The IWC’s Portugieser line is one of their most popular and one of the perennial favorites is the typically handsome Portugieser Chronograph. 
Which is why we’re specially interested in the Portugieser Chronograph Edition “150 Years”. Quick recap in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last week or so: This year, the replica IWC turns 150, and one of the ways they’re celebrating the big occasion is with watches. Particularly, 27 special limited editions, launched across five key lines.
At present, the Portugieser Chronograph may lack the high-end clout of the Constant Force, or the novel display of the Pallweber, but it is, nonetheless, an important model. Like all the models in this jubilee collection, the chrono is offered in two special, heavily lacquered dials in blue or white that do a fine job of evoking the look of enamel. There are not precious metal options; only steel, and both come on a black alligator strap.
Therefore, nice dial aside, what makes this watch special? Well, the movement. Typically, the fake Portugieser Chronos have closed caseback, as they’re powered by a Valjoux. Not so here. The IWC Calibre watch is on full display, with a nice commemorative gold medallion on the skeletonized rotor. This movement is a column wheel chronograph, good for 46 hours, and some of the high-wearing components have been made from ceramic, for increased durability.
Each dial variant is a generous limited edition run of 2000 replica watches, though we suspect these models will be quite popular, as they combine the versatility of the 41mm steel chrono, with its leaf-shaped hands and exceptionally legible design, with a dial that’s a cut above, and a superior movement to boot. All for a price that’s very much in keeping with the regular production Portugieser Chronographs. Here’s hoping that this movement upgrade is rolled out into the general collection soon.