The New IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 And 42 replica watches
Brace yourself, because IWC has brought a wonderful jolt of heritage back into the Portugieser Automatic. The brand has welcomed back the six o’clock small seconds subdial and, in so doing, a smaller case size. But don’t think for a minute that they stopped there. For this 2020 release year, they have also added to the much-beloved 42mm line with two watches featuring striking colored dials. Whether you’re into a more conservative sizing, or replica watches the more modern iteration of the Portugieser, IWC has you covered. replica watches
The new Portugieser automatics come in two sizes, 40mm and 42mm. The 40mm models are powered by the IWC automatic caliber 82200, and the two 42mm watches – which are new versions of the classic Portugieser Automatic – by the seven-day caliber 52010.
Initial Thoughts
1939 was not just a banner year in Hollywood lore (think Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, Stagecoach, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) but for IWC watch design as well. This particular year has served as inspiration to a number of commemorative editions of the Portugieser. You may remember the limited tourbillon watch commemorating IWC Founder F. A. Jones or the Eight-Days Edition 150 Years, each of which featured similar design traits that we see introduced once again here. There is one caveat to those editions, however – they were large, as in 43mm large. Although the heritage of IWC inspires larger watches, modern trends tend to be downsizing. In following this trend, and preserving the design of a classic watch, IWC introduced this 40mm model for 2020.
The design ethos for the new IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 is based heavily on the original model, the Portugieser Reference 325 which featured a small seconds subdial at six o’clock, a design reintroduced in 1993 with the Portuguese Anniversary model. (The history of the ref. 325 is the subject of an extensive article by IWC historian David Seyffer and noted IWC expert Michael Friedberg.) The six o’clock small seconds has been continued onto the new 40mm variant this year. Supported by a relatively clean dial, this new design is balanced and really spot on. The Portugieser Automatic 40 is a welcome addition to the line, especially for those looking for something a tad smaller. I don’t know if anyone expected IWC to create a 40mm Portugieser, but hey, we aren’t complaining either.
In bringing this semi-faithful recreation to market, IWC has also seen fit to make some modern updates that are consistent with the Portugieser line as a whole. The first obvious illustration replica watches uk of this is the departure from printed numerals to applied markers, as well as the inclusion of the modern IWC logo set as opposed to the original script International Watch Co. signature of yore – although not expected to be here, there is precedent for it.
But it gets better, because in doing all of this, they have also remained steadfastly conscious in regard to preserving the dial despite the reduction in size. This means no date window, and no power reserve indicator. I mean, is there really space for either? No, but that never stopped anyone from trying before. It also stands to reason given that the power reserve on the Portugieser Automatic 40 model is 60 hours compared to the gargantuan power reserve of its 42mm counterpart. Each of these decisions leaves us with this year’s 40mm modern-vintage revival. This is a superlatively excellent watch that does one very important thing – tell the time – while looking every bit as a Portugieser should.
At 40mm this watch is effectively perfect, right? IWC has not skimped one iota when it comes to the mechanics in this piece either. Powered by the in-house caliber 82200, an automatic movement with, as mentioned, a 60-hour power reserve, this watch brings the goods in a far more approachable sizing given its position as somewhat of a dressier offering. Wearing a Portugieser is definitely a statement, and one normally bolstered by its larger sizing, but I would argue that, with the mechanics and the heritage-infused design, the statement is no less attractive in this new offering.
Of course, in looking to the past, IWC has not forgotten about the present. The 42.3mm sizing of the Portugieser Automatic endures in two new releases with bold color combinations. Offered in both steel and gold, these two new additions to the existing collection sport dial features that should be familiar. You have the power reserve indicator at three o’clock, the running seconds at nine o’clock, and the date down at six o’clock. With the larger case comes the monster seven-day power reserve. Of course, the watch beats away with the IWC manufacture caliber 52010. The gold edition features a maritime-themed blue dial with gold plated hands and the stainless steel edition comes boasting a rich burgundy dial. Both dials glimmer with a sunburst effect, and both watches come fitted, as is standard for IWC, on a Santoni leather strap.
These releases from IWC blend a bit of familiar with a tinge of fake rolex nostalgia and, in doing so, have brought real energy to the Portugieser line. IWC has taken a foundational model, in the reference 325, and constructed an ideal watch perfectly suited for today. Equal parts sport and dress, the Portugieser Automatic 40 will be a welcome mainstay for IWC, while the two newest colorways for the Portugieser Automatic 42 offer great variety to a watch which has created a legacy all its own.
