The IWC, is returning with the Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante. Considered one of the most important models of the 1990s ... The legendary model is coming back to the brand’s product line after a 10 recruitment with a limited run of 100 pieces exclusively designed for IWC’s Milan Boutique.
As the split-second chronograph version of the IWC Portugieser series, the model was among the most admired designs of the 1990s and played an important role in the forefront of the iconic series of the brand, the Portugieser.
With a thickness of only 12.3mm, the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante was quite a compact alternative when compared to its rivals bearing the same complications. The model had a Valjoux based mechanism that was widely used in the brand’s product range during the period of its manufacture. The legendary model adapted the complication of Rattrapante (or other terminology as “split-second”) in a practical way with a relatively affordable price tag compared to its equivalents. The model was last produced in 2006 and discontinued afterwards.
The Schaffhausen brand, which puts the third boutique on the borders of Italy with a magnificent organization, revived the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante model to mark this particular occasion.
Named the Ref. 371215 in the current catalog, the model is limited to 100 pieces only. The new model, which is offered in a 40.9mm in diameter case made of 18K pink gold, is designed with a metallic blue dial and unlike the standard design of the first version, the model sports both a tachometric and telemetric scale in the same dial.
A short note here as we got into the double scale dial: The model Ref.371212, which was produced in 2004 with a limited edition of 50 pieces only, had an identical dial exclusively marked for Barozzi, a now defunct retailer in Brescia, a city an hour and half east of Milan.
IWC Portuguese Split Seconds Barozzi Ref.371212
On the front of the case is an anti-reflection sapphire crystal glass. In the caseback made of 18K pink gold, there is a "biscione" figure which is very important for Milan. The figure, which shows a snake holding a child in his mouth, is re-designed for the timepiece, leaving the snake only, and smoothing out the aggressiveness of the classic figure. Being a Milanese company, Alfa Romeo’s logo also features the same figure.
The new model is powered with the hand wound Caliber Ref. 76240 based on the famous Valjoux 7760 ( a manual winding version of the Valjoux 7750 ) and modded by IWC’s engineer Richard Habring’s double Chronograph module.
“As the split-second chronograph version of the IWC Portugieser series, the model was among the most admired designs of the 1990s and played an important role in the forefront of the iconic series of the brand, the Portugieser.”
IWC going for a Valjoux based movement instead of an in-house one will surely be criticized for its decision but there is the price parameter to be considered. IWC Portugieser Chronograph Rattrapante Milan Boutique Edition retails at 21.500 EUR which is a very good figure especially when compared with its rivals.
The black crocodile strap is accompanied by a buckle made of 18K pink gold in line with the case material.
“The model, which had a limited span of 100 units only, started to be offered at the boutiques in Italy by December 2016. A sample of the model (possibly the last one available), can be seen at the brand’s beautiful boutique at Nisantasi - Istanbul.”
