I have had a long love affair with IWC’s Portuguese line. My first experience was the 3531, which I loved. That of course led to my longing for a Jubilee. That wish was fulfilled some years ago when I was lucky enough to add a RG Jubilee. While I personally think it is the loveliest watch ever made, I somehow do not automatically grab it for every day wear. The RG just seems a bit dressy for my ultra casual life style these days. About a year ago I began to think that if it were the SS it might get the more extensive wear it deserves.
That started me thinking about the Pisa. To me, that watch represents the best of all worlds (except the current market price, of course). I strongly believe I would wear a SS model much more often. Blue is my favorite color. The font of the numerals on the Pisa has always appealed to me. It is a perfectly quiet, unassuming watch that almost nobody outside of this Forum would recognize as anything other than “just another watch”.
I’ve known where a Pisa lived for some time now. I began to think of contacting the owner, but financial considerations always stopped me. Then, out of the blue, a few weeks ago the owner contacted me and asked if I might be interested in the Pisa and/or the 5250 Portofino Moonphase pocket watch whose photos I have already posted.
Pisas don’t come along to market every day. It has been years since I’ve seen one offered, and that’s not from lack of looking. Time to decide!
I guess the photos above show what decision I reached. The Pisa has been on my wrist exclusively since its arrival, and I’m not sure I see any reason that will change. Stick a fork in me, I’m done!
Pisa Pisa Portugieser, on my wrist she’s a real pleaser! Saw her face, in love I fell. IWC made her very well.
The wood box is different than the Pisa’s Jubilee cousins. This one is a different wood (from the grain I’ll guess perhaps mahogany?), darker stained, and bears a classy little plaque carrying the Pisa name
The inside of the box is similar to the Jubilees, as one might expect
Rather than the plastic warranty card to which we’re all accustomed, the Pisa comes with a larger document printed in Italian.
Some day I’ll learn more about lighting and white balance.
Same movement as the Jubilees, of course, but with special engraving.
No fish, no Probus Scafusia – same as the Jubilees.
Unlike the Jubilees, there are no engravings on the side to show 234/500 or any such identity. I like this cleaner look better
I’m not sure this one is ever coming off my wrist!
