IWC “325” Portugieser

Description

Up for grabs is an incredibly rare and extremely well-preserved IWC Portugese, nicknamed the Portugeiser, the Reference 325.  The Reference 325 was made by IWC after a special request in the late 1930s by two Portuguese businessmen who wanted larger wristwatches, as during this era most watches were produced in much smaller sizes (think 30mm for a man’s watch) – the Portugeiser was made in a large (even by today’s standards) 42mm steel case.  IWC produced the Reference 325 in very, very small quantities (690 pieces total), spread over 4 decades, and utilized three different pocket watch movements to power them (the Cal. 74, 98 and 982).  The present example is from the 2nd batch of watches produced with the Cal. 98, and was produced circa 1940-1950s.  This watch features a white dial, with applied arabic numerals in rose gold, and was fitted with matching rose “Louis XV” ornate hands.

The condition of this IWC Portugeiser is truly exceptional.  Very few have survived or been found over the years, and even fewer in good condition, as these cases were not waterproof. The case on this example remains unpolished, with minimal wear.  Likewise, the dial is beautiful, with only the lightest of wear, and no serious flaws – a better honest, and original example will be hard to find!