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IWC Portugieser Ref. 5000-001 N.331/1000

There’s a reason the Portugieser occupies such a special place in IWC’s history, and this reference tells that story very well.

Introduced in 2000 to mark the turn of the millennium, the 5000 was a genuine milestone: IWC’s first fully in-house automatic movement in years, built around a reborn Pellaton winding system and a seven day power reserve, remarkable for its time. The caliber itself measures a hefty 38.2mm, filling the case with proper substance. This particular example carries its own individual number, 331/1000, stamped into the case back alongside the “Probus Scafusia” medallion and the jewel and position counts, a small but satisfying reminder that no two of these left the workshop quite the same.

The dial shows black applied silver Arabic numerals and the IWC Schaffhausen signature sits cleanly beneath twelve. A small seconds sub dial keeps company at nine o’clock, balanced by the power reserve indicator at three, its blue and red scale a nice functional detail as much as a decorative one. The acrylic crystal domes gently over the dial, giving it that warmer, softer reflection collectors tend to appreciate over flat sapphire (which is used on the caseback).

Case diameter is 42mm in steel, worn here on its original IWC leather strap with a matching steel buckle, 22mm lug width. It comes complete with the original box, papers, and service papers, a well documented example of one of IWC’s more important modern references.

Year

2000
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€ 8.290

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Brand IWC
Diameter 42 mm
Model Portugieser
Bracelet/strap: Original IWC leather
Reference 5000-001
Buckle/clasp Original steel buckle
Year of production (circa) 2000
Lug Width 22 mm
Material Steel
Set Content Original box, papers & service papers
Crystal Acrylic
Warranty 2 year (AWCo)
Dial color Black/Silver
Movement Automatic

International Watch Company, better known as IWC Schaffhausen, was founded by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones in 1868. The company specialized in Aviation watches and is currently operating under the Richemont Group umbrella.

IWC introduced its first pilot’s watch in 1936. An inner rotating pointer could be used to keep track of take-off times and the escapement was anti-magnetic, to cope with the magnetic fields from the cockpit instruments.

In 1939, two Portuguese distributors ordered a large wristwatch with pocket watch movement and another iconic IWC line was born: the Portugieser. Today, particularly the dressy Portugieser chronographs are popular among IWC aficionados.

When Europe plummets into WWII, IWC is commissioned by both sides of the conflict to supply military watches. The two best-known examples are the Dirty Dozen field watches for the allies and the big pilot, known as Beobachtungsuhr or B-uhr, for the German Luftwaffe. The latter would form the design template for the later Big Pilot range.

Towards the end of WWII, IWC developed a new military movement, known as Cal. 89. When the war ends, the tough caliber is fitted to civilian watches. The Cal. 89 watches, many in classic Calatrava style, remain popular among collectors until today. In 1948, the Cal. 89 is fitted to the Pilot Mk XI, another popular vintage reference.

1955 Saw the introduction of another influential IWC model: the Ingenieur. IWC used its expertise in magnetic resistance to manufacture a watch for engineers and scientists, working with magnetic fields. This is two years after Rolex introduced the Milgauss for the same clientele.

In 1967, IWC branches out into water sports. The Aquatimer is introduced as a serious divewatch. The more casual Yacht Club is launched alongside for all-purpose daily wearing.

IWC remained innovative, being among the early adopters of the brand new quartz technology, for instance. But the house also recognized the value of heritage, building on its historic Pilot and Portugieser ranges. The result is a broad scope of all sorts of watches, for all sorts of people. Through it all, IWC maintained a reputation as high quality watchmakers.

At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.

We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.

Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.