IWC Portugieser Collection Update – And An Invitation To Ask IWC Management Your Questions

Apr 15, 2020,00:03 AM
 

WatchProSite Moderator Patrick_y recently notices the IWC Portugieser Chronograph now comes with an in-house movement.  Time to rediscover IWC and the improvements they've been making. 


 

The IWC Portugieser Chronograph is one of my favorite IWC timepieces.  It’s an incredible aesthetic that seems to be appreciated by many.  Over the years I’ve spotted multiple car designers sporting the watch at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, multiple fashion designers (both men and women) sporting the Portugieser Chronograph, two artists at Art Basel Miami, an architect, a TED-Talk speaker, and dozens of sightings in the wild.  Its modern aesthetics and super thin bezel makes it an instantly recognizable timepiece and is one of the great designs at IWC.  I personally don’t own an IWC Portugieser Chronograph myself (I've always wanted one), but like many others (such as those mentioned above with better taste than I) I have always enjoyed the design! 




It's not just for men!  Elegant women can sport the IWC Portugieser Chronograph too!  It's got a healthy 41mm case! 

 


How is IWC Different From Other Swiss Watch Brands? 

 

IWC is very different from traditional watch manufacturers.  Almost all the major Swiss watch brands are based in Geneva or in the French side of Switzerland.  IWC is one of the few large brands and the largest brand to be based in the German side of Switzerland, in Schaffhausen, near Zurich.  In contrast to the Swiss-French maisons that make beautiful and delicate watches that are usually thin and delicate; IWC timepieces generally have a more utilitarian approach, slightly greater thickness, and a sturdy aesthetic design combined with a robust mechanical architecture that make it a hybrid of both Swiss-French timepieces and timepieces made in the village of Glashütte.  Some of you who’ve been following Swiss-German watches for many decades will recall that the late Günter Blümlein was the IWC executive who helped resurrect Glashütte as a watchmaking center with the help of recently departed Walter Lange. 




Photo Credit: Peter Chong

 


Continuous Refinement and Improvement At IWC

 

I was very pleased when I attended SIHH 2019 where IWC launched its updated Pilot Watch Collection.  Not only were the pilots watches well designed aesthetically, I was very pleased to learn that they have been endowed with new IN-HOUSE MOVEMENTS with the silicon components!  Almost all the newly released Pilots Watches (a notable exception being the Double Chronograph model, which features a Richard Habring designed split seconds chronograph caliber module) did away with their generic ETA movements and now incorporate an exclusive IWC movement. 



This split seconds watch has a special movement that was designed for IWC by Richard Habring.  It's not a true in-house movement because it utilizes a base caliber supplied externally. 


I've had the pleasure of sporting this new bronze IWC Pilots watch that was recently launched at SIHH 2019.  It's been a blast!  I'll be writing my thoughts about it soon!  Photo credit: IWC


You may ask; why does an in-house movement matter?  Utilizing those ETA movements required dial designers to compromise, the date disc position couldn’t be changed on the movement, so the date would remain small and too close to the center of the dial on some models.  Furthermore, an in-house movement is tailor made for the specific watch by the specific brand, so the case and dial design is made in conjunction with the movement design; thus changes can be adapted at an early stage to reduce the need to compromise either designs at a later stage. 



The three movements on the left are ETA 2824-2 movements; they can be customized by the brand, such as with branded winding rotors, as you can see we have a Tudor and a Tag Heuer winding rotor.  The movement on the right is an IWC in-house movement that replaced the generic movement. 


You are probably now wondering, "why do all brands not use in-house movements?"  In an ideal world all brands would use in-house movements.  But in-house movements are expensive to design and with small production, they cost more as a brand can't scale its production nor amortize the costs over hundreds of thousands of units.  It's A LOT cheaper for a brand to buy an off-the-shelf ETA 2824, a generic automatic movement made in the hundreds of thousands, as they're inexpensive, they're reliable, and they get the job done!  When a large brand buys an ETA 2824 movement in large quantities, they can get it for probably around $100 USD per unit (possibly less)!  An in-house movement costs many multiples more! 

 

IWC has been improving and refining the Portugieser Chrongraph.  As mentioned in the prologue, while I was recently browsing the IWC website I was pleased to discover that the Portugieser Chrongraph now has an in-house movement as well!  I’m pleased to state that the movement is reasonably well decorated for this type of timepiece, has a column wheel chronograph (as opposed to a cheaper and less precise “cam” system), and is overall a more refined movement that will be easier to service and require less frequent servicing (due to better lubrication design and advanced materials). 

 

The new IWC 69000 movement features a column wheel control for the chronograph movement.  Look at the nice polished anglage on the rotor, this movement is decorated to a higher degree than some others in its class! 


Special Invitation: Ask Questions to IWC Management

 

WatchProSite members are in for a special treat.  Multiple executives within IWC Management have invited me to ask them some questions about the IWC Portugeiser.  I’d like to extend this opportunity to WatchProSite Readers.  I will select several of the questions and forward them to IWC Management and we will have a new post with the answers.  Please keep your questions to the point and be aware that IWC Managers may not answer questions that require them to reveal their secret sauce nor their internal business strategy.  Please submit your questions by 12:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time April 18, 2020 and I will try to submit your question to the right executive in the right department!  I may need to adjust your questions slightly for clarity, apologies in advance! 

 

So please inquire away… 

 

(I’ll start us off)

 

1.     In terms of research and development; how many months did the R&D team require to design and test the new 69000-series in-house movement?  How big is the R&D team?  What aspect of this new design was most difficult to achieve? 

2.     Is the new 69000 movement an integrated movement or a modular movement?  How did IWC arrive at this choice?


Thanks for reading and I am looking forward to your comments and questions below!   



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Comments: view entire thread

 

First of all, this version is my favorite one in the Portugieser collection. I used to own one yellow gold with the previous caliber which was extremely reliable.

 
 By: LX (Alex) : April 15th, 2020-01:41
As the watch has become a timeless classic, I would like IWC to elaborate more on how they developed the new movement. I keep reading that some of its architecture is - supposedly - derived from the 7750, which I honestly can neither refute nor confirm fo... 

A Valjoux 7750 movement should be quite different from the new 69000, but I will pose your question to the experts!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 15th, 2020-10:15
The base plate is entirely different, 69000 is much larger in diameter, the chronograph system is quite different as well. I doubt there are major similarities between the 7750. The 7750 is really an inexpensive movement conceived in the 1970s to keep Swi... 

Further questions:

 
 By: MTR : April 21st, 2020-23:34
I am looking for a Portugieser PC, so: 1. I have heard / read a few times that the movements in the past had some „issues“ (reliability and accuracy). Is this solved completely with the new calibers 52610 and 52615? 2. Is there a chance that the WR in gen... 

All questions were submitted a few days ago. Great questions though!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 25th, 2020-12:45
That water resistance question is fantastic. Why do manufacturers not challenge themselves to make 100M water resistant watches. Apparently it must be quite difficult!

Thank you for making this possible!

 
 By: Pour le Mérite : April 15th, 2020-05:53
1. Is there any proprietary three-hand-movement in the pipeline? 2. Any regrets on the decision Kern made by removing one of their most icon pieces with the Genta-Ingenieur? 3. What does the future bring for the Aquatimer? Regards!

My wish would be

 
 By: LX (Alex) : April 15th, 2020-07:08
Either bring back the Ingenieur Genta-style that was discontinued under Kern or bring back the Aquatimer 2000 ref. 3568 in 40-41mm and with a higher quality steel bracelet.

Holy, ref. 3568 in a smaller case and the typical bracelet... who's Blancpain and Rolex again?

 
 By: Pour le Mérite : April 15th, 2020-07:29
Unfortunately it'll be a dream forever.

All Good Questions!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 15th, 2020-11:03
1. Hmm, I'd want a 3 hand watch (small seconds, not a center sweep seconds) with an IWC automatic movement. I bet that might come! 2. I bet they do regret it! Personally I'm not a fan of the current Ingenieur model as it looks too "sharp angled" for my ey... 

Answer to Q1

 
 By: patrick_y : April 24th, 2020-13:07
...  

Thanks for the opportunity.

 
 By: Lankysudanese : April 15th, 2020-06:46
1. Word is that IWC was planning to introduce an updated Portuguser perpetual calendar and in stainless steel? Can they confirm or refute this? Now with baselworld and SIHH (watches

Plus 1

 
 By: MTR : April 15th, 2020-09:34
That would also be interesting for me. Best Thomas

Hmm, you might want to wait a week or two...

 
 By: patrick_y : April 15th, 2020-11:14
You and Lankysudanese should both wait a week or two!

Ok. Thank you very much.

 
 By: MTR : April 15th, 2020-14:40
Good to know! I almost bought this one. Because I liked the dial the most. But I didn’t want to pay the extra charge for Platinum. Best Thomas ...  

Here's something to consider!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 24th, 2020-13:10
It's not platinum, it's available in steel or gold. Doesn't have the double moon which I like about IWC perpetual calenders. But it's definitely a very nice traditional looking timepiece! ...  

Hmmmmmhhhhh...

 
 By: MTR : April 24th, 2020-15:31
I am not convinced about the dial, especially the proportion and the appearance of the subdials. So - for me - it‘s not „first love“. I also think that this dial would have looked better combined with a 40mm case. This would have made more sense than a do... 

Very good approach! I'm cautiously optimistic too!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 24th, 2020-15:35
I do like the double moon phase indication too! To me, that's a signature of IWC Perpetual Calendars.

Can't confirm or deny...

 
 By: patrick_y : April 15th, 2020-11:13
I can't confirm nor deny, but I strongly advise you to wait a week or two! I have a feeling that your wish may come true!

😁😁😁

 
 By: Lankysudanese : April 15th, 2020-12:22
It’s hard to guarantee another day (with this damn COVID-19 business that is going around), but I’ll try 😝

But at least

 
 By: MTR : April 17th, 2020-09:15
sometimes. 😊

Yes I have seen the new models in person but had to agree...

 
 By: India Whiskey Charlie : April 15th, 2020-14:54
To a non disclosure until the embargo ends which for now is set for sometime towards the end of April.

Christmas came early!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 24th, 2020-13:09
...  

Thanks for the chance to ask! What are some advantages of the new movement in terms of reliability, serviceability, accuracy?

 
 By: Spangles - Dr. Tabby : April 15th, 2020-07:23
What about the new movement has lead to these advantages?

I will ask!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 15th, 2020-11:19
1. Reliability, who knows. But better performance from the column wheel vs a rough cam/lever chronograph mechanism. The pusher feel will be significantly better, I hope! 2. Serviceability, I do know that the new movements are designed with better oil rete... 

Thanks for the information and chance to ask IWC questions.

 
 By: lavrentivs : April 15th, 2020-10:11
I would like to know why there is no three hander Portugieser with no date in the current collection. The discontinuation of reference 5454 is a shame because it was the last in the line of pocket watch based movements with three hands and no date, which ... 

I agree about the 5454!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 15th, 2020-11:22
I liked the 5454! Pay attention in the next couple of weeks! It's hard to say if you can expect that same movement though, as I found that charming pocket watch movement to be charming too! Dial font question, interesting question, I'll ask! Oh wow, manua... 

Here's a new IWC that might meet your requirements!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 24th, 2020-13:12
It's not exactly a 5454 successor, since it doesn't have a pocket watch movement and it's an automatic. But it is a three hander Portugieser with no date! ...  

150 Year Port

 
 By: Todd B. : April 16th, 2020-13:48
I've had the 150 Year Portugieser limited edition for about a year now and it came with the 69355 in house movement. At the time when I bought it the current line of Portugieser did not have an in-house movement quite yet. I like my 150 year Port. I have ... 

That's great to read!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 16th, 2020-18:27
Very pleased here to read you're satisfied with your watch!

You are lucky - quite a lot of people haven't had good luck with the 69355

 
 By: India Whiskey Charlie : April 17th, 2020-10:19
But, now that this movement is in many models, IWC should and will improve upon that track record.

Questions

 
 By: roundel : April 17th, 2020-05:33
Thank you for the opportunity to ask questions about the new Portuguese chronograph. I really enjoy learning about the mechanics of movements and visualizing how they parts interact. 1. Has a version of the Pellaton winding system been employed in the new... 

Great questions Bob!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 17th, 2020-11:42
1. It does have bi-directional winding, but it's not exactly the same as the Pellaton winding system. 2. Good question. I don't think it's a vertical clutch, but it is possible. I will ask. 3. Will ask.

89365

 
 By: roundel : April 21st, 2020-10:13
I have come to realize that the 89365 movement in my bronze Aquatimer has a vertical clutch with column wheel coordination. So it is possible.

I'd like that too. The 5445 is one of my favorite IWCs in a long time!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 17th, 2020-11:50
That 5445 was such a nice watch. Not too thick too. Charming pocket watch movement with huge balance wheel!

Here's a new IWC automatic time only watch. It's not handwound, but it is time only, and 40mm!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 24th, 2020-13:13
Meets 2 out of 3 of your requirements! ...  

I wished I had some influence!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 25th, 2020-14:00
Just trading on the publicly available information. I hope you like it! I don't think it's going to be as thin as the 5445, but it will be very nice overall. Most people prefer automatics, so IWC is probably trying to appeal to the mainstream. But I perso... 

What are the considerations for introducing a new complication to the Portugieser collection?

 
 By: LK : April 17th, 2020-11:44
For example, are there any complications that might fit your other collections, but that aren't as good a match for the Portugieser? (I think the Portugieser aesthetic would lend itself well to an alarm.)

Interesting question...

 
 By: patrick_y : April 17th, 2020-11:59
The Portugieser already has some of IWC's complications installed. Such as the tourbillon, minute repeater, and so on. I don't think IWC has an alarm movement currently (correct me if I'm wrong), so that's probably why they don't offer a Portugieser with ... 

IWC

 
 By: Weems@8 : April 17th, 2020-14:39
Most models are ok. For me there is always one little thing that can be better. For example, i like the aquatimer, but it is without a safier case back which i want on a watch. This is why i have still no IWC. Or i see almost a perfect IWC, that if it wou... 

IWC is the odd man out among peers in not consistently adopting a free-sprung balance; why?

 
 By: brandon1 : April 17th, 2020-23:20
They do it on some models, and not others. It’s a strange inconsistency, and I’d be interested in the explanation. And I hope they don’t say it’s too expensive, because at these volumes and prices it is not, especially with such recent investments in new ... 

Thanks Patrick! [nt]

 
 By: brandon1 : April 18th, 2020-08:35