Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Minute-repeating wristwatch

IWC Portuguese Répétition Minutes Ref. 5240

Partially verified

This IWC Portuguese Répétition Minutes, reference 5240, is a first-generation minute-repeating wristwatch housed in an 18K yellow gold case. Produced circa 2000 as part of a limited edition of 250 pieces, this example bears the individual limited edition number 128/250. The watch features a three-body case design with a polished and brushed finish, a concave bezel and lugs, and a transparent sapphire crystal exhibition case back. The matte silver dial displays applied yellow gold Arabic numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 9 o'clock, and outer engraved dot minute divisions, accompanied by yellow gold feuille hands. The movement is the manual-wind Caliber 95290, which incorporates 54 jewels, fausses cotes decoration, a monometallic balance adjusted to five positions, and a repeating mechanism activated by a slide located on the case band.

The IWC Portuguese Répétition Minutes Ref. 5240 inside its fitted wooden box, alongside accompanying documentation.
The IWC Portuguese Répétition Minutes Ref. 5240 inside its fitted wooden box, alongside accompanying documentation. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Minute-repeating wristwatch
Maker / attribution
IWC (International Watch Co.)
Reference
5240
Catalogue / lot identifier
284
Source-reported date
circa 2000
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
128/250

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The timepiece is constructed with an 18K yellow gold case measuring 43 mm in diameter and 13 mm in thickness. The design incorporates a three-body architecture, which is both polished and brushed to provide visual contrast. A notable design element is the inclusion of concave bezels and lugs. The case back is transparent, featuring a sapphire crystal window to allow for observation of the internal movement.

The dial is finished in a matte silver tone. It is adorned with applied yellow gold Arabic numerals for the hour indicators. The subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 9 o'clock position. The outer perimeter of the dial features engraved dot minute markers, and the time is indicated by yellow gold feuille-style hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, solid, polished and brushed, transparent case back with sapphire crystal, concave bezel and lugs.”
  • “Matte silver with applied yellow gold Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds dial at 9, outer engraved dot minute divisions.”
  • “Yellow gold feuille hands.”

Movement and Repeating Mechanism

The watch is powered by the Caliber 95290, a rhodium-plated movement featuring fausses cotes decoration. The movement contains 54 jewels and is fitted with a straight-line lever escapement. Timekeeping accuracy is supported by a monometallic balance that has been adjusted to five positions, a shock absorber system, a self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and an index regulator.

The minute-repeater complication is integrated into the movement and is actuated by a slide mechanism positioned on the side of the watch case. This mechanism strikes the time on internal gongs.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 95290, rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 54 jewels, straight-line lever escapement”
  • “monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring”
  • “repeating on gongs activated by a slide on the band.”

Documentation and Condition

This specific lot represents the first generation of the IWC Portuguese Répétition Minutes series. It is part of a limited production run, with this particular unit numbered 128 out of 250 total pieces created.

The auction house grading system assigns the movement a rating of 1*, indicating it is as new, while the case is graded as 2, or very good.

Evidence for this section
  • “Made in a limited edition of 250 pieces circa 2000.”
  • “Accompanied by the fitted wooden box, guarantee (blank) and instruction booklet”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What specific archival records confirm the production date and delivery of movement number 2848090?
  • Are there known variations in the 'first generation' caliber 95290 across the 250-piece production run?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for IWC Portuguese Répétition Minutes Ref. 5240
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerIWC, International Watch Co., Schaffhausen“IWC, International Watch Co., Schaffhausen”
Reference5240“Ref. 5240”
Limited Edition128/250“No. 128/250”
Movement CaliberCal. 95290“M. Cal. 95290”
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold wristwatch”
Movement Number2848090“movement No. 2848090”
Case Number2852768“case No. 2852768”
Diameter43 mm“DIAM. 43 mm.”

Visible details

  • Subsidiary seconds dial located at 9 o'clock position.
  • Repeating slide mechanism mounted on the case band.
  • Exhibition case back revealing the movement structure.

Research qualifications

  • The provided guarantee document is noted as blank.
  • The auction house recommends a mechanical overhaul at the buyer's expense.
  • Exact production year is cited as 'circa 2000'.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

IWC YELLOW GOLD PORTUGUESE ' REPETITION MINUTES, FIRST GENERATION IWC, International Watch Co., Schaffhausen, 'Portuguese - Répétition Minutes', No. 128/250, movement No. 2848090, case No. 2852768, Ref. 5240. Made in a limited edition of 250 pieces circa 2000. Very fine and rare, large, minute-repeating, 18K yellow gold wristwatch with an 18K yellow gold IWC buckle. Accompanied by the fitted wooden box, guarantee (blank) and instruction booklet

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 6fa4d8e9ae

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other minute-repeating wristwatch records