IWC Schaffhausen Unveils the Portugieser Dubai Edition

Swiss haute horologer IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled a unique Portugieser Chronograph – the brand’s first watch ever to be inscribed with Eastern Arabic numerals.

A collaboration between IWC and its Arabic retail partner Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the timepiece is limited to a collection of 200, exclusive to the new IWC boutique at Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates.

Flaunting a mechanical chronograph movement with a 44-hour power reserve, this special edition of Portugieser Chronograph – the “Seddiqi – Al Jalila Foundation Dubai” – features a midnight blue dial, locked under a non-reflective sapphire glass. Attached to a brown alligator leather strap, the watch spans 40mm in diameter and is rumored to come with a price tag of around $8,000.

Part of the sales proceeds will go to the local medical charity, Al Jalila Foundation, which Dubai’s ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched in 2013. Attesting to the partnership, the logo of the non-profit organization delicately graces the back of the watch’s case.

“The launch of this exclusive Portugieser watch marks yet another milestone in the successful collaboration with our retail partner Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. In addition, we are very pleased to be supporting the work of the Al Jalila Foundation,” said IWC Regional Brand Director Luc Rochereau in a press statement.

First manufactured in the 1990s, the Portugieser Chronograph – with its various models throughout the years – has become a signature piece for IWC Schaffhausen. Its latest interpretation has been one of the highlights of the Dubai Watch Week, which took place November 15th – 19th.