Does Rebirth of the Portuguese Rattrapante Make Sense?

Some old-timers will recall that, after the Portuguese Jubilee debuted in 1993, it was followed shortly thereafter with reference 3712 --the Portuguese Chronograph Rattrapante. It took another 3 or 4 years before the current Portuguese Chronograph was introduced --the Reference 3714.

The Rattrapante model was a manual wind watch (unlike the 3714) and it had as can be seen an additional pusher at 10 o'clock, plus of course a second chronograph hand when that pusher was depressed. Like all rattrapantes, it could keep track of a second elapsed time.

What made the Rattrapante special was its pricing --previously almost all rattrapantes were very costly because of the intricate watchmaking required. IWC invented a new approach to rattrapante design, with significant savings.

However, the model didn't sell really well, and the regular chronograph model replaced it. Manual wind watches generally have a smaller market appeal, and this mechanism appeals to the connoisseur who appreciates what a rattrapante does.

But today the Reference 3714 is an iconic IWC. Some claim it is the best selling model. So --what do you think about resurrect the Reference 3712 or doing a new version of it?

I asked a key executive about this recently, and he said it wouldn't work. The watch would have to be close to 50% more expensive that the regular chronograph, and it doesn't appear to be that different or special, with just an extra pusher hidden away on the left side.

Just curious of other thoughts here....thanks.

When one thinks about the sophistication and difficulty of making a rattrapante, I suppose the extra expense would make some sense. But only to those 'in the know', who realize the difficulties involved in adding this complication. A 'run of the mill' person just buying a watch would likely not see a reason to pay up to 50% more just to time a second event.

I really do like the 3712, especially on a lady's wrist. It's got a somewhat large diameter, but is pretty thin. And it would not surprise me if it was among the best selling models of IWC.

Nelson

If that key executive said it wouldn't work - I'd think the only chance would be to 'push' (pardon the pun) for a limited edition which could prove quite popular. And then IWC might be tempted to do a few limited edition runs but as a complete rebirth I'm not convinced in today's age there'd be the demand given the 'similarities' to the 3714...

regards,
Thang

The Portuguese Chronograph Rattrapante is surely one of the most beautiful iterations of that complication. I have a Pilots Doppel Chrono which is a remarkably useful watch when cooking. The Pilots Doppel lacks the sublime sophistication that is afforded by the Portuguese Chronograph Rattrapante. Time for an update/refresh in my opinion.

How about a Portuguese Rattrapante Classic Edition? That is something that would get some interest I would think.

Could be an interesting new edition during a Year of the Portuguese?

I think it looks beautiful and a remake/re release is something that would definitely appeal to me. Definitely.

No matter cost would be, the portuguese rattrapante with an in-house caliber and a totalizer at 12, definitely makes sense!!!

Is this the prelude of a pre-announcement?

My first IWC Was the 3714 and the reason I wasn't interested in the Rat was because it was manual. Such a watch needed IMO to be an auto. Any other issue such as retail price was irrelevant for my choice, but it is relevant as to how many sell. And no I am not in the incoming watch every three months category! I wish!

No. I have no knowledge of any such model. In fact, to the contrary --I mentioned it and the idea was quickly dismissed.

Indeed, Stefan Ihnen told me once that it technically would be quite difficult to build the Rattrapante into a 89xxx Calibre - it is a function that simply had not been foreseen to be built in.

The Mechanism is actually a very nice one, but also a very useless one. I have my 3712 with glass back, but I will most probably sell it. I just don't wear it often enough.

I think it is a very cool watch indeed and should be re-introduced. I like the idea of a limited series to "test" the market before committing to a full production run. As long as the power reserve is long enough (>60 or so hours) I would not mind if it were a manual wound.

Hi Michael, sorry for being 'late,' but I do think it makes sense.

Not because it's perse a very useful function (at least not to me) but more because it is an important horological complication. Moreover, as you pointed out, IWC engineered a very special new solution for making a rattrapante so that also counts to me.

Design wise, I'm a bit torn apart: on the oh so nice classic Portuguese design it looks stunning and blends in great with the design! On my Portuguese Classic Chrono I find it hard to see how it esthetically would add to the design?

Best regards,

Bob

I allow myself to extend a bit the topic -
I would suggest to stop production of the 3714 on its current 7750 basis.
Instead, to relocate the great looking dial of 3714 to the Classic Chronograph powered by the in-house caliber and on that basis to have one regular chronograph and its brother in form of a rattrapante. I think this would make a pair of ideal watches.
sure, just my opinion..
cheers,
yitzhak

Just imagine that this watch you proposed would look the same, but almost cost the double of the price. The 7750 is a calibre hard to bypass (maybe by an El Primero, but not much else), and the IWC Version is THE cash cow. Why would IWC want to change that?

Some ships just sailed away, I wouldn't reintroduce it. The current Portuguese Chrono is a bit of an enigma to me. It is elegant, that is, not too big and thick, not too expensive, and it just doesn't look like any other watch. Both men and women are attracted to it, it is an amazing success. So, I wouldn't change it. And I wouldn't add a complication that to a lot of people is not that useful, and the fun factor may disappear quickly. There might be a few that appreciate the technical prowess, but I guess it is a small group. Making it an expensive watch adds to this objection.

Adding a rattrapante function to the 8936x movement might be practically impossible: the base movement is already rather thick, it would become quite difficult to make an elegant watch out of it. That leaves sporty watches, but there IWC has already the Pilot's and Ingenieur's Double Chrono's, so what is there to add.

Kind regards,
Paul

It's the really small details that make me love the 3714 and the even smaller ones that make me crave a 3712. I'm a supporter of the idea and would be one of the first in line if there was one available.

Would love to see a really simple one in Stainless Steel/white gold/platinum case with white face and black numbers/accents/hands. Clear Back, Santoni Strap. Limited Edition...

Still hunting for the platinum limited run...

For me the extra cost is too high. I once bought a Spitfire Double Chrono just because the price was reasonable and I liked the watch.
The 3712 was too expensive and thus didn't sell well.
For a watch with only 30 min counter and no date. That is a lack of the 3714 as well in my opinion but justified for design reasons.
People compare watches and prices. That's normal.
The extra cost for a feature you rarely to never might use, is just too high for me. But others buy Tourbillons as well. It always depends on how much you are willing and able to spend on what features.