IWC Portuguese Jubilee Pisa Edition - IW5441-07 - Limited 50 pcs

Origin 

IWC is the definition of a multi-disciplined manufacturer with collections ranging from purpose-led tool watches to some of the most complicated watches ever produced – and everything in between. Not only has this diversity made them widely adored, but crucially, their level of proficiency at every step has ensured their legacy is remarkable. Established by an American man named Florentine Ariosto Jones, in 1868, IWC was founded in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, where it still calls home today: Schaffhausen.

The first Portugieser model appeared in 1939. It was created at the request of two Portuguese importers who required wristwatches equipped with incredibly precise pocket watch movements. The large size and form of the Portugieser lent themselves to the incorporation of complications, an aspect of watchmaking for which IWC would become renowned. Today, the Portuguese is one of the brand's leading collections. The chronograph variation quickly became a leading model, while the Portuguese Eternal Calendar tops the mechanical charts. 

Over the decades, many unique, complicated, and elusive iterations of the Portuguese have come to fruition, with some more popular references and some, such as the Portuguese Jubilee Pisa edition, being a lot more unknown.

The Watch

The watches released by IWC during the 1990s are incredibly collectable for those in the know. It was an era where they transitioned from pure functional tool watches towards luxury, with Kurt Klaus developing a perpetual calendar module, Richard Habring developing a rattrapante chronograph module, and the legendary Günter Blümlein at the helm. In 1997 IWC capped off a run of 1,750 examples of the Portuguese Jubilee with 50 more pieces known as the Pisa: reference 5441-07.

Produced in stainless steel and measuring 42mm, the Pisa edition of the Portuguese Jubilee gets its name from the fact the model was created for and sold exclusively through one retailer at the time, Pisa Orologi of Milan, Italy. The watch is limited to just 50 examples to mark 50 years since the reopening of Pisa after the Second World War, and it coincides with the first 50 years of partnership with IWC. Since, Pisa has gone on to make many retailer-exclusive editions of watches with the likes of Patek, Vacheron, Lange, Panerai, and Bvlgari. The width may sound large, but the Portuguese is historically known for its large width, and this Pisa stands out with its incredible svelteness.

While the steel rendering is worth noting, the dial houses the majority of interest and excitement, with an execution similar on paper but vastly different in the flesh from the other numbered pieces. The previous limited Jubilee models have dials with straightforward Arabic numerals, dot minute tracks, and simple sub-registers, the Pisa takes an even more traditional path. Breguet numerals, a railroad track, matching sub-register, blued hands, and blue 'Pisa' printing at six indicate through chicness that this isn't just any Portuguese, but also not any Jubilee. 

The Movement

The IWC Calibre 9828 powers this Jubilee Pisa, a manually wound movement visible through the display caseback. Directly based off the original IWC calibre 98 dating from 1944, this large movement comes with a 54-hour power reserve, beating at 18,000 vph, and is beautifully decorated with striping and perlage on display throughout and across the charming bridge structure. The movement is complete with inscriptions, including the addition of 'Pisa xx/50' for this special edition.

How It Wears

At 42mm the Jubilee Pisa is unequivocally a commanding watch on the wrist, yet with slender proportions and its classic dial configuration, contrasted by its dressy appearance, the piece is surprisingly versatile. In fact, while its dial details are extremely traditional, rendering in blue with the matching heat-blued hands and its white dial, this steel piece embodies the balance of sporty and contemporary dress that subsequent Portuguese models have become synonymous with.

Condition

This IWC Portuguese Jubilee Pisa, reference 5441-07, is in fantastic condition,, with only some hairline scratches. It is offered as a watch only, but it includes its original pin buckle and is fitted to a Mr Watchley Grained Midnight Blue leather strap.

* Every watch is delivered in a Mr WATCHLEY Membrane Protection Box for a safe transportation in addition to its original set * 

If you desire to take a closer look at this precious timepiece, don't hesitate to contact us and make an appointment. We are based in Ghent, Belgium