (I glommed some of the text above from other sites around the net.) Enough talk for now. Pictures.
Guest asim Posted May 7, 2009 Report Posted May 7, 2009 yeah they are amazing! i am somewhat surprised that they don't get more limelight.
dluddy Posted May 7, 2009 Report Posted May 7, 2009 Very nice. Thanks for sharing a little of the history. For $100....you can't go wrong. It's beautiful.
Danny_1 Posted May 14, 2009 Report Posted May 14, 2009 This watch screams out for attention! Those pictures really do this watch justice mick. Did that strap come with the purchase? It's a great combination. Dan.
Member X Posted May 14, 2009 Report Posted May 14, 2009 I do like this a lot, but I still can't get the 3714 out of my head... lol At least this one should be more reliable due to the less-stressed movement!
Busher Posted May 16, 2009 Report Posted May 16, 2009 Mick Great post of a fine watch. Ultra clear images Busher
mick92627 Posted May 16, 2009 Author Report Posted May 16, 2009 Did that strap come with the purchase? It's a great combination. Agreed. Yes, this is the strap that came with it.
Member X Posted May 18, 2009 Report Posted May 18, 2009 Have you got any wrist shots of this? I'm seriously tempted to pull the trigger on it... Just to check, it's this one we're talking about? http://www.tt88time.com/index.php?main_pag...roducts_id=3939 Would it be possible to swap the movement to, perhaps, a decorated skeleton 3620 movement? Or a Swiss ETA Unitas 6498? Thanks in advance
mick92627 Posted May 19, 2009 Author Report Posted May 19, 2009 Have you got any wrist shots of this? I don't, but I'll get one. A few people have asked. Just to check, it's this one we're talking about? http://www.tt88time.com/index.php?main_pag...roducts_id=3939 Yes, same watch, but I got mine from Josh, here: http://www.jpc8118.com/000000iwpv10001-por...498-p-5854.html
monkeypie Posted May 21, 2009 Report Posted May 21, 2009 I'm really considering one of these as well. Aside from the backside, what are the main flaws of this watch? The only real flaw is that the subdial should not be metallic?
ubiquitous Posted May 21, 2009 Report Posted May 21, 2009 Agreed- This is a beautiful watch and very understated! I love how simple it is. May need to procure one of these for someone I know... At $100, it's a good bargain!
lanikai Posted May 21, 2009 Report Posted May 21, 2009 Thank you Mick for the time in researching this piece ! Hope it's ok.. to post your white dials mate.. I'm still waiting for the opportunity to wear this .. but I love the classic look.. after getting the black dial I also went for the white.. but that's your baby (posted this one a couple of months ago) The strap is like patent gator.. looks great !! better in person actually ! Sorry, I could of aligned the buckle a little better.. .. pic is mainly for the strap.. The dial in natural sunlight is stunning .. although the sun is going down.. you get the point.. Nice blue hue .. The Markers and numerals morph in different lighting.. silver to gold.. Cool!! I am not even going to bother comparing this with the genuine.. the numerals are a bit larger than the gen. .. but I am estatic.. mainly due to the price of this one.. when is the last time we saw a dress watch for 108 usd with this quality ?
alt.watch.obsessive Posted May 22, 2009 Report Posted May 22, 2009 Does the gen on these have a dome crystal? I was under the impression they did it to look a bit like a vintage plastic crystal. Like so...
Member X Posted May 22, 2009 Report Posted May 22, 2009 Dammit, lani - I was keen on the white face version but now I'm undecided... LoL Just been looking up some stuff on the gen versions - still looking at about c.US$10k for the black face or US$40k for the Limited Edition white face! I presume because the LE version is platinum not SS. The only major differences I can see are the numerals, as you point out, and also the gen movement is 18800bph not 21600bph, but at this price point I think it can be forgiven lol I don't think we're going to see one 'in the wild' so are unlikely to be called out!
Member X Posted May 22, 2009 Report Posted May 22, 2009 Does the gen on these have a dome crystal? I was under the impression they did it to look a bit like a vintage plastic crystal. Like so... From what I can make out, I don't think they do - check lani's pic, below!
Member X Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 Ok, thanks to this post, I've just ordered this as the first rep I'm buying Will do wrist pics when it arrives! *dreads the long wait* lol
Toadtorrent Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 Ok, thanks to this post, I've just ordered this as the first rep I'm buying Will do wrist pics when it arrives! *dreads the long wait* lol Good choice. A great classy watch. Keep us posted on your experience buying and receiving. First one's the charm!!
zaazaa Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 I don't, but I'll get one. A few people have asked. Hey Mick - thanks for bringing this sweet watch some attention. But we need a wrist shot or two of your white version for comparison! Pleeeeease? Thanks again. Z
nicewatches Posted June 19, 2009 Report Posted June 19, 2009 So what's the consensus on the reliability of this rep? Are there any known problems with this rep since the seconds are at 6 ? If I bought this, how often would it require service (or could I just buy, wind or spin in my hand until it starts and then wear it all day and place it down at night and not worry about it) ?? This watch is gorgeous, thanks for the post mate!
nicewatches Posted June 19, 2009 Report Posted June 19, 2009 Is this watch the same (but with a black strap): http://www.watcheden.com/iwc-portugieser-f...-26215-p-1.html I love the look of this watch, and am 99% sure I want to purchase it however I am looking for one with a black strap. Think WatchEden would send me a black IWC strap instead of the brown in the pictures on the first post? Great piece!
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