Our editorial staff admitted that no one among them had a wrist to match its substantial dimensions.Įven so, the large, heavy watch is quite comfortable to wear thanks to ergonomically shaped sloping lugs and a supple steel bracelet. The elegant impression is diminished, however, by the enlargement of the already considerable stainless-steel case from 43.5 mm to 44.6 mm.

Both changes enhance the elegance of the Yacht Club and were well received by our editorial staff. The central chronograph hand is now steel-gray instead of red, and the date window has been shifted from the 3 o’clock position to the small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. In addition to the bracelet, the dial has also been updated. Two safety buttons round out the sturdy and well-designed folding clasp. Pressing the polished “IWC” button on the outer bar of the clasp extends the bracelet in seven increments - without ever removing the watch from your wrist. Inside the safety folding clasp, there is also a quick extension piece that quickly and easily lengthens the bracelet by up to 7 mm. High quality from front to back: Pressing the “IWC” button on the solid folding clasp releases a bracelet extension. Unlike simpler bracelet designs, using screws or hammering is not needed. Shortening the bracelet involves simply pressing a button on the back of each row of sturdy links to remove it. Every component is flawlessly finished and worthy to be part of the supremely elegant Portugieser collection.įor the first time in its 10-plus-year history, this Portugieser Yacht Club boasts a steel bracelet rather than a rubber or leather strap - a sturdy but elegant IWC steel bracelet with brushed outer links and polished inner links. The first impression is confirmed upon closer inspection of its polished and satin-finish case, sunburst blue dial and brightly polished hands. A first glance shows that the third generation of the sportiest Portugieser model, our test watch, is designed to be both a nautical timepiece and a luxury accessory. The new IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph is a watch you can wear with confidence anywhere at the marina. We give it a thorough review in this feature from the WatchTime archives. For 2020, the nautical chronograph model has a classic look and a steel bracelet upgrade.

REF.IWC launched the Portugieser Yacht Club in 2010 into the sporty yet elegant world of sailing. Good to know: The new stainless steel bracelet is available as an accessory for all new models of the Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. An efficient, bi-directional pawl winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours. The robust and precise chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design is visible through the sapphire glass back. The watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre. IW371617) features a stainless steel case, a silverplated dial, as well as blue hands and appliques. The new reference with a stainless steel bracelet (Ref. 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. With these chronographs IWC established a sportier design expression in the Portugieser family. Three years later the Portugieser Chronograph followed as the so called “Automatic” version. The IWC Portugieser Chronograph was presented in 1995 the first time as the so called “Rattrapante”.

Iwc portugieser chronograph