During Watches and Wonders 2020 held earlier this year in Geneva, IWC debuted a couple of new versions of the much-loved Portugieser Chronograph including one with a stainless-steel case. Both however, were only available with a black leather strap leaving many enthusiasts hoping for a steel bracelet version to complete the “sporty elegance” look.

IWC seems to have heard the fans’ wishful thinking as the brand presented the Portugieser Chronograph on a stainless-steel bracelet for the very first time at the recent Watches and Wonders exhibit in Shanghai. Furthermore, the butterfly clasp-equipped steel bracelet will become an available accessory for all new models of the Portugieser Chronograph.

Since its design inception more than 20 years ago, the IWC Portugieser has been the established as the watchmaker’s expression of a timeless, sporty design. It is one of the International Watch Company’s most popular model thanks to its clear and open dial with two recessed totalizers as well as the inner flange printed with a quarter seconds scale.

The new reference with a stainless-steel bracelet (Ref. IW371617) features a stainless steel -case, a silver- plated dial, as well as blue hands and appliques. Ticking away inside is the IWC-manufactured 69355 calibre. The robust and precise chronograph movement in classic column-wheel design is visible through the sapphire glass back. An efficient, bi-directional pawl -winding system builds up a power reserve of 46 hours.

“Stainless steel is robust and practical for everyday use, but also corrosion-resistant and unaffected by moisture, sweat and seawater splashes. With this new bracelet option, the Portugieser Chronograph becomes the timepiece of choice for even more activities and adventures, and an extremely versatile companion on the wrist,” explains Christoph Grainger-Herr, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.