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A Sneak Peek at the IWC Portuguese Chronograph Ceratanium: A Classic in Dark Mode For the first time, IWC's iconic chronograph is crafted from Ceratanium and presented in an all-black color scheme.

Since its debut in 1998, the classic IWC Portuguese Chronograph (model IW3914) has remained virtually unchanged in appearance. It wasn't until 2020 that it underwent a technical upgrade, launching a new generation watch (model IW3916) equipped with an in-house movement. It is this consistency in design, along with its overall sporty, stylish, and nautical-inspired character, that makes this timepiece a modern classic. However, this year IWC decided to give this iconic chronograph a more technologically advanced look, featuring an all-black case and high-tech materials—a first for the Portuguese series, which previously only offered stainless steel or precious metals. Now, let's admire the new look of the IWC Portuguese Chronograph Ceratanium IW371631.

Like the Big Pilot's Watches, the Portuguese collection is undoubtedly one of IWC's most iconic and recognizable models. This is especially true of the classic automatic chronographs (models 3714 and 3716). Launched in 1998, this model was a simplified and streamlined version of the Portuguese split-seconds chronograph (model 3712) released in 1995. Elegant, balanced, and fluid, and relatively affordable at the time, this IWC timepiece combined technical reliability with timeless aesthetics, remaining virtually unchanged for nearly two decades. In 2020, while retaining its design and overall spirit, IWC upgraded the mechanical structure, replacing the renowned Valjoux movement with an in-house movement featuring a column wheel. However, the truly essential elements remain, including a bright, sporty, and stylish nautical spirit.

Whether it's the classic 3714 model or the current 3716, the Portuguese Chronograph series offers a variety of styles and color schemes, but previously it only used stainless steel, gold (common), or platinum (rare), rarely employing innovative materials—materials that are a hallmark of the Schaffhausen brand. Now, this has changed. The new all-black version is crafted from the brand's advanced Ceratanium, giving the Portuguese Chronograph a fresh, more modern look. Yes, whether you like it or not, it completely transforms the watch's appearance.

The basic design remains unchanged; the evolution is only in the materials and colors. Therefore, the Portuguese Chronograph Ceratanium version retains the same shape and proportions as the classic IW3716 stainless steel or gold watch, with a 41mm diameter, approximately 13mm thickness (although it feels slightly thinner in actual wear), and approximately 48mm lug spacing. All the classic elements of the Portuguese Chronograph are retained, including the extra-wide beveled bezel, mushroom-shaped pushers, and domed sapphire crystal. The water resistance remains at 30 meters, which is slightly insufficient by today's standards. The main highlight of this upgrade lies in the case material, transforming the familiar lightweight and stylish timepiece into a more sporty and daringly understated chronograph. The case, crown, pushers, and case back are all crafted from matte Ceratanium, a material that combines the lightness and strength of titanium with the hardness and scratch resistance of ceramic. Ceratanium is based on a special titanium alloy and fired at high temperatures. As expected, it presents a unique dark metallic texture, previously primarily used in pilot's watches. To echo the overall understated look, the sapphire crystal case back also features partial coloring.

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The all-black design of the Portuguese Chronograph Ceratanium extends to the dial, with a matte black background and black printing. Even the hands and hour markers are black—thankfully, they are polished, providing some contrast at certain angles. Indeed, while the all-black dial visually matches the rest of the watch, its practicality is limited due to the lack of contrasting colors. Of course, this watch looks cool, but legibility is not its primary strength.

The case back features a tinted glass, housing the IWC in-house Calibre 69355. This movement was developed and manufactured at Richemont Group's central production facility in Valfleurier. The automatic movement features a double-pawl winding system, with all chronograph functions driven by a column wheel. It oscillates at 4 Hz and has a power reserve of approximately 46 hours.

Technical Specifications – IWC Portuguese Chronograph Watch CERATANIUM Movement

Case: 41 mm diameter x 13.1 mm thickness - Lug spacing 47.9 mm - Ceratanium case, crown, bezel, case back, and pushers - Matte finish - Double anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal - Transparent colored sapphire crystal case back - 30 m water resistance

Dial: Matte black dial with black printed lettering, black hands and hour markers - Sloping inner edge with black printed markers

Movement: Caliber 69355 - In-house movement developed and manufactured in collaboration with ValFleurier - Double pawl automatic winding system - Integrated column wheel chronograph function - 27 jewels - 28,800 vibrations per hour - 46-hour power reserve - Displays hours, minutes, small seconds, central seconds chronograph function, and 30... Minute counter Strap: Black textured rubber strap with Ceratanium pin buckle Reference number: IW371631