I.W.C IWC Portuguese Grande Complication

From nautical instrument to haute horlogerie

The history of the Portugieser begins in the 1930s with the desire for a wristwatch as precise as a marine chronometer. IWC fulfilled this demand with a model that stood out for its size, technical reliability, and clear design – an unusual watch for the time that later became a design icon.

Typical of the Portugieser are the generously proportioned case, the railway-style minute track, and the slender feuille hands. The design is deliberately understated, almost purist—and precisely for that reason, timeless. The Grande Complication occupies a special place within the collection. It combines the classic appearance of the Portugieser with technical excellence and embodies the art of elegantly packaging complexity.

Watchmaking in a confined space

The Portugieser Grande Complication is one of IWC's most technically sophisticated models. Inside is the caliber 79091 – an automatic movement that combines three major complications: a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar, and a chronograph function. In total, the movement consists of over 650 individual parts, many of which are fitted and assembled by hand.

The minute repeater strikes the hours, quarter hours, and minutes on two gongs – acoustically clear and with mechanical precision. The perpetual calendar displays the date, day of the week, month, year in four digits, and the moon phase – all fully automatically, including leap year detection. Added to this is a chronograph with a 12-hour and 30-minute counter, seamlessly integrated into the dial. Despite this technical density, the watch remains clear and intuitive to use – a prime example of sophisticated haute horlogerie.

Limited treasure with character

The Portugieser Grande Complication is available exclusively in precious materials. Depending on the model, the case is made of 18-carat red gold or platinum, combined with a silver or black dial. The back is adorned with an intricately engraved astrolabe – a reference to the connection between technology and astronomy.

A hand-stitched alligator leather strap, crafted by Santoni, stylishly completes the watch. The models are strictly limited and numbered, making each one a coveted collector's item. The Grande Complication is not just an expression of the finest watchmaking craftsmanship—it's a statement for those who seek and understand the exceptional.