IWC Portuguese Chronograph 3714-31: White Gold, Red Hot (VIDEO)

This IWC Portuguese Chronograph 3714-31 in 18-karat white gold is an extraordinary specimen of a modern classic. Launched in 1998 and virtually unchanged ever since, the IWC Portuguese Chronograph has become an icon of IWC, the most successful Portuguese reference of all time, and proof that IWC knows better than to “mess with success.”

At 41mm in diameter and 12.5mm thick, the Portuguese Chronograph 3714-31 features the classical Portuguese proportions with slightly more discreet dimensions than the 42-44mm traditional models. As a result, the Portuguese Chronograph 3714-31 wears well on smaller wrists without telegraphing its smaller size; the correct “Portugieser” proportions ensure that the chronograph reads as a true member of IWC’s “first family” of luxury watches.

This 18-karat white gold IWC Portuguese Chronograph Ref. 3714-31 is a coveted collector piece whose discontinued status ensures heated competition for available examples. Its picturesque combination of subtle white gold case metal and an anthracite metallic “sun burst” dial blend premium finish with an air of quiet confidence.

Applied white gold Arabic numerals and delicate “feuille” (leaf) hands are true to the 1939 Portuguese design canon. IWC seamlessly integrates the twin-register chronograph without spoiling essential design language of the core Portuguese aesthetic.

Truly handsome and imposing, the IWC Portuguese Chronograph 3714-31 is masculine to its automatic-winding core.

And that IWC cal. 79320 is a highlight of the watch. Based on the workhorse Valjoux/ETA 7750, the automatic-winding movement features a stop-seconds mechanism (hacking) for synchronization to a reliable reference time such as an atomic clock. IWC removes the date mechanism of the 7750 in order to preserve the unbroken visage of the classic Portuguese, and the addition of two hours of power reserve (44 vs. 42 with date) is a welcome fringe benefit.

On the wrist, the Portuguese Chronograph 3714-31 features the same stance, presence, and timeless majesty of IWC’s original “oversized” dress watch. Given IWC‘s selection of white gold for this variant, the 3714-31 wears with the satisfying heft that only precious metal can produce in a compact package.

See this outstanding IWC Portuguese Chronograph 3714-31 with all original IWC factory boxes, manuals, and documents of provenance on www.watchuwant.com.