IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph Review
Monday - 10 August 2020
For 2020, IWC completely singled out their iconic Portugieser collection to be revamped and revitalised and within the mass of remarkable new releases was their new IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph. Becoming the third generation of the series, the nautical sports watch combines a timeless elegance suited to every sophisticated gentlemen and an unbeatable ruggedness that will take you straight from the dinner table to the ocean.
So far, we have seen three new IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph introduced. Two are done in classic stainless steel, one with a silver dial and the other in blue. The third is a stunning two-toned steel and rose gold version with a matching silver dial with gold accents. The cases have increased in size slightly now measuring to 44.6mm wide and 14.4mm thick – compared to the existing model which measures in at 43.5mm by 14.1mm. However, the case increase has been beautifully complemented by the new filigreed bezel and flat casing ring for a streamlined finish.
As expected, the dials of the IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph watches have completely impressed us with a stunning blend of sport sophistication. The characteristic minute scale and appliqued Arabic numerals are effortless to read at a glance while the rhodium, gold or blue steel hands are decorated with luminescence for legibility in the dark. The layout of the dial has been amended slightly from the original with the IWC logo moved from 9H to 3H, the “Yacht Club” text from the 6H sub dial to 9H and the date window now within the 6H sub dial rather than at 3H.
Powering each of the functions on the dial is the legendary 89361 calibre. First introduced in 2007, this movement was the first manufacture chronograph calibre to be completely developed in Schaffhausen. Its remarkable fly back function displays the stopped times combined in a single totalizer at 12H and features a healthy power reserve of 68 hours. We are also treated to classic central hands for hours, minutes and chronograph seconds, date display and small seconds, all housed beneath convex sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective treatment on both sides. The automatic winding movement is also viewable through the exhibition case back.
The new trio of IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronographs are presented on stunning integrated bracelets that blend seamlessly with the lines of the case. The two steel models come with classic stainless steel bracelets while the two-toned rose gold and steel variant is paired with a matching two-toned rose gold and stainless steel bracelet. 22mm wide, the bracelets feature alternating brushed end links with polished centre links and a timeless folding buckle.
If you’d like to learn more about all the new IWC watch releases including the stunning new IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph collection, get in touch with the Jura Watches team on 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications: IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph (IW390703, IW390702, IW390701)
- Case Size: 44.6mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel or two toned steel and 18 carat rose gold
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Exhibition
- Water Resistance: 60 metres
- Movement: 89361 manufacture automatic winding
- Functions: Chronograph function with hours, minutes and seconds, hour and minute counters combined in a totalizer at 12 o’clock, fly back function, date display, small hacking seconds
- Power Reserve: 68 hours
- Jewels: 38
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- COSC: No
- Dial: Silver plated or blue with luminescent markings
- Strap: Stainless steel or two-toned bracelet
- Buckle: Folding
- RRP: £11,600 (Steel), £17,600 (Two toned)
