Introduction: IWC Portugieser Automatic 40
In 2020 IWC released a new addition to their Portugieser collection, the IWC Portugieser Automatic 40. This watch is a welcomed addition to the Portugieser collection and the timing was perfect. Part of what made this launch so special and we’ll get into further detail in our IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 review is that it has the new IWC in-house movement Calibre 82200.
Apart from the new movement, we’re seeing IWC really flex it’s horologic muscles with what it does best. Engineering beautiful dress watches to superior horological quality is what they did again with the IWC Portugieser Automatic 40.
When we saw IWC launch this watch earlier in the year we got super excited. There are so many brands trying to branch out or stretch too thin in different directions. It was nice to see an establish brand maintain with what they do best and nail it. Now let’s take a peak at this watch in more detail with our IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 review.
IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 Dial
The silver plated dial of the IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 maintains consistency within the rest of the collection. The raised hand applied numerals matching the sophisticated handset plays very well to the overall aesthetics of the watch.
The six o’clock position displays a small second hand dial. Although this look isn’t unique to IWC, they do a fantastic job designing it fit the IWC brand dna to make it their own. If we had to score the dial, we’d give the IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 dial a perfect 10 out of 10.
Case Design
The case for the IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 comes in at 40mm with a comfortable height of 12mm. The case design provides versatility for many outfits and occasions. It’s perfect to wear under the cuff in formal situations and more than suitable to wear exposed in a casual setting.
ICW polished the smooth bezel and top facing section of the lugs and provided a quality brush finish the the sides of the case. If you’re lucky enough to inspect the IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 in person, it will be undeniable of the craftsmanship put into the case and dial of this dress watch.
Accompanied with the case is a sapphire case back providing a stunning view of the new movement introduced by IWC. For a watch in this price point, most expect to be able to see the movement so we’re glad IWC has decided to open up the back on their new releases in the Portugieser collection.
For a review on the IWC Portugieser Chronograph, read our in-depth review.
IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 Movement
For a watchmaking house like IWC, it’s great to see them launch IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 with a new movement. At the same time they also decided to provide an in-house movement, finally, to the Portugieser chronograph. What a move like this shows us is that they are making continuous investments into their R&D and production. This means that IWC is positioning themselves for many other quality watch releases in the future.
The new in-house calibre 82200 is an automatic movement with 60 hours power reserve, contains 189 components, uses 31 jewels, has a frequency of 28,8000 per hour, and sports a beautiful Côtes de Genève perlage.
IWC Luxurious Leather Strap
The IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 is offered on a black, blue, and brown premium leather strap that operate with a deployment clasp. We can attest to the quality of IWC luxurious leather straps. They are some of the best made leather straps in high end watchmaking. You can expect your IWC leather strap to age with your watch without issues.
IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 Pricing & Availability
A new IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 can be purchased for $7,250 MSRP for the stainless steel references and $16,900 MSRP for the rose gold reference.
These watches became available for purchase in early 2020 and have been somewhat hard to find at authorized dealers. If you call around enough you’ll be able to find one in the right dial / case combination for you.
IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 Specs
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Case Height: 12mm
- Case Back: Sapphire
- Water Resistance: 3 bar
- Top Glass: Sapphire
- Movement: Automatic, Self Winding
- Calibre: 82200
- Power Reserve: 60 Hours
- Frequency: 28,800 vph
- Jewels: 31
