IWC Schaffhausen unveils the new Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW3716) in Abu Dhabi, featuring Eastern Arabic numerals and ten vibrant dial colours.
Key Takeaways
- IWC Schaffhausen launched the IWC Arabic-Dial Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW3716) with Eastern Arabic numerals, unveiled in Abu Dhabi.
- The watch features ten dial colors and includes the manufacture 69355 calibre for enhanced reliability and performance.
- This release emphasizes cultural identity in luxury design, moving away from treating the Middle East as just an export market.
- The new model differs from the earlier Dubai Edition in technical specifications and offers broader color options.
- Participants engaged in watchmaking workshops, enhancing their understanding of mechanical precision.
IWC Schaffhausen has launched a new version of its iconic Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW3716) featuring Eastern Arabic numerals across the dial and chronograph totalisers. Unveiled in Abu Dhabi, the watch is available in ten different dial colours and features the manufacture 69355 calibre movement.
A Regional Shift in Luxury: The Abu Dhabi Unveiling
The new Portugieser Chronograph with Arabic Dial was officially unveiled at the Congress of Arabic & Creative Industries at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. This launch marks a shift in how global luxury maisons approach the Middle East; rather than treating the region as a mere export market, the brand is increasingly designing products that reflect the cultural identity of the people purchasing them.
The unveiling was accompanied by practical engagement, with IWC hosting four watchmaking workshops as part of the Congress ACI Professional Capacity Building Programme. These sessions allowed participants to disassemble and reassemble a mechanical movement, providing a hands-on look at the precision required in mechanical watchmaking.
Design Details: Eastern Arabic Numerals and Ten Colours
The most immediate distinction of the Ref. IW3716 is the integration of Eastern Arabic numerals. Unlike previous regional releases that might have treated local typography as a decorative afterthought, this model incorporates the numerals across both the main dial and the chronograph totalisers. To ensure legibility, these applied numerals feature a luminescent finish.
Housed in a 41mm stainless steel case, the watch offers significant variety for collectors. It is available in ten distinct dial colours:
- Slate
- Olive
- Sage
- Purple
- Aubergine
- Mauve
- Pink
- Sunburst
- Ginger
- Ice
Depending on the chosen colourway, the watch is completed with either a coordinating alligator-leather or a rubber strap. While the specific retail price for the UAE market and the exact boutique availability for all ten colours have not been confirmed, the design maintains the classic Portugieser architecture, including the stopped minutes at 12 o’clock and small seconds at 6 o’clock.
Technical Heart: The Manufacture 69355 Calibre
For enthusiasts, the technical upgrade is as significant as the aesthetic one. The watch is powered by IWC’s manufacture 69355 calibre, an automatic mechanical chronograph movement. This in-house movement features column-wheel control, which provides the chronograph pushers with a distinctive, defined tactile feel.
The 69355 calibre is engineered for robustness and reliability, offering a 46-hour power reserve. This move towards a manufacture movement represents a key evolution for the Portugieser Chronograph line, which has historically been one of the brand’s most popular items.
How It Differs From the Earlier Dubai Edition
It is important to distinguish this new release from the earlier Portugieser Chronograph Edition “Seddiqi – Al Jalila Foundation Dubai” (Ref. IW371489). While both models incorporate Eastern Arabic numerals, they differ significantly in technical specification and availability.
| Feature | New Arabic-Dial Portugieser (Ref. IW3716) | Dubai Edition (Ref. IW371489) |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Manufacture 69355 calibre | IWC calibre 79350 (based on Valjoux 7750) |
| Case Size | 41mm | 40mm |
| Availability | Ten colour options | Limited to 200 pieces |
The older Dubai edition was a limited run of 200 pieces designed in collaboration with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, with proceeds supporting the Al Jalila Foundation. The new Ref. IW3716, by contrast, focuses on a broader range of expressive colour choices and a more advanced in-house movement.
