IWC Portuguese Automatic 5001-07

hi - newbie here. Been researching for years and might be close to pull the trigger on my first mechanical timepiece.

Front runner is currently the Portuguese Automatic 5001-07, white face with dark blue strap. I know this forum would be a bit biased for good reason :-) But my question is....

Given that the Portuguese has been around since 2000 (hope my research was done correctly), would IWC release a more updated Portuguese soon after I buy it at end of 2011? Granted, it is still a beauty, but I'm curious as to how the development cycle works for watchmakers like IWC.

Thanks much and of course, welcome any other tips, feedback on the 5001-07 I'm looking at.

Hi Thomas,

A fair question. While I don't know all future plans and can't disclose the ones I do I'll say here "not to worry".

Actually the 5001 doesn't exactly date to 2000. The reference 5000 was announced in 2000 but really started in 2001 with distribution. The 5001 came in about 2003 which admittedly is still a long time. But like the much longer 3714 Portuguese Chrono it is a best seller and the Portuguese line is considered the "classic" one.

For 2012, it'll be the year of the flight watch, and I will say that 2013 isn't planned as "year of the Portuguese".

Translation: go for it!

Hi Thomas,

If you love it go for it ! is what I say :) the 500107 is a classic much loved by many forummers here - and it was between that and the 500114 gold hands I had to choose, and I chose the latter.

This platinum version circa 2004 I believe is something I am eyeing too:

I think the dial and design are timeless.

Definitely cannot go wrong ! It's an all time classic - and one watch that will not be out of fashion now, or anytime in the future!

I concur with SHING, MF and others - it's a great watch and you wont regret the decision.

Best regards
Mark

You should just buy it now. Even if they announce a new Portuguese in early 2013, it'll be a while before you'd be able to get one anyways, so why not have one to enjoy until the new one is released?

In addition, even if they did update the watch, this would still be a classic, much like how the original 5000 is still a beautiful and sought after watch today.

I totally agree with has been stated. It is a great watch and will remain a classic. Go for it.
Regards,
Kevin

love this forum and thanks for everyone's feedback! I think I'm sold, now I just gotta find a store I like to buy it from.

Got the Gold handed version on as I type. It's a beauty that has been the cause of several admiring comments. Even if it was being replaced next year, so what and its a safe bet that the replacement, as and when, will be more expensive. But it's not being replaced and even if it was I would still be happy to buy it.

Hi Thomas, Agree with MF/Shing?Mark and others forum members comments.
If you like it , go for it.

Did not hesitate to get my 500107 after getting great advise from Shing/ KS Low & others.

Timeless pieces like 5001 will never get out of favour, in fact it will be sought off by collectors if discontinued.

I own a Patek which is almost 20 yeasr old and yet still in demand in the pre-owned market

Go for it if you like it and like what other formum mambers mention, enjoy it

hi fellow IWC enthusaists,

Thanks for everyone's feedback and guess what came in the mail today! I'm so happy with this decision :-)

www.flickr.com/photos/thomashan/6512516321

www.flickr.com/photos/thomashan/6512517891/

Congratulations, it's a great start.

Thomas - congratulations. Enjoy the thrill and wonders of that piece.

Thomas --I know how much you thought about this. That's understandable, but also an excellent decision. The 5001 is destined to be a classic. Great watch -- my congratulations.

Great start and wear in good health!

Congratulations to your new seven days. This was also my first IWC, in the same combo! Enjoy it!

I think you can't go wrong with any Portuguese. As others have said, it's a classic look that isn't going to be tampered with too much. (Look at the vintage watches and see how much they differ from today's).

I've went for the black dial.

Congratulation Thomas, great choice and start.
You can't go wrong with any Portuguese. I went for the 500109.

Regards

Thomas - congrats!! As Robcat and Hajoth stated "you can't go wrong with any Portuguese". The 5022 made me a convert. Enjoy your's, it is already a classic!!!