Simply Abu Dhabi XXXI

1 2 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I IWC PORTUGIESER YACHT CLUB CHRONOGRAPH T he IWC Portugieser is one of the watch worlds undisputed icons—it is a revered example of proportion and elegance. It embodies clarity, timeless style and sturdy reliability. If you were to compile a list of the most celebrated nautical timepieces, the Portugieser would be in the top echelons. The history of this classic timepiece rests with two Portuguese merchants that came to IWC in the 30s with a burning request—they needed wristwatches that included marine chronometer precision. IWC responded by creating the first luxury watches powered by a pocket watch movement—the forefathers of the IWC Portugieser line of sailing watches. This summer saw IWC launch a new edition of the Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph as part of its ‘Summer Editions’ collection. The dynamic chronograph features a water-resistant stainless steel case, sporty blue dial and a touch and trendy blue rubber strap. A hit with collectors also is the special collection of matching fabric straps, offered in an alternate blue and light grey at all IWC boutiques. These straps are designed to accessorise selected watches from the Pilot's Watches, Portugieser and Portofino ranges. The 89361 manufacture calibre features a flyback function and indicates the measured hours and minutes together on a subdial at 12 o'clock, while the quarter-second scale that surrounds the dial allows for precise measurement of shorter time periods. The 43.5-millimetre watch also has crown protection and is the only Portugieser model to feature luminescent hands and indices. The Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph The sapphire caseback displays the beautifully finished mechanical inner workings of this famous chronograph. It’s a classic now and it will be a classic on land or sea in 100 years. In IWC’s own words, ‘The best sailing watches are those that strike the right balance between rugged construction, purposeful clarity, and pure elegance. And no other sailing watch has achieved this balance like the IWC Portugieser.’