The IWC Chronograph Classic Laureus Ref. IW390406 was introduced in 2013 as part of IWC’s continuing partnership with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Released as a limited edition, the watch was created to support charitable programmes focused on improving opportunities for disadvantaged children through sport based initiatives.
The most recognisable element of this reference is its rich blue dial, a colour strongly associated with Laureus editions within the IWC catalogue. Instead of it being only a simple visual tweak, the dial sets the identity of the watch straight away and it leaves it apart from standard Chronograph Classic references.
Silver tone hands plus applied hour markers make a sharp visual contrast on the darker dial surface, which helps readability quite a bit, but it still looks refined, and elegant in the end. The chronograph layout also brings in practical elapsed time counting, via dedicated sub dials that stay balanced inside the whole dial structure.
The case build follows the Classic collection mindset, mixing traditional proportions with a cleaner, and more restrained profile than IWC’s bigger aviation minded chronographs. So the watch comes across more formal and flexible, while it keeps the mechanical functionality that matters.
And since it’s a Laureus edition, it carries a wider meaning beyond horology, because part of the project links to charitable fundraising, plus youth oriented global initiatives backed through the Laureus foundation.
The IW390406 sort of blends traditional chronograph watchmaking with a purpose driven collaboration that honestly goes past the usual limited edition production. Instead of leaning only on rarity, the reference feels tied to social impact programmes connected to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
Visually, the design language is pretty restrained compared to a lot of today’s sports chronographs, it puts emphasis on proportion, dial balance, and overall legibility… not that oversized visual aggression people sometimes expect. The blue dial basically becomes the main visual anchor, and the chronograph complication adds mechanical interaction without overpowering the classic structure.
In IWC’s larger catalogue, this model sits in a distinctive slot where refined chronograph styling, limited production status, and a charitable association come together in one reference.
A pre-owned IW390406 gives access to a discontinued Laureus edition, it has limited availability but still carries a meaningful collaborative background. People tend to like it for more than pure mechanical function, because the watch also stands for a documented chapter in IWC’s partnership history with the Laureus foundation.
On top of that, the pre owned market lets collectors check the dial condition, the state of the case, and the chronograph behavior up close, and that matters more and more for limited production references that are no longer accessible through normal retail channels.
Here at BQ Watches, we strive to provide all types of service for your luxury item. We’ve been providing services to the UK and international markets for pre-owned luxury watches for more than 30 years. When choosing us, our customers can always expect a welcoming and enjoyable watch-buying experience. We can also set up the service for you if you want to exchange or sell your watch. We’ll provide you with a fantastic offer, making the selling procedure efficient and enjoyable.
In addition, if you require it, we provide expert cleaning, repair, and appraisal services. Not to mention, we also provide the greatest sourcing services for expensive watches. Our experts will go above and beyond to get you the ideal timepiece if you have a certain watch in mind. We’ll start working for you as soon as you give us the brand, model number, and any other pertinent information.
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Every IWC Chronograph Classic Laureus edition undergoes detailed examination before being offered for sale, including verification of originality, chronograph functionality, movement performance, and overall cosmetic condition to ensure confidence in authenticity and presentation.
For clients planning to buy, sell or exchange their watch, valuations are prepared using live market demand, rarity analysis, and condition specific assessment rather than fixed pricing assumptions.
BQ Watches also provides appraisal support for insurance and collection management, helping owners understand how limited edition references such as the IW390406 are positioned within today’s luxury watch market.
