IWC Portugieser 7 Day Automatic

Though the International Watch Company is most often associated with aviation, the manufacturer from Schaffhausen made its reputation with the Portuguese line, now its flagship and an opportunity for the brand to showcase its expertise in manufacturing complicated watches.

The Portuguese line had its genesis in the 1930s, shortly before the Second World War. Two clients from Portugal tasked IWC's watchmakers with producing wristwatches that were as accurate as marine chronometers. In those days, the only way of achieving that goal was to take movements from pocket watches and put them in wristwatch cases. IWC used a 74 caliber movement from Hunter as the basis for the new line, christened Portuguese (or Portugieser) after the homeland of the clients who inspired it. Since the Hunter movement was a hefty 37mm alone, the Portuguese required a large case to match, a huge departure from the slim cases that typified wristwatches of the 1930s.

In 1993, the brand's 125th anniversary, IWC introduced the Portuguese Reference 5441. 

Introduced in 2005, the Reference 5001 series (which we offer here), is the modern extension of the iconic Portuguese form. In keeping with its predecessors, the Reference 5001092 is imposing. Though the case is only 42.3mm in diameter the movement (the Calibre 50010, based on the legendary Calibre 5000) as well as the sapphire display case back make it quite substantial on the wrist. 

Yet this watch is not without touches of elegance (a nod to the ornamentations found on pocket watches in the golden age of railroad chronometers). From the feuille hands to the running seconds at 9 o'clock (not to mention the 7 day power reserve indicator, artfully-arranged on the dial), this watch is meant to be worn and admired. No blushing beauty, it won't slip unobtrusively under a cuff--but would you really want it to?

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.