Founded in Schaffhausen in 1868, IWC has built its identity around engineering-led watchmaking with a strong emphasis on precision and robust construction. The Portugieser Chronograph, introduced in 1998, is one of the most refined and widely admired chronograph references in the brand’s catalogue — an instrument watch with a dress watch soul. The Year of the Dragon edition, limited to just 1,000 numbered pieces worldwide, was created to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon in 2024 and represents one of the most visually striking special editions IWC has ever produced in this reference.

Reference IW371629 is a 41 mm stainless steel automatic chronograph, 13.1 mm in thickness, with piston-style pushers and an extremely slim fixed bezel that gives the dial an expansive, open character. The burgundy dial carries applied gold-plated Arabic numerals and Feuille leaf hands in matching gold tone — a combination that creates an immediately rich and celebratory effect. A 30-minute chronograph counter sits at twelve, a small seconds subdial at six. At its heart beats the IWC Manufacture Calibre 69355, a column-wheel automatic chronograph with a 46-hour power reserve, visible through the sapphire exhibition caseback — where the gold-plated oscillating weight is crafted in the form of a dragon, and the case back ring carries the engraving “2024 YEAR OF THE DRAGON.” The convex sapphire crystal is anti-reflective on both sides. Water resistance is rated to 30 metres. The watch is presented on the original burgundy rubber strap with IWC’s butterfly folding clasp.

This IWC Portugieser Chronograph is from 2024, is in near mint condition and comes as a full set (black strap not present).