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0037ksm · 25 June 2010, 03:51 AM

Three weeks ago I purchased a grail I'd been wanting for the better part of a year, the IWC Portuguese Chronograph (Reference 371417). This model has the stainless steel case, silver dial and blue hands. It also comes with the blue "croc" strap and stainless buckle.

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The watch measure just under 41mm which is surprising because it appears huge on the wrist, much bigger than the stated size. Side by side with a 44mm Sinn U1 or a Debaufre B-Uhr., it appears equal in size. I attribute that to the fact that the watch is all dial with a negligible bezel surrounding it.

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The movement is the venerable Valjouz 7750 which has been modified by IWC. Now I know what people are referring to when they mention the 7750 "wobble". The movement is hacking with two subdials, a small seconds and a minutes counter. The minutes counter only goes to "30" so its not much of a useful timer. That's fine with me as I purchased the watch based on looks and reputation first and functionality second. In typical fashion, the top plunger starts and stops the large seconds counter and the bottom plunger resets to zero. There is no date function, I haven't decided if I miss having a date yet. Some of my watches have date complications, some don't and I don't really care that much one way or the other. The power reserve is 44 hours.

You can see from the catalog picture, that I had my choice of metals and dial colors. My budget only permitted me to consider the steel case versions. I was torn between the white dial/gold markers version and the silver dial/blue markers model. I ultimately decided that the silver and blue combination was more legible and went with that color scheme.

[IMG]

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The watch is only 12.3mm thick which I like. It easily fits under a sleeve and is light enough I hardly notice I'm wearing it.

[IMG]

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The back is solid.

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The glass is, of course, sapphire, convex with AR on both sides. It's not quite as effective at stopping glare as the coating on the U1 but it doesn't seem to smudge as easily. A trade-off I can live with.

[IMG]

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I've not closely checked the accuracy but it's excellent. I don't recall have to reset the watch since I bought it. All in all, it's a wonderful watch, very distinctive, very attractive and a bit of an icon. I'm very pleased with it and intend to keep it until I pass it some day to a grandson.

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Thanks for reading. Chris

Mosco · 25 June 2010, 03:56 AM

Great review - thanks for taking the time!

Welshwatchman · 25 June 2010, 05:00 AM

Thanks for the review.

I just lost out on a very keenly priced 18ct black faced version (left hand side of pic), too slow by an hour.

boa2 · 25 June 2010, 05:47 AM

Great review of an absolute classic piece. Enjoy it to the fullest. It looks terrific on you!

gettocard · 27 June 2010, 09:47 PM

Thanks for the review.

My dad has the gold one but I like this one better,it has a younger appeal to me.

Fang · 2 July 2010, 11:51 PM

003ksm, I agree my Panda keeps good time. Great watch - its a real icon !!

Attached is my IWC Portuguese Chrono - Panda.

Chad C. · 4 August 2010, 06:57 AM

Beautiful watch - it is the one I would have chosen as well. I love the blue and it looks great on you!

Ultraman · 5 August 2010, 10:10 PM

They are beautiful watches. I handled them a few days ago, unreal..

AtlantaDave · 8 August 2010, 11:33 AM

Great review and awesome pics! The Portuguese has always been one of my favorite dress watches.

FlyPenFly · 9 August 2010, 08:37 AM

Since after 2007, iwc no longer modifies the movement. It is now modified by eta.

rfknauss · 9 August 2010, 09:28 AM

Nice review and nice watch!

0037ksm · 10 August 2010, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyPenFly

Since after 2007, iwc no longer modifies the movement. It is now modified by eta.

Thanks for the clarification. I'd edit my post but I don't see the button.

And thanks to everyone for the kind comments. I really like this watch.

Chris

dyphototeacher · 17 August 2010, 11:07 PM

That is one sharp looking watch.

Thanks for the review.

RRM1020 · 22 August 2010, 12:06 PM

First, great review. Thx
I was just turned on to the IWC a few weeks ago. Love the Portuguese as I want another suit watch to go along with my Pam 183.
I am about to pull the trigger on one next week and am leaning towards the steel w rose gold hands/numbers. Like someone said, these watches are iconic.

Shade · 23 August 2010, 03:19 PM

Its a great watch! However a friend of mine bought one sometime ago and the number 2 fell off.. But iwc repaired it quickly..

dddrees · 3 October 2010, 02:07 PM

I just purchased my IWC Pilot Chrono in Rose Gold yesterday, great watches. Can't wait until my deployment clasp gets here.

Andad · 3 October 2010, 02:14 PM

A beautiful timepiece.

Enjoy wearing it.

dddrees · 3 October 2010, 07:41 PM

I'm sorry I was so self absorbed yesterday with my watch purchase I forgot to mention what a wonderfull job you did with you review.

Magnificient review, thank you for sharing.

0037ksm · 4 October 2010, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dddrees

I'm sorry I was so self absorbed yesterday with my watch purchase I forgot to mention what a wonderfull job you did with you review.

Magnificient review, thank you for sharing.

Thank you! I hope you post some pictures and your impressions of your pilot chrono. I'm thinking that may be my next purchase, although in stainless.

dddrees · 4 October 2010, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0037ksm

Thank you! I hope you post some pictures and your impressions of your pilot chrono. I'm thinking that may be my next purchase, although in stainless.

Sorry 0037ksm did not mean to hijack your thread.

First impressions are that I Luv it.

It is on a strap and that is one thing I was looking for. It's not as big as a Pam, and frankly I like my dials sizes a bit smaller. The brown strap, the black dial, and Rose Gold combo I think will make a great dress watch. This was ultimately what I was looking for.

It does have more on the dial than your typicall dress watch, however Its a chrono and I am starting to get more into the Chrono's as my last watch purchase was the SS Daytona. I like the red second hand, I think a bit of red on the dial is gorgeous.

It's a bit heavier than what I am used to, but I think this has to do with the Rose Gold, and to be honest don't mind that that much. I dig the Rose Gold.

Here is one pic I took. No wrist shots yet as I am waiting on my deployment clasp. Then after that I will definitely put this one in rotation a bit and have a even a better thoughts on this watch.

0037ksm · 4 October 2010, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dddrees

Sorry 0037ksm did not mean to hijack your thread.

First impressions are that I Luv it.

It is on a strap and that is one thing I was looking for. It's not as big as a Pam, and frankly I like my dials sizes a bit smaller. The brown strap, the black dial, and Rose Gold combo I think will make a great dress watch. This was ultimately what I was looking for.

It does have more on the dial than your typicall dress watch, however Its a chrono and I am starting to get more into the Chrono's as my last watch purchase was the SS Daytona. I like the red second hand, I think a bit of red on the dial is gorgeous.

It's a bit heavier than what I am used to, but I think this has to do with the Rose Gold, and to be honest don't mind that that much. I dig the Rose Gold.

Here is one pic I took. No wrist shots yet as I am waiting on my deployment clasp. Then after that I will definitely put this one in rotation a bit and have a even a better thoughts on this watch.

That is a beautiful watch. I love the Pilots on the leather strap. At this point, I'm leaning towards the Spitfire version. but haven't seen one in person, yet. Thanks for posting and congratulations on a great watch.

dddrees · 4 October 2010, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0037ksm

That is a beautiful watch. I love the Pilots on the leather strap. At this point, I'm leaning towards the Spitfire version. but haven't seen one in person, yet. Thanks for posting and congratulations on a great watch.

I have the Watches from IWC 2010/11 Book and the spitfire looks amazing too.

Chris your Portuguese Chronograph looks great as well.

Thanks again.

glimmer · 12 February 2011, 12:21 PM

Beautiful Portugese Chrono! Thanks for the pics and great review!

sea-dweller · 14 February 2011, 02:21 PM

That's a beautiful watch!

sushisummo · 14 February 2011, 05:14 PM

nice watch............great review........enjoy.

Michael M. · 15 February 2011, 12:17 PM

Great review! I'm a huge IWC fan! My dad has a bunch of them!

Widows Son · 15 March 2011, 12:40 PM

Beautiful watch and a great review!!!

asadtiger · 16 March 2011, 01:45 AM

very handsome watch

thanks for sharing

regards, Asad

htc8p · 17 March 2011, 01:40 PM

i have tried it and it doesnt look bad. its just sometimes. it can look a little too big. given all face no bezel.

tfduff723 · 19 March 2011, 04:49 AM

Beautiful watch - congrats

I have always loved the IWC look. I actually owned your exact watch but sold it 4 years ago. The only reason in my case was that it wore a bit too big for me.

But it is a great looking piece. I've always thought that the face reminded of a high end measuring instrument. Obviously, it measures time but hopefully you get my point.

Nice review.

25 June 2010, 03:51 AM	#1
0037ksm "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 98	IWC Portuguese Chronograph Review Three weeks ago I purchased a grail I'd been wanting for the better part of a year, the IWC Portuguese Chronograph (Reference 371417). This model has the stainless steel case, silver dial and blue hands. It also comes with the blue "croc" strap and stainless buckle. [IMG][/IMG] The watch measure just under 41mm which is surprising because it appears huge on the wrist, much bigger than the stated size. Side by side with a 44mm Sinn U1 or a Debaufre B-Uhr., it appears equal in size. I attribute that to the fact that the watch is all dial with a negligible bezel surrounding it. [IMG][/IMG] The movement is the venerable Valjouz 7750 which has been modified by IWC. Now I know what people are referring to when they mention the 7750 "wobble". The movement is hacking with two subdials, a small seconds and a minutes counter. The minutes counter only goes to "30" so its not much of a useful timer. That's fine with me as I purchased the watch based on looks and reputation first and functionality second. In typical fashion, the top plunger starts and stops the large seconds counter and the bottom plunger resets to zero. There is no date function, I haven't decided if I miss having a date yet. Some of my watches have date complications, some don't and I don't really care that much one way or the other. The power reserve is 44 hours. You can see from the catalog picture, that I had my choice of metals and dial colors. My budget only permitted me to consider the steel case versions. I was torn between the white dial/gold markers version and the silver dial/blue markers model. I ultimately decided that the silver and blue combination was more legible and went with that color scheme. [IMG][/IMG] The watch is only 12.3mm thick which I like. It easily fits under a sleeve and is light enough I hardly notice I'm wearing it. [IMG][/IMG] The back is solid. [IMG][/IMG] The glass is, of course, sapphire, convex with AR on both sides. It's not quite as effective at stopping glare as the coating on the U1 but it doesn't seem to smudge as easily. A trade-off I can live with. [IMG][/IMG] I've not closely checked the accuracy but it's excellent. I don't recall have to reset the watch since I bought it. All in all, it's a wonderful watch, very distinctive, very attractive and a bit of an icon. I'm very pleased with it and intend to keep it until I pass it some day to a grandson. [IMG][/IMG] Thanks for reading. Chris

25 June 2010, 03:56 AM	#2
Mosco "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Greg Location: Cincinnati Watch: I like to... Posts: 18,567	Great review - thanks for taking the time! __________________ Instagram - @CaliberSwiss *“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson*

25 June 2010, 05:00 AM	#3
Welshwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Paul Location: Wales, UK Posts: 14,578	Thanks for the review. I just lost out on a very keenly priced 18ct black faced version (left hand side of pic), too slow by an hour. __________________ ..33

25 June 2010, 05:47 AM	#4
boa2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Howard Location: US Watch: Me Now Posts: 3,657	Great review of an absolute classic piece. Enjoy it to the fullest. It looks terrific on you! __________________ "Facts and truth really don't have much to do with each other."

9 August 2010, 09:28 AM	#11
rfknauss 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Richard Location: Macungie, PA Watch: 5513 Sub, LV Sub Posts: 14,494	Nice review and nice watch! __________________ *"Few things in life give man as great a pleasure as wearing a Rolex!"* TRF's "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron

27 June 2010, 09:47 PM	#5
gettocard Banned Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Andy Location: EU Watch: them come and go.. Posts: 2,052	Thanks for the review. My dad has the gold one but I like this one better,it has a younger appeal to me.

4 August 2010, 06:57 AM	#7
Chad C. Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Chad C. Location: IN, USA Watch: Explorer / GMT IIc Posts: 92	Beautiful watch - it is the one I would have chosen as well. I love the blue and it looks great on you!

5 August 2010, 10:10 PM	#8
Ultraman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 2,175	They are beautiful watches. I handled them a few days ago, unreal..

8 August 2010, 11:33 AM	#9
AtlantaDave Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Dave Location: Atlanta, GA Watch: Sub & Exp II Posts: 83	Great review and awesome pics! The Portuguese has always been one of my favorite dress watches.

9 August 2010, 08:37 AM	#10
FlyPenFly "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 165	Since after 2007, iwc no longer modifies the movement. It is now modified by eta.

17 August 2010, 11:07 PM	#13
dyphototeacher Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Toronto, ON Watch: Speedmaster 3572 Posts: 37	That is one sharp looking watch. Thanks for the review.

22 August 2010, 12:06 PM	#14
RRM1020 Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: US... Watch: Depends on the day Posts: 181	First, great review. Thx I was just turned on to the IWC a few weeks ago. Love the Portuguese as I want another suit watch to go along with my Pam 183. I am about to pull the trigger on one next week and am leaning towards the steel w rose gold hands/numbers. Like someone said, these watches are iconic.

23 August 2010, 03:19 PM	#15
Shade "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Norman Location: Jakarta Watch: All of 'em.. Posts: 2,926	Its a great watch! However a friend of mine bought one sometime ago and the number 2 fell off.. But iwc repaired it quickly..

3 October 2010, 02:07 PM	#16
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,251	I just purchased my IWC Pilot Chrono in Rose Gold yesterday, great watches. Can't wait until my deployment clasp gets here. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

3 October 2010, 02:14 PM	#17
Andad 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 36,855	A beautiful timepiece. Enjoy wearing it. __________________ E

3 October 2010, 07:41 PM	#18
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,251	I'm sorry I was so self absorbed yesterday with my watch purchase I forgot to mention what a wonderfull job you did with you review. Magnificient review, thank you for sharing. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

12 February 2011, 12:21 PM	#23
glimmer Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Here, everywhere Posts: 1,244	Beautiful Portugese Chrono! Thanks for the pics and great review!

14 February 2011, 02:21 PM	#24
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	That's a beautiful watch! __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

14 February 2011, 05:14 PM	#25
sushisummo "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: JT Location: in a house....:) Watch: Hmmm......? Posts: 1,776	nice watch............great review........enjoy. __________________ Collections: -- R-O-L-E-X --AP-ROO -- P-A-N-E-R-A-I -- B-R-E-G-U-E-T -- I-W-C -- B-A-L-L -- O-T-H-E-R-S WISHLIST: Too many to list...... Member #23367

15 February 2011, 12:17 PM	#26
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	Great review! I'm a huge IWC fan! My dad has a bunch of them!

15 March 2011, 12:40 PM	#27
Widows Son "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hudson Ohio Posts: 3,554	Beautiful watch and a great review!!!

16 March 2011, 01:45 AM	#28
asadtiger "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Asad A. Awan Location: kabul, Afghanista Watch: Tissot PRX Posts: 2,698	very handsome watch thanks for sharing regards, Asad

17 March 2011, 01:40 PM	#29
htc8p "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Bert Location: philippines Watch: 116710 ln Posts: 3,446	i have tried it and it doesnt look bad. its just sometimes. it can look a little too big. given all face no bezel.

19 March 2011, 04:49 AM	#30
tfduff723 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Michigan USA Watch: Rolex & Omega 4 Me Posts: 1,685	Beautiful watch - congrats I have always loved the IWC look. I actually owned your exact watch but sold it 4 years ago. The only reason in my case was that it wore a bit too big for me. But it is a great looking piece. I've always thought that the face reminded of a high end measuring instrument. Obviously, it measures time but hopefully you get my point. Nice review.

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