One other lesser appreciated element of the design is how the case looks from the front is almost always the same. However looking from the side view of these three Portuguese, there is very little else in similarity in how the case is designed as can be seen from the image below. The variation of shape and thickness to accomodate the different calibres.

Top to bottom - Portuguese Jubilee Rose Gold, Choronograph and Auto 7 Days

Fundamentally, all these elements of the Portuguese design must be kept together for it to work. An example of how a small variation of design can change how collectors will react to it is the Portuguese F A Jones Limited Edition. That design had a Serif Font arabic numbers which was printed rather than embossed or applied. Also, for some, the font now appears far too large and indiscreet compared to the original San Serif sytle. While the Breguet hands and onion crown appears to be a nice change to reflect the watch's history with pocket watch movements, somehow the whole watch has lost its identity that I come to expect.

So is there more to Portuguese line's success is in its basic yet austere design? Quite unlikely. Classic elements and design is often the key to first impression. Fortunately for IWC, this design continues to please its owners and remain in collections for many years. Small details continue to please like the very slightly off white dial on this Choronograph (shown here with a tailored honey crocodile strap). I believe that regardless of what design changed that may come for the Portuguese line, the original and current Portuguese will continue to garner new fans and please collectors for many years.

Portuguese Chronograph Stainless Steel with tailored strap