Shop Pre-Owned IWC Portugieser Watches With Bezel
Are you interested in adding an IWC Portugieser watch to your collection? We have a massive selection of this watch on Bezel. This classic timepiece remains one of the most popular watches in IWC’s catalog, characterized by unique features like an oversized and elegant round casing, timeless dial designs, and sophisticated complications in some references. A true IWC icon, this watch is beloved by both discerning collectors and regular watch lovers in search of a fine piece of horological engineering.
The Legacy of IWC Portugieser Watches
The Portugieser (formerly known as the “Portuguese”) is one of the most iconic IWC watches, and it has a rich heritage that goes back to the 1930s. This watch was originally created by special request for two Portuguese businessmen, who were said to be watch importers.
As the story goes, these men wanted a wristwatch with the accuracy of a marine chronometer, but housed in a larger case compared to standard wristwatches of that era. This was in the early days of wristwatches, and the timepieces of that era were smaller compared to standard models of today.
In response to this request, IWC created a new wristwatch powered by the Calibre 98 pocket watch movement. This was the birth of the Portuguese collection. This line of classic watches retained this name until 2016, when it was renamed.
From the outset, the Portugieser defied convention with its oversized case (uncommon for its time) and a minimalist and perfectly balanced dial. It was a technical but practical piece of horology that many buyers immediately fell in love with.
In the first few decades, IWC produced this watch in small batches. But in the 1980s, the watchmaker pulled the plug on the collection entirely, only to revive it about a decade later (1993) to celebrate the company’s 125th anniversary. Since then, the Portugieser has been established within IWC’s catalog, with specifications similar to those of the original creations.
The Portugieser collection has now been expanded to include simple time-only models and several advanced references with some of the most impressive complications created by this watchmaker. This watch is a true IWC icon, thanks to its remarkable heritage, iconic design, and the wide variety of models available within the collection.How Much Does an IWC Portugieser Cost
As one of IWC’s flagship collections, the Portugieser commands a high premium. This watch has an impeccable design, an enduring appeal, and a timeless aesthetic, giving older models significant value in the secondary market. Limited-production models and high-complication pieces also fetch significantly more than regular timepieces.
Retail Cost
Generally, a brand-new IWC Portugieser price will range from about $6,500 to $35,000 from authorized retailers. Entry-level automatic models in stainless steel start at the low end of the price spectrum.
Relatively simple, complicated models such as the popular chronographs typically fall between $8,000 and $13,000. The rose gold variants of this chronograph Portugieser watch tend to be more expensive, with prices going up to about $18,000.
More complex complications like the annual calendar and perpetual calendar tend to cost more in retail. Prices for these models begin around $20,000 and can be much higher, especially for the precious metal or limited edition models. Ultra-high-end editions, such as minute repeaters or tourbillons, exceed $50,000 and are produced in very limited numbers.
How Much Does a Pre-Owned IWC Portugieser Watch Cost
The secondary market offers a wide variety of used IWC Portugieser models. Prices from pre-owned models of this watch can range from $4,500 for a classic chronograph to up to $203,000 for the extremely rare and sophisticated Grande Complication. In between these two extremes, you will find several other Portugieser watches. The stainless steel version of many contemporary models sells for as little as $7,800 in the secondary market. However, you can expect to pay up to $25,000 or more for rare complications or gold-cased editions.
Key Features of IWC Portugieser Watches
Bold Case Dimensions
One of the hallmarks of the Portugieser line is its generously sized case. The earliest versions of this watch were powered by a pocket watch movement, so their oversized casing made perfect sense. Today, IWC no longer uses pocket watch movements in the Portugieser, but the relatively oversized case remains a defining feature, with most models measuring between 40mm and 45mm in diameter. This gives the watch an assertive presence while maintaining elegant proportions on the wrist.
Elegant & Functional Dial Design
One of the most impressive attributes of the Portugieser is its clean and symmetrical layout, which promotes legibility. Most models feature slim Arabic numerals, leaf-shaped hands, and a railway-style minute track. The result is a dial that is both functional and aesthetically balanced. Modern versions of this watch remain true to this elegant layout, paying homage to the collection’s origin as a navigation and precision tool.
Complications
From simple automatic movements to highly complex mechanisms like perpetual calendars and tourbillons, the Portugieser family highlights IWC’s technical capabilities. Many of the watches are powered by IWC’s in-house calibers, with impressive power reserves and beautifully decorated movements visible through sapphire case backs.
Popular IWC Portugieser Watches
The IWC Portugieser collection has been around for about 80 years, which has resulted in a wide range of models and watch variants. The Portugieser Chronograph is among the most popular, known for its sporty refinement and everyday wearability. However, the Portugieser Automatic is equally well-known, with several interesting models.
The Yacht Club variant is famous for its rugged, nautical flair, while models like the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar and other advanced complications demonstrate IWC’s horological expertise. Each model is available in a wide range of metals, dial colors, and size options, meaning there’s a Portugieser timepiece to suit nearly every taste. Some of the most popular models in this collection are highlighted below:
Selling Your IWC Portugieser is Easy with Bezel
Are you looking to part ways with your IWC Portugieser? Selling your timepiece on Bezel connects you directly with an active market of luxury watch buyers and collectors. It’s a simple and hassle-free way to get full value for your timepiece.
Bezel’s selling process for pre-owned IWC Portugieser watches is built to be transparent and worry-free. Once you submit your IWC Portugieser watch for sale on the Bezel marketplace, our experts will verify its authenticity through an in-house authentication process, evaluate its condition, and determine fair market value. From there, we handle the rest of the process, including buyer inquiries, marketing, and payment processing.
Turn to Bezel for All of Your Luxury Wristwatch Needs
On Bezel, you will find a curated selection of pre-owned luxury watches from IWC and other top brands. From classic dress watches for special events to robust tool watches and elegant timepieces for everyday use, the Bezel marketplace makes it easy to discover the perfect watch for your lifestyle within your budget. The marketplace has a mobile and intuitive interface with a search function that allows you to filter your search based on the brand, model, case size, material, and price of the timepiece you’re looking to buy.
Bezel also offers a special concierge service to help potential buyers find specific watch models, including those not currently listed in the marketplace. Our service reps can help you track particular models or references through our network of trusted sellers and industry insiders.
Every watch on Bezel has been vetted for authenticity through a rigorous in-house authentication process. Our catalog is also backed by a buyer protection policy, guaranteeing the quality and condition of any watch you purchase through us. Visit our online site or download the Bezel app to start your search for the perfect pre-owned luxury watch today.
