IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater - IW5240-07
Origin
IWC is the Swiss watchmaker that positioned itself differently from the outset. With an American founder and a location set apart from most other Swiss watchmakers - in the German-speaking part of Switzerland - the brand would set out on its own, unique path within the world of watchmaking.
The pioneering spirit of IWC comes from its American founder, Florentine Ariosto Jones, who at just 27 set his sights on creating a watch manufacture that could draw on innovative American production techniques and the unparalleled human savoir-faire of Swiss watchmakers. His location of choice was Schaffhausen, situated on the River Rhine. In 1868, his vision would be realised and 154 years later, IWC is still located in Schaffhausen and still creating timepieces of the most exceptional quality.
The brand has six watch families, the second to be established being that of the Portugieser family. The first Portugieser model appeared in 1939 and 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 would lend itself to the incorporation of complications, an aspect of watchmaking for which IWC would become renowned. In 1977, in the midst of the quartz crisis, IWC went against the grain and greatly invested in the art of complex complication creation. Following the presentation the Portugieser Anniversary wristwatch in 1993 and to a great deal of accolade, the Portugieser Minute Repeater was launched in 1995.
The watch
A sensorial wonder of a watch that is ever so easy on the eye and a dulcet delight for the ear. The production of this gorgeously classic IWC Portugieser Minute Repeater, with reference IW5240-07, was limited to just 150 pieces. The example presented here is from 2007.
Substantial in its form with its 42 mm x 12.3 mm measurements, this watch has presence. Time-honoured, highly sophisticated presence. 18-carat white gold forms the watch's complex and exceptionally crafted three-piece case. Serene polishing glides across the upper and lower sections of the case, while the central section is brushed. This impeccably smooth construction, with its all-round contrast of texture, gives a touch of appealing and light visual relief to the impressive 11mm height of the watch. Sturdy, beautifully tapered lugs flow seamlessly from the central section of the case, allowing the expansive, open and finely elegant dial to take centre stage.
Striking in its visual simplicity, the soft white colour of the dial is paired with minimal white gold ornamentation. Dotted, inlayed minute markers light up the dial's outer perimeter, with the 5-minute markers being slightly more prominent than the minute markers that are perfectly interspersed between them. The most refined feuille hands float around the dial indicating the minutes and hours. Hours that are shown by mid-century style, applied Arabic numerals. As is tradition with the Portugieser design, the watch sports the sunken small seconds display with engine-turned concentric circles, which on this model is located at the 9. IWC's long-hand signature sits just below the 12 and is printed in black, it is the single element to break the light, silver glow of the whole piece. The watch has that aura of discreet yet unmistakable class and style.
Viewed from above, two contrasting elements located on each side of the watch add an edge of character to the otherwise entirely smooth structure of the piece. The perfectly sized, fluted crown and the slide mechanism. Once the slide mechanism is pulled, one of the most complex complications within watchmaking is activated and a series of perfectly pitched, varying chimes convey the time through sound. A low tone for the hours, two tones for the quarters and a high tone for the minutes following the quarter.
The delicate aesthetic clarity of the dial is matched with one of the most desired and revered horological heavyweight complications - the Minute Repeater. In bold engraving 'REPETITION MINUTES' fills the upper arc of the rolled edge of the watch caseback, while the edition number and case number can be read on the lower edge. The intricate yet incredibly powerful movement can be viewed through the sapphire glass caseback. Further engravings, hallmarks, are located at the 12 on the central section of the caseband.
Movement
The piece is powered by the very same movement that was used in the first ever Portugieser Minute Repeater model that was introduced in 1995, which incorporates the minute repeating system that first appeared in IWC's Grande Complication from 1990. The movement is the hand-wound calibre 95290 and is based on the pocket watch movement, calibre 95. It contains 54 jewels, has a 42-hour power reserve and a slow beat of 18,000 vph.
How it wears
With its understated luxurious feel, this watch would look just as good paired with formal attire as it would with the classic, casual combination of jeans and white t-shirt. Its imposing dimensions, tempered with fine details and the luminosity of white gold, strike a very appealing balance on the wrist.
The set & condition
The IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater comes as watch only and is fitted to a custom Mr Watchley Grained Sand strap. The watch itself is in very good condition.
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
No stock kept on site
* Every watch is delivered in a Mr WATCHLEY Membrane Protection Box for a safe transportation in addition to its original set *
| Reference | IW5240-07 |
|---|---|
| Movement | Manual |
| Caliber |
Calibre 95290
|
| Dial | Soft White |
| Size (Case) | 42 mm |
| Material (Case) | White Gold |
| Bracelet |
Mr Watchley Grained Sand |
| Glass | Sapphire |
| Condition | Very good |
| Year | 2007 |
| Papers | - |
| Box | - |
| Warranty | 2 years |