Introduction
First launched in 1939, the IWC Portugieser has become an iconic piece of horological design thanks to its long and storied past as one of the first "big watches" to make it to market. Forging a reputation as a large and robust timepiece that straddles the line between a sports watch and dress watch, the Portuguese (in English vs "Portugieser" in German) variant that we have here is more of a dress watch thanks to its 18kt rose gold construction and complicated nature thanks to its tourbillon. Boasting a 43mm diameter and featuring a black dial with immensely legible applied Arabic numerals, the ref. IW544705’s design elements combine to create an aesthetic that is rooted to the collection’s original design brief. Relaunched in 1993, the Portugieser became an immensely popular collection within IWC’s arsenal, and so it was expanded upon over the years, with the tourbillon-wielding variant that we have here surviving as one of the most luxurious and exclusive of them all. Launched as a limited edition of just 500 pieces and building upon the other complicated variants that all debuted throughout the 2010s, the ref. IW544705 is a wonderful showcase of IWC’s watchmaking talents and craftsmanship.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$15,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
IWC
Dimensions
43.1mm x 11.5mm
Model
Portuguese FA Jones Tourbillon
Movement
Automatic IWC cal. 98900
Reference
IW544705
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 2010
Condition
Near mint
Material
18kt rose gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Celebrating IWC's founder, the ref. IW544705 features FA Jones' signature at 3 o'clock opposite its flying tourbillon at 9 o'clock and above its grey running seconds subdial at 6 o'clock.
THE CONSTRUCTION
While it is a complicated watch with a flying tourbillon, the ref. IW544705 retains a flat profile of just 11.5mm that allows its 43mm diameter to fill the wrist without feeling too bulky.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
The watch is in near-mint condition. The yellow gold case shows light marks on the polished sections consistent with occasional wear, and still retains its original case back sticker. The dial and hands are like new. It is fitted with a brown alligator strap and yellow gold IWC deployant clasp, which shows light marks on the outer section, while the inner section still retains its protective sticker.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
A wonderful celebration of the brand's roots while also showcasing the brand's craftsmanship, the ref. IW544705 intelligently balances IWC's heritage and talents without being too brash about either.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
