In 2024 IWC presented a new collection of Portugieser Automatic 42 models reworking many details and introducing new colours. Price from €14,000
The history of the Portugieser (or Portuguese in English) begins in 1939, when IWC used a high-precision pocket watch movement to create a distinctively large wristwatch with chronometer precision. For its elegant lines and optimal dial readability, this wristwatch has become a timeless classic.
This year, the Schaffhausen-based brand reworked several models of the Portugieser collection, perfecting them to the smallest detail while also adding new fresh colours.
After the presentation of the Portugieser Eternal Calendar, today we focus on the Portugieser Automatic 42, one of the most appreciated models of this line.
The new Portugieser Automatic 42 features a reworked case construction with a slender side profile, making them visually light and more elegant.
The double box-glass sapphire crystals offer an even better view of the new dials and the IWC-manufactured movements inside.
Measuring 42.4 mm in diameter and 13 mm in thickness, the watch is water resistant to 5 bar (50 metres / 165 feet).
The Portugieser Automatic 42 is distinguished by its balanced dial design with the power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock and the small seconds at 9 o’clock. Large applied Arabic numerals, Feuille-type hands and the characteristic minutes scale reminiscent of railway tracks ensure perfect legibility at first glance.
The new dials undergo an complex manufacturing process. The brass bases receive either a sunburst finish or a finely blasted surface treatment before the colour is applied. The application of 15 layers of lacquer, finely ground and polished to a high gloss finish, makes it possible to achieve a pronounced optical depth.
The subdials are milled into both the brass base and the lacquer layer, enhancing the three-dimensional effect. This effect is further accentuated by a specialized printing procedure, enhancing the depth perception.
To complete the process, the appliqués are individually mounted by hand. New colours, such as Dune, Silver Moon, Horizon Blue, and Obsidian, have been added to the offering.
The new models are powered by the IWC-manufactured 52011 calibre, which operates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour). The renowned Pellaton winding system is reinforced with virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic components and builds up a remarkable power reserve of seven days (168 hours) using two barrels. The escapement has been improved to offer better protection against magnetic fields.
The following references are available:
Ref. IW501701: stainless steel case, Silver Moon dial, gold-plated hands and appliqués, black alligator leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp. Price: Euro 14,000 / US$ 13,500
Ref. IW501702: stainless steel case, Silver Moon dial, blue hands and appliqués, gradient blue alligator leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp. Price: Euro 14,000 / US$ 13,500
Ref. IW501704: stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliqués, stainless steel bracelet. Price: Euro 15,000 / US$ 14,500
Ref. IW501705: stainless steel case, Dune dial, gold-plated hands and gold appliqués, black alligator leather strap with stainless steel folding clasp. Price: Euro 14,000 / US$ 13,500
Ref. IW501707: 18-carat 5N gold case, Obsidian black dial, gold-plated hands and gold appliqués, black alligator leather strap from Santoni with 18-carat 5N gold folding clasp. Price: Euro 27,000 / US$ 26,700
Ref. IW501708: 18-carat white gold case, Horizon Blue dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliqués, gradient blue calfskin strap from Santoni with 18-carat white gold folding clasp. Price: Euro 28,000 / US$ 27,800. iwc.com
That Dune color - or "champagne", I'd say- is just awesome!
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