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IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371445 (Silver Dial, Gold Arabic Numerals) c.2015

IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ref. IW371445 with silver dial, gold Arabic numerals, and black alligator strap on a wrist.

Estimated value

$4,500 - $5,800

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Category

Watches

Brand

IWC

Era

2010-2019

Origin

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Authenticity

Very High(85%)
53

IWC PORTUGIESER CHRONOGRAPH REF. IW371445 (SILVER DIAL, GOLD ARABIC NUMERALS) C.2015: IDENTIFICATION

This is an IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph, specifically the reference IW371445. The watch features a 40.9mm stainless steel case with a vertical bi-compax dial layout. The silver-plated dial is marked by applied gold-toned Arabic numerals and matched gold leaf-style (feuille) hands for the main time, contrasted by blued steel hands for the 30-minute chronograph counter at 12 o'clock and the small hacking seconds at 6 o'clock. The railway-style minute track and recessed sub-dials are characteristic elements of this specific reference, which utilizes the IWC Calibre 79350 movement, a heavily modified Valjoux 7750 base.

Compare with other watches in the archive: Angus & Coote 'Faithful Lever' Pocket Watch (Elgin Movement) c.1915, Baume & Mercier Geneve Ladies Wristwatch c.1970s, Baume & Mercier Geneva Vintage Square Dress Watch c.1970.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Marine Navigation1730-1850

The dial layout echoes the technical functionalism of 18th-century marine chronometers used for calculating longitude.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Often presented as a milestone gift for professional achievements or graduation in Western corporate culture.

Meaning Through Time

1930s

An oversized tool for professionals requiring marine-grade precision.

Modern Era

A quintessential 'dress chronograph' representing understated luxury and traditional watchmaking values.

PRODUCTION & REFERENCE HISTORY

The Portugieser line originated in the late 1930s when two Portuguese merchants requested a wristwatch with the precision of a marine chronometer, leading IWC to use high-accuracy pocket watch movements in large wrist cases. This specific Chronograph reference, Ref. 3714, was introduced in 1998 ...
The Portugieser line originated in the late 1930s when two Portuguese merchants requested a wristwatch with the precision of a marine chronometer, leading IWC to use high-accuracy pocket watch movements in large wrist cases. This specific Chronograph reference, Ref. 3714, was introduced in 1998 and remained essentially unchanged for over two decades, becoming one of IWC's most recognized designs. The production of the 3714 series spanned from the late 1990s until its replacement by the Ref. 3716 in 2020 which featured an in-house movement and exhibition caseback.

COLLECTOR NOTES

1

The 40.9mm case appears larger on the wrist because the dial occupies nearly the entire width of the case, featuring an ultra-thin bezel that measures approximately 2mm.

2

The Calibre 79350 inside this watch is adjusted to five positions and features a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, a standard established by IWC for their performance chronographs since the early 1990s.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 11 watches items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Dial printing alignment and typography match known 371445 production standards
  • Crown and pusher proportions are correct for this generation of the Portugieser
  • Sub-dial depth and record-pattern finishing are difficult to replicate accurately in lower-tier counterfeits
How does authenticity detection work?

WATCHMAKER'S ASSESSMENT

Vintage Watchmaker & Horology Specialist

Horologist

High confidence due to the clear visibility of dial details, hand alignment, and case finishing which matches specific IWC production signatures for the Ref. 3714 series.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Vertical bi-compax layout is consistent with Calibre 79350 architecture
  • 2Reference 371445 identified by the combination of steel case, silver dial, and gold applied numerals
  • 3Push-pull crown profile and mushroom-style pushers are era-correct
  • 4Leaf hands (feuille) show correct length proportions, with the minute hand reaching the railway track

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Open caseback to verify the IWC gold-plated finish on the movement bridge
  • →Check for the IWC fish logo or 'Probus Scafusia' on the crown to confirm era
  • →Verify the serial number against IWC's 'My IWC' registration database

CONDITION & GRADE

Excellent (90-94%)

Grading breakdown

Case lugs retain original sharp geometry without evidence of aggressive polishing; dial printing is crisp with no signs of moisture ingress or oxidation on the applied gold numerals.

Condition

The bezel shows sharp edges with minimal visible micro-marring, suggesting limited wear. The alligator leather strap appears original and shows slight softening near the lugs but maintains structural integrity. Dial and sapphire crystal appear free of occlusions or scratches.

Weight & feel

At approximately 80 grams on a leather strap, the watch feels balanced and substantial without being cumbersome, a result of the 12.6mm case thickness.

WATCH MARKET VALUE

$4,500 - $5,800

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Business professionals and collectors seeking a versatile dress watch with historical weight and entry-level luxury prestige.

What increases value

  • •Presence of original box and warranty card
  • •Originality of the alligator strap and IWC-signed deployant buckle
  • •Sharpness of the lug edges indicating a no-polish or light-polish history

What lowers value

  • •Non-IWC service history which may involve third-party movement parts
  • •Excessive 'stretch' or wear on the leather strap reducing immediate wearability

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Unblemished silver plating on the dial without 'foxing' or spotting
  • •Crisp, blued steel chronograph hands without service scratches

Grade & condition

Determined by case edge sharpness, dial cleanliness, and the integrity of the anti-reflective coating on the sapphire crystal.

Rarity & demand

AverageHigh demandSells quickly
Browse similar watches objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

BA

Bas365

Wonderseeker•4 items

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