The IWC Portugieser is a luxury watch model that has its origins dating back to the late 1930s. The original design was created at the request of two Portuguese businessmen who wanted a watch with the precision of a marine chronometer. Since then, the Portugieser has evolved and become one of IWC’s most iconic and sought-after collections, known for its clean and elegant design, high-quality craftsmanship, and exceptional timekeeping accuracy.
The IWC Portofino is one of IWC Schaffhausen’s most enduring and recognizable dress watch families, celebrated for its understated elegance and timeless design. Although the collection officially debuted in 1984, its aesthetic roots reach back to the clean, minimalist wristwatches IWC produced in the 1940s and 1950s, many powered by the famed Caliber 89 and defined by clarity, balance, and restraint.
The modern Portofino was inspired by a reimagined pocket watch concept developed by designer Hanno Burtscher and master watchmaker Kurt Klaus, resulting in the oversized Reference 5251—later nicknamed the “Giant Portofino.” Released at a time when quartz watches dominated, its mechanical movement, moon phase display, and classical styling stood in deliberate contrast to contemporary trends.
Named after the Italian Riviera village synonymous with relaxed luxury, the Portofino quickly became a cornerstone of IWC’s lineup. Over the decades, the collection expanded to include automatic, chronograph, moon phase, perpetual calendar, and ultra-thin variants, while maintaining its signature elements: a round case, clean dial, Roman numerals, and refined proportions.
Today, the Portofino remains a best-selling IWC family, evolving in size, movements, and complications while preserving the classic, versatile design that allows it to transition effortlessly from formal wear to everyday use—an enduring example of how restrained design can remain relevant across generations.
Pre-Owned 40mm IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Edition ‘Antoine de Saint Exupéry’ (IW327003)
The history of IWC’s Pilot’s Watch dates back to the early 20th century when the company began producing timepieces specifically designed for aviators. In 1936, IWC introduced the Special Pilot’s Watch, also known as the “Mark IX,” which featured a durable case, large Arabic numerals, and luminous hands for enhanced legibility. Throughout World War II, IWC supplied military forces with robust and accurate Pilot’s Watches, solidifying their reputation as a trusted timekeeping companion for pilots. Over the years, IWC has continued to innovate and refine their Pilot’s Watch collection, combining classic design elements with modern technology to create timepieces that embody both functionality and style for aviation enthusiasts and watch collectors alike.
The history of IWC’s Pilot’s Watch dates back to the early 20th century when the company began producing timepieces specifically designed for aviators. In 1936, IWC introduced the Special Pilot’s Watch, also known as the “Mark IX,” which featured a durable case, large Arabic numerals, and luminous hands for enhanced legibility. Throughout World War II, IWC supplied military forces with robust and accurate Pilot’s Watches, solidifying their reputation as a trusted timekeeping companion for pilots. Over the years, IWC has continued to innovate and refine their Pilot’s Watch collection, combining classic design elements with modern technology to create timepieces that embody both functionality and style for aviation enthusiasts and watch collectors alike.
The IWC GST Alarm is part of the robust GST (Gold, Steel, Titanium) family introduced by International Watch Company in the 1990s as a modern, highly durable sports-watch collection. Designed with an emphasis on functionality and legibility, the GST line incorporated stainless steel, titanium, and gold into a distinctive tool-watch aesthetic. The GST Alarm, introduced in the late 1990s, added a mechanical alarm complication to the collection, reflecting IWC’s long history of developing practical watches for travelers and professionals. Typically powered by IWC’s Caliber 9171 automatic alarm movement, the watch combines a traditional time display with an independently set alarm that produces a mechanical buzzing sound. With its substantial case, integrated bracelet or strap options, and utilitarian design, the GST Alarm represents an interesting intersection of IWC’s engineering heritage and the brand’s move toward more contemporary sports watches at the turn of the millennium.
Pre-Owned 39mm IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph (IW375034)
The IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph has its roots in one of the most important chapters of IWC Schaffhausen’s history. The Da Vinci family began in 1969 with a quartz-powered watch, but its reputation was forever transformed in 1985 when IWC’s head watchmaker Kurt Klaus created a mechanical perpetual calendar that was both highly precise and extraordinarily user-friendly — all functions could be set through the crown, and the calendar accounted for leap years with a four-digit year display. This innovation debuted in the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar, helping re-establish mechanical watchmaking at a time when quartz dominated the market.
Building on that legacy, IWC introduced the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph in a redesigned collection unveiled at SIHH 2017. This model marked the first time the brand’s perpetual calendar and chronograph complications were integrated so that the hour and minute totalizers and the moon-phase display share a central subdial — made possible by the in-house Caliber 89630. Boasting a flyback chronograph, four-digit year indication, and an ultra-precise moon phase (diverging by just one day every 577.5 years), this watch represents the culmination of decades of technical refinement within the Da Vinci line. This watch received an IWC service in 2026, which is backed by a factory warranty.
Pre-Owned IWC 44.5mm Pilot’s Watch Chronograph ‘Royal Maces’ Black Dial, Black Leather Strap, Ref. IW389107
The history of IWC’s Pilot’s Watch dates back to the early 20th century when the company began producing timepieces specifically designed for aviators. In 1936, IWC introduced the Special Pilot’s Watch, also known as the “Mark IX,” which featured a durable case, large Arabic numerals, and luminous hands for enhanced legibility. Throughout World War II, IWC supplied military forces with robust and accurate Pilot’s Watches, solidifying their reputation as a trusted timekeeping companion for pilots. Over the years, IWC has continued to innovate and refine their Pilot’s Watch collection, combining classic design elements with modern technology to create timepieces that embody both functionality and style for aviation enthusiasts and watch collectors alike.
This Pilot’s Watch Chronograph ‘Royal Maces’ IW389107 is a robust and functional timepiece designed for aviation enthusiasts. Its 44.5mm ceramic case offers durability and a modern aesthetic, complemented by a black dial with luminescent hands and Arabic hour markers for enhanced readability. The watch features a chronograph function, as well as a date and day of the week display, adding practicality to its design. Powering the watch is IWC’s reliable in-house self-winding 69380 caliber movement, known for its accuracy and performance. The watch comes with a black calfskin leather strap, combining comfort with a sleek look. Included with the watch are the original box and papers dated 2021, along with an 8-year warranty from IWC that is valid until September 2029, offering peace of mind for its future maintenance.
Didn’t find what you’re after?
We have an extensive network of collectors and can often turn up the piece you’ve got your heart set after. Contact us today with your specs and we’ll see what we can do.
