IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph Classic Edition „Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” IW390406 This is a unique interpretation of one of the Swiss manufacture’s most recognizable collections, combining classic Portugieser design with advanced mechanics and the noble ideal of supporting young people through sport. Introduced in 2014, this model marked the eighth limited edition created in collaboration with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation—an organization that funds social projects using sport as a tool for education, integration, and combating the exclusion of children and youth worldwide. Produced in a limited run of just 1,000 pieces, reference IW390406 secured a special place within the Portugieser family and among all timepieces created in partnership with the Laureus Foundation from the moment of its launch. The signature deep blue dial—a hallmark of this series—lends the model an elegant, distinctive character while underscoring its exceptional status among collectors.
The 42-millimeter case is crafted from high-quality stainless steel and retains all the proportions characteristic of contemporary Portugieser Chronograph Classic models. Slender lugs, a wide dial opening with a barely visible bezel, and harmoniously contoured surfaces give the watch an exceptionally elegant appearance, despite the chronograph’s distinctly sporty character. The slightly domed sapphire crystal, featuring an anti-reflective coating on both sides, ensures excellent legibility in all lighting conditions, while the solid case back bears a special engraving of the winning drawing from a competition organized by the Laureus Foundation. Each Laureus edition features a unique graphic motif—a hallmark of this exceptional series for years. A water resistance of 3 bar befits the model’s classic role as a luxury chronograph with an elegant aesthetic.
The greatest asset of reference IW390406 is the in-house calibre 89361, part of the prestigious 89000 movement family. It is a modern automatic movement featuring a flyback chronograph function, which allows for the immediate start of a new timing sequence without the need to first stop and reset the hands. A distinctive design feature is the placement of the hour and minute counters within a single sub-dial at the 12 o’clock position; this arrangement makes reading the elapsed time resemble a classic analog clock, ensuring exceptional intuitiveness. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, boasts a 68-hour power reserve, and includes a date display at the 3 o’clock position. Its advanced construction, refined performance, and reliability have earned the calibre 89361 a reputation as one of the finest in-house chronograph movements ever developed by IWC.
The blue dial is undoubtedly the most distinctive feature of this limited edition. Its intense, deep hue harmonizes beautifully with the rhodium-plated feuille hands and applied Arabic numerals, creating an exceptionally elegant composition with a timeless character. The design retains all the classic hallmarks of the Portugieser collection—the railway-track minute scale, the harmonious layout of the displays, and the perfect proportions between the dial elements. Despite the presence of a complex chronograph, the watch remains highly legible and appears remarkably uncluttered—qualities that have long been among the line’s greatest strengths.
The ensemble is completed by a black strap made of hand-finished alligator leather, crafted by the renowned Italian manufacturer Santoni. The distinctive quality of the leather, meticulous stitching, and perfect contouring allow the watch to quickly adapt to the wrist, ensuring exceptional comfort even during prolonged wear. A steel butterfly clasp further underscores the model’s exclusive character and guarantees security during daily use. The combination of the blue dial and black strap creates a remarkably elegant look that complements both formal business attire and a more relaxed smart-casual style.
What makes this model particularly important is its connection with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The purchase and promotion of subsequent limited editions have been supporting the activities of the organization financing programs helping children and youth through sports, education and personal development for many years. Thanks to this, the reference IW390406 is not only a luxury chronograph, but also a symbol of the brand’s involvement in social activities. The combination of the highest level of Swiss watchmaking with real support for humanitarian projects makes the model have a value that goes far beyond technical and aesthetic aspects.
Watch enthusiasts and collectors particularly prize the IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph Classic Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” (Ref. IW390406) for its harmonious blend of the in-house 89361 calibre, the classic design of the Portugieser collection, and the unique character of a limited edition. Notable features include the striking blue dial—exclusive to Laureus models—the flyback function, excellent ergonomics, and a unique case-back engraving depicting the winning entry from a children’s art competition. With a production run limited to just 1,000 pieces, the IW390406 has long held a special place among contemporary Portugieser models, sought after by collectors who value both superior craftsmanship and the unique story behind the watch.
The IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph Classic Edition “Laureus Sport for Good Foundation” (Ref. IW390406) is designed for those seeking a harmonious blend of classic elegance, advanced mechanics, and a unique heritage. It serves equally well as a luxury timepiece for daily wear and as a sophisticated accessory for formal attire. Thanks to its in-house movement with a flyback function, limited-edition status, timeless design, and symbolic connection to the Laureus Foundation, this model stands out as one of the most exceptional and highly regarded editions in the history of the Portugieser collection—offering the owner not only the pinnacle of watchmaking excellence but also the experience of owning a timepiece of truly enduring value.
