The IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium 41mm marks a new chapter in the history of IWC Schaffhausen. For the first time, the Portugieser Chronograph is presented in an all-black version crafted from Ceratanium, a proprietary material developed in-house that combines lightness and structural strength with a distinctive dark metallic finish. It is not merely an aesthetic exercise, but a reinterpretation that reshapes the perception of the watch, making it more technical and contemporary. Limited to 1,500 pieces, the new IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium (Ref. IW371631)reinterprets one of the most recognizable chronographs in the collection with an entirely new visual language.
IWC PORTUGIESER CHRONOGRAPH CERATANIUM AND THE MODEL’S HERITAGE
Since 1998, the Portugieser Chronograph has represented one of the most successful expressions of sporty elegance in contemporary haute horlogerie. The two vertically arranged subdials, the rehaut with quarter-second scale, and the Arabic numerals have built a strong and instantly recognizable identity over time. The IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium 41mm preserves these iconic proportions while immersing them in a monochromatic aesthetic that enhances their formal purity. The all-black design eliminates visual distractions and focuses attention on the lines and unmistakable silhouette of the model.
CERATANIUM AND THE 41 MM CASE: MATERIAL AND DESIGN
The silent protagonist of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium is Ceratanium itself, based on a special titanium alloy and subjected to a high-temperature firing process. This advanced material combines the lightness and strength of titanium with a hardness and scratch resistance comparable to ceramic, while also offering a distinctive matte black metallic finish. In the Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium 41mm, the case, crown, and pushers are entirely crafted from Ceratanium, creating a coherent and homogeneous aesthetic. The black tone is not a coating, but the structural result of the material itself.
The 41 mm case houses a black dial with applied indices and black hands, while the Arabic numerals and quarter-second scale stand out clearly against the dark background, ensuring legibility. The watch is completed by a black rubber strap with a textured square pattern, reinforcing its contemporary character.
IWC MANUFACTURE CALIBRE 69355: COLUMN-WHEEL CHRONOGRAPH
Inside the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium 41mm beats the IWC manufacture calibre 69355, a self-winding mechanical movement engineered for long-term robustness and reliability. The chronograph function measures minutes and seconds, while the small seconds ensure continuous timekeeping. A stop-seconds mechanism (hacking) allows precise time setting.
The column-wheel chronograph architecture guarantees smooth and precise operation, delivering distinct tactile feedback when the pushers are engaged. The automatic winding system with double pawl winding builds up a 46-hour power reserve, ensuring stability and continuity of performance. The transparent sapphire glass case back reveals the movement, creating an interesting contrast with the all-black Ceratanium case.
PORTUGIESER CHRONOGRAPH CERATANIUM: THE EVOLUTION OF AN ICON
The IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium 41mm is not simply a new colour variation, but a true evolution of the model. The all-black Ceratanium construction, the 41 mm case, the calibre 69355 with column wheel, and the sapphire glass case back define a chronograph that preserves the DNA of the Portugieser while projecting it into a more technical and contemporary dimension. In a landscape where black is often a stylistic trend, the IWC Portugieser Chronograph Ceratanium demonstrates how material innovation can redefine the identity of an icon without compromising its essence.
