Hodinkee has informed us of IWC’s latest addition to their Portuguese Chronograph line of watches — the Chronograph Classic. Ditching the Valjoux-based movements, this beauty features an in-house IWC chronograph caliber 89361. The Portuguese Chronograph Classic features a 42mm case so it’s slightly larger than the normal Portuguese but features an arched-edge front glass that makes it appear to be a bit smaller than it actually is. The IWC caliber 89361 features a special register at 12 o’clock that displays elapsed time over 12 hours in the same format as a traditional watch or clock. This IWC caliber is also a flyback chronograph. Power reserve for caliber 89361 is 65 hours, while with the Valjoux it was just 44. Running seconds can found at 6 o’clock while the dial features applied arabic numerals with a railroad minute track. The data display at 3 o’clock is also something else not seen with the original and gives the new Chronograph Classic some much-welcomed differentiation.
The new IWC Portuguese Chronograph Classic is available in both rose gold and stainless steel, each with slate grey and silver dial options. All examples come with hand-made Santoni straps. Prices are set at $24,200 for rose gold and $14,400 for steel.
