Hello everyone! Today I saw a watch that looks like the old Portuguese Ref.325 but since I know nothing of vintage IWC so I think it's better to ask for the opinions from the experts here first. Here are some information that I still remember,the number on caseback is 8xxxxx and the dial looks very clean and I don't know if IWC ever made this dial version on Ref.325. I hope my poor photos can still provide some clues and any information would be appreciated!
Hi Chien-Cheng. This is a pocket watch conversion
looks like a cailber 73, but it is a little hard telling from the quality of the photograph. Calibre 73 would predate Portugieser 325 as this calibre would have been produced circa, 1914.
it is a clever marriage, but some picky comments
Hi Iso' (and also Chien-Cheng),
It is a well-done pocket watch conversion, at least not easily detected by most amateurs), but with respect Isobars' reasons are off.
The earliest known IWC produced Portugieser had a case number greater than 1,xxx,xxx. That disqualifies this watch from being other than a conversion.
However, the watch has a Calibre 74 movement (like some original Portugiesers). You can tell because the subseconds dial is at 6 o'clock (the 73 would be at 9).
Second, we cannot fully date this watch because the movement number is undisclosed. However, the last Calibre 74 was made in 1931 --but still used in early Portugiesers (of which a handful of the first were made in 1939). As such, the movement production did, early on, predate the watch production.
Regards,
Michael
Not picky at al all, just deeper insight .t.
Many thanks to Isobars and MF for...
the information, I will bring another DC tomorrow and take some better shots, especially the movement number. It's always a joy to learn new stuff of IWC watches, even it's a marriage.
it is a clever marriage, but some picky comments
Hi Michael,
A small typo I guess for cal. 73. Also here was the small second at 6 o'clock, just as in all "finger bridge" movements : cal. 65/66, 73/74 and 77.
An important fact you did not say and that is that a few "IWC trustees" do know which movements numbers(cal 74 and cal 98) have been allocated to the vintage Portugiesers and that several collectors have bought a genuine vintage Portugieser after having consulted these specialists, before buying a 30.000 $ Portugieser. This is old information but it maybe useful to new forum members.
Regards,
Adrian.