====== IWC Portugieser ======
{{wst>image_cr|IWC|Portugieser Automatic ST|IWC Portugieser Automatic, stainless steel}}

**Portugieser** (German for "Portuguese") is a classically-styled series of watches from [[IWC]].

===== History =====
In [[1938]], two Portuguese merchants Rodrigues and Teixeira came to [[IWC]] and asked for a particularly large and precise [[wristwatch]]. Following this request, IWC built a large wristwatch based on a [[pocket watch]] [[movement]]. Over the next decade, IWC would produce a few such pieces, all oversized, using pocket watch movements like [[IWC 74|Cal. 74]], and featuring clear dials with Arabic numerals.

In [[1993]], IWC recalled this history as part of the celebration of the company's 125-year anniversary. They created a new "Portugieser" watch, the [[IWC Portugieser Jubilee|Jubilee]], as a limited edition that closely matched the original's design. After an enthusiastic response from the public, IWC created another Portugieser limited series in [[1995]] using an updated version of the original pocket watch movement, [[IWC 982|IWC 9828]], in a large 43 mm case. Shortly afterwards, the company released a smaller 35 mm version of the watch, the 3531, as a regular production series using sister company [[Jaeger-LeCoultre]]'s [[JLC 891|891/2]] movement.

This model became so important that it was chosen to highlight the restart of IWC's in-house movement development, introducing [[IWC 5000|Cal. 5000]] in the [[2000]] [[IWC Portugieser 2000]]. Since that time, IWC has created a diverse line of Portugieser watches in various sizes and styles. Many feature [[complication]]s, including [[chronograph]]s, but always styled in large, rounded cases with elegant markings that contrast with IWC's Pilot watch lineup.

Although often called "Portuguese" in English, IWC is clear on using the "Portugieser" name for all of their models.

===== Weblinks =====
  *[[http://www.gregsteer.net/IWC/Portuguese_LE/Portuguese_LE.htm|IWC Portuguese Limited Editions - overview]]


{{tag>IWC_models Terms}}