I wasn’t expecting IWC to take the classic Portugieser Chronograph in such a bold direction, but here we are, and honestly, it’s intriguing. I’ve generally gravitated toward the sportier pieces (particularly the Pilot’s line) rather than the classic Portugieser range, but an all-black, lightweight, tactical-leaning chronograph; that’s speaking my language.
The new IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium (Ref. IW371631) is a limited edition of 1,500 pieces and, to my knowledge, marks the first time Ceratanium is used in the Portugieser family, a material I’ve yet to handle in person, but very much hope to soon.
The aesthetic here is seriously all-black: matte black dial, black hands and indices, a black textured rubber strap with matching buckle. Visually cool, certainly. But it also leans into some of the legibility challenges that tone-on-tone designs can bring. What’s everyone else’s take on this one?
Picture by IWC (https://www.iwc.com/eu-de/watches/portugieser/iw371631-portugieser-chronograph-ceratanium).