Geneva, Nov 05, 2022

LOT 33

IWC, REF. 325, PORTUGUESE OVERSIZE, TWO-TONE DIAL, STEEL

CHF 20,000 - 30,000

EUR 20,600 - 30,900 / USD 19,900 - 29,900 / HKD 158,000 - 236,000

Sold: CHF 32,500

A very, fine, extremely rare, manual wind, stainless steel oversize wristwatch with two-tone dial


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 2-54-02

Very good

Service dial

HANDS Service hands

Brand IWC, Switzerland

Model Portuguese

Reference 325

Year Sold in September 1941

Movement No. 932097

Case No. 1047151

Bracelet leather with a later stainless steel IWC buckle

Diameter 42 mm.

Caliber 74, 16 jewels

Signature Dial, case and movement signed

Accessories extract from the archives dated 2004 and certificate dated 2022

Notes

Known to many collectors as the reference 325, this model is actually the birth of the line and is considered the original Portuguese. According to IWC, the watch line was created when a Portuguese client requested a wristwatch with the same accuracy and size as a pocket watch and in response the first Portuguese watch was created. Interestingly, most of these early examples were delivered to Eastern Europe, probably due to many restrictions linked to World War II, and this example in particular was sold to Vienna. While there are 3 generations accepted by collectors of reference 325, this is part of the first generation and according to IWC was only made in 304 pieces and is one of the most important IWC wristwatches ever manufactured.