IWC Portuguese Vintage Hand Wound IW544501

Released in 2008, and only available for a few years, this hand wound version of the Portuguese is inspired by the vintage reference 325 from 1939, hence the 'Vintage' in it's name. The 325 was created for the Portuguese importers of IWC, who requested a wristwatch with the accuracy of a pocket watch, and given larger movements of the time were much more accurate they took an IWC pocket watch movement, and created a wristwatch around it. And the same goes for this modern iteration.

The use of pocket watch-sized calibres always necessitates are larger case, and that is what we have here. The fabulous art-deco case made from stainless steel measures in at 44mm, though only 10.3mm thick and 51.7mm lug-to-lug. The dial is perhaps our favourite of any Portuguese, with a black base and sector-style layout, the classic Portuguese applied numerals, crisp white minute track and sub-seconds markings, and and is topped with beautiful polished leaf hands. It's topped with a slightly top-hat shaped sapphire crystal for a vintage-feel, and we love the blued ring that appears around the outer edge due to the anti-reflective coating.

But the real star of the show is on the reverse…flip it over, and you’re greeted with a gorgeous pocket watch inspired calibre 98295. Nicely finished, and stunning to look at, it is also technically capable with an oversized balance, hacking seconds, and overcoil hairspring. It is also a pleasure to wind.

Finishing it off is a beautifully bolstered IWC 'gator strap with IWC tang buckle.

This particular piece was first sold in 2015 and presents in TZ 'Good' condition. The case is extremely clean, with only very minor marks present on the polished surfaces to the naked eye. The reason for the 'Good' rather than 'Near Mint' grading is the presence of some minor nicks on the inner portion of the lugs from strap changes, and some very minor nicks around the bezel visible under a loupe. The strap is in fabulous condition. Please see images for full condition details.

Service history is unknown. Currently keeping time at around +20 seconds a day at 300+ degrees of amplitude. The timing adjustment still sits in the middle of its range as seen through the case back, so this can be easily be tuned to get a little closer to COSC if desired.

Comes with outer box, inner box (shows some flaking), instruction manual, expired warranty card, warranty booklet and IWC cleaning cloth.

These are quite rare on the secondary market, so grab this excellent example while you can.

Brand: IWC

Model #: IW5445-01

Circa: Sold in 2015

Style: Dress

Case Material: Steel

Case details: 44mm

Movement: IWC Cal. 98295 hand-wound

Dial: Black

Hands: Polished

Paraphernalia: Outer box, inner box (shows some flaking), instruction manual, expired warranty card, warranty booklet and IWC cleaning cloth

TZ Grading: Good

Watch Vault utilises the TZ grading system. Please see below for details.