The yearning for a stylish watch never stops. Still, sometimes a lovely timepiece like the Portugieser Chronograph is a beautiful solution to a constant problem — class and elegance without the attention. In this Watch Spotlight, I’ll focus on IW371611, an exceptional variation of the Portugieser Chronograph series by IWC Schaffhausen.
Design
IW371611 has an 18-carat gold case measuring 41mm, making it suitable for most watch lovers who enjoy a prominent wrist timepiece. It includes a lovely see-through sapphire glass back, adding a captivating depth to the timepiece while maintaining its refined Chronograph look.
The dark brown alligator leather strap is by Santoni, the luxury Italian shoemaker known for top-end craftsmanship. It adds a level of character to the case while holding its graceful appeal.
Wearing It
Like other Portugieser Chronographs, this variation wears well with formal wear like three-piece navy suits or cardigan and shirt combinations. Either way, we wouldn’t put this together with a hoodie and jeans; it seems out of place. That would be like parking a Rolls Royce at a local discount store.
The gold will scratch, so if you want to have this as a daily timepiece and your work may damage it, expect scratches and scuffs. Though some might say, that adds to the character of the watch. The strap is comfy and, like all leather, wears over time, but once again, it can age gracefully like a well-aged Sangiovese wine.
Movement
The watch carries a 69355 Calibre, a movement which has become part of the IWC family since 2018 with the Portugieser Chronograph series. Here is more helpful information on the movement.
| Type | Automatic, self-winding |
| Power Reserve | 46 Hours |
| Frequency | 28’800 VPH |
| Jewels | 27 |
| Components | 205 |
Final Thoughts
As a brand, IWC is one of those stylish names that doesn’t carry the AP or Patek prestige but has certainly become more exciting since 2005, when it started to introduce in-house movements.
With a price tag of £16,700, the IW371611 doesn’t feel like an entry-level luxury watch, even if its cheaper variants could be part of that discussion. If you are considering buying an IWC, investment shouldn’t be your primary concern. A person buying IWC buys it because they understand and admire the meticulous process of making these timepieces. IWC is a brand for the mature buyer, not a beginner looking to flex.
With this in mind, we’d recommend the IW371611 for your watch collection.