My first modern IWC purchase planned to be a portuguese chronograph

My grandfather handed left me an IWC 1917 calibre 79, gorgeous gold pocketwatch.
Its only really wearable with a suit and waistcoast so I've decided to continue the tradition and take a step to purchase my first IWC watch, most likley new rather than secondhand.
I love the classic look, style and engineering elegance of the Portguese chronograph (black dial).
This model although expensive is within the price range i would be willing to pay, but does anyone know the production numbers for the Portugese family, per annum and how would i tell if it has the 79350 movement or the 79240 movement; given the watch could be held on display since 2005.
Thanks
Mike

Hi Mike,

First off, welcome to this forum.

On the Calibre 79, it's really rare. Only 600 were made for 1917 through 1921. Might you have an image of the movement? I know several people here would be interested.

On the Portuguese chrono, it's a good choice for sure. It's a very popular model and if you go to a large dealer, they've undoubtedly had turnover and you clearly shouldn't have one sitting around for six years. But ask your dealer --they should be help to help you with such information. Unfortunately, IWC does release production numbers of contemporary models, so we don't have that here.

Apolgies for the photo quality as taken with my digital camera which does not seem to take good close-in photos.

Finally got the images loaded. Does it tie in with what you all know of a cal 79 ?
Mike

If I read your movement number correctly (613909) it is a Calibre 73 manufactured in 1914.

Excellent example and only three years to go before the watch reaches its first century.

Cheers from the cellar

Yes --it's a calibre 73 and we had this discussion before (about IWC's Extract saying cal. 79 being in error). A nice watch but not a rarity.

Thanks Michael,
My apologies, I recived the updated certificate from IWC but not updated my reference document which listed as cal79, i read and then quoted. Whoops.