IWC

• Cal. 98 17''' H4 manual-winding gilt-metal movement, 16 jewels, bi-metallic balance wheel with Breguet spiral and swan-neck precision regulator • black dial, applied Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds • large circular stainless steel case, snap on case back • case, dial, and movement signed • with a stainless steel IWC buckle

Running at the time of cataloguing, however may require service in the future. Dial, case and movement in good condition, however the crystal has some minor scratches. In 2005, IWC serviced this watch. The recorded notes state only that the case was polished and the movement revised. The IWC archivist comments further that ‘as far as I am informed, 2005 the dial was not replaced. If this happened earlier I cannot say. The “Portuguese” watches all had a typical pocket watch dial. There was not special “Portuguese” dial; in the 1970/80s sometimes dials from pocket watches were used from this period for the Portuguese wristwatches during the service if the client wanted this exchange. Thus it is really difficult to say if and when a dial was changed.’ The dial is in very nice condition and may have been replaced at some point as it is in such extraordinarily great condition considering its age, however it would have most certainly been done by IWC. The buckle and strap were replaced in 2005. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a Certificate from the Archives confirming the date of production on 10 May 1946. 

Created in the 1930s at the request of two Portuguese merchants, the IWC 325 'Portuguese' wristwatch combines the precision of a pocketwatch calibre with the modernity of a wristwatch.  Recognized by it oversized and minimalist dial, the IWC was ahead of its time when producing this elegant and precise wristwatch.