IWC Small Portuguese Ref. 3531: Collector's Guide

Gob Bluth · 2023-01-17T17:45:33Z

Explore Gob Bluth's journey with the IWC Small Portuguese Ref. 3531, a classic IWC reference. Discover collector insights, rarity, and why this 35mm watch remains highly sought after.

Gob Bluth

WPS member · IWC forum

20 replies5702 views1 photos

Gob Bluth's journey with the IWC Small Portuguese Ref. 3531 highlights a common collector's dilemma: the one that got away, multiple times. His candid account of reacquiring this specific reference for the fourth time offers a unique perspective on horological attachment and the enduring appeal of certain timepieces. This article delves into why the 3531 holds such a significant place in his collection and the broader community.

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I finally tracked down a mint, untouched IWC 3531 Small Portuguese in steel after selling my 3rd 3531 in 2017. My history with this reference is long. I traded a Rolex 1675 in primo condition for my first steel 3531 in April 2012, back when the IWC was nearly impossible to find online. This trade stings looking back at what I gave up but, at the time, I was as ecstatic as I had searched for a 3531 for over 4 years with no luck.

Within a month of trading for my 1st 3531, I was offered a black dial steel 3531 and bought it too. I sold both 3531 in 2015 as I moved into sport watch territory and did not think twice about the sales. In 2016, I got the itch again, found a rose gold 3531 and bought it without hesitation. I sold the rose gold 3531 about a year later and didn't look back.

Now, as I've moved on from steel sport watches, I found myself lusting over the 3531 again. I found a pristine example from an EU based seller, made an offer and had the watch within a week. Looking back, I'm not sure how I ever gave this beauty up (let alone three times). To me, this is the most proportional IWC Portuguese ever made (the script on the dial is the icing on the cake). The only way to improve the aesthetics would be to replace the stamped dial with applied numerals. Maybe this dial would make me part with this watch for the 4th time?

Key Points from the Discussion

The IWC 3532, particularly the platinum version, is considered a rarer alternative, though its date function is seen by some as less balanced than the 3531's small seconds dial. The purple dial 3532 is exceptionally rare, appearing for sale only a couple of times in a decade.
Despite its 35mm diameter, the IWC 3531 wears larger than expected due to its slim bezel and expansive dial, a characteristic that contributes to its unique wrist presence.
Reacquiring a cherished timepiece after previously selling it is a common and satisfying experience for many collectors, reinforcing the emotional connection to certain watches.
The black dial version of the IWC 3531 is particularly rare, with one collector noting it was among the last four available in the USA in 2001 and has remained unserviced and fully functional since new.

The Discussion

Aquaracer1

Jan 17, 2023

Congrats!

Looks great! I’ve been there many times. There is nothing like reacquiring a beauty and getting it back on your wrist . What are the case proportions on this one?

GuyT

Jan 17, 2023

Nice

That's a nice watch. I have been looking for a while but only want the black dial

a.frid

Dec 1, 2023

Still looking ..

Still looking for one? Maybe I have one for sale

zeg1424

Feb 5, 2024

Looking for one

I’m looking for one. Do you still have it? I’m based in Sweden.

sctutor912

Feb 5, 2024

I have a black dial

I am in the USA

India Whiskey Charlie

Feb 5, 2024

Anyone buying and/or selling, please discuss via PM. Thank you!

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IWC Small Portuguese Ref. 3531: Collector's Guide

Key Points from the Discussion

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