Adrien Brody proves sporty and elegant are not mutually exclusive with an IWC Portugieser

Zach Blass

One debate that continues to rage within the watch community is whether or not sports models are considered kosher with formalwear. On the one hand, the suave spy James Bond popularised the dynamic, wearing watches like the Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster with a tuxedo. But the question remains whether or not the combination truly works in reality. The way I see it, it’s not what you wear, its how you wear it and when done right a sports watch is totally fine to pair with a suit – especially if a dressier alternative is absent from your collection. For the more fashion-forward, however, it may very well be a no go. Fortunately there are many watches that walk a fine line between sporty and elegant, and not only differentiate you from the herd but  really elevate your wardrobe. Case in point: Adrien Brody recently proved that sporty and elegant are not mutually exclusive at the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC, rocking a IWC Portugieser Chronograph ref. IW371610.

It would appear Adrien Brody, or his stylist, was working towards a more laid-back but still refined look for his wardrobe. It’s as if work for the day was finished and it’s time to relax, strip off the jacket and tie, roll up the sleeves, and head off to a gentlemanly evening of sophisticated fun. Both his wardrobe and watch blend the lines between practicality and elegance.

The IWC Portugieser is a collection rooted in both class and utility. It was an elegant solution, originally presented in 1939, due to demand for a marine-deck chronometer experience that could be translated into a wristwatch. It was oversized for its time – a rather sporty characteristic – but still every bit as elegant as its more compact peers and the watch proved to be a success with gentleman overseeing docks and other nautical prospects. Legibility and accuracy are the two central pillars of the Portugieser line, and over the years IWC has changed very little of its winning formula.

The IWC Portugieser Chronograph ref. IW371610 embodies dressy utility, blending reliable technical functionality with a precious 18K 5N gold case and rich slate sunburst dial. It’s 41mm diameter and almost bezel less design creates an easy-to-read chronometric timer, but design cues such as its slender feuille hands bring a greater sense of class.

Inside the sporty-elegant chronograph ticks the IWC-manufacture calibre 69355, a column wheel chronograph with 46 hours of power reserve. Beneath the sapphire exhibition caseback you can see finely executed embellishments, including circular Côtes de Genève and perlage.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph ref. IW371610 pricing and availability:

The IWC Portugieser Chronograph ref. IW371610 is available for purchase via IWC and Authorized Dealers. Price: $18,400 USD