New Release Watches & Wonders 2024 – IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 and 42 Watches

This year, IWC Schaffhausen has put a lot of focus into its Portugieser watch collection. A range of different colours has arrived – each one of which was put under the spotlight at the Watches & Wonders 2024 event in Geneva three weeks ago. We’re going to dive into these models today and talk about some of the highlights of the 40 and 42mm models.

The IWC Portugieser watch collection tells a story of traditional pocket watch values and state-of-the-art technology. The iconic watch design has transcended time and evolved to suit the modern wrist thanks to several innovative traits that prevent its design from ageing or tiring. Within the main Portugieser watch collection by IWC, you can find tastefully crafted chronographs as well as elegant three-handed designs. For more complicated timepieces, there’s a choice between the brand’s sophisticated perpetual calendar watches and minute repeaters. If you were wondering where the collection got its name, well, that’s equally as interesting. Two Portuguese businessmen once commissioned IWC to make a wristwatch that could offer the same accuracy as a marine chronometer. The Portugieser watch arrived in the 1930s and became instantly loved for its classic, easy-to-recognise design.

One of the collection’s best-selling designs is the Portugieser Chronograph. Characterized by its round case and large Arabic numeral hour markers, the model is a classic and elegant take on the sporty chronograph design, making it a superb choice for those who intend to wear it with professional or smart attire throughout the week. That said, you cannot deny the effortless beauty of the three-handed Portugieser watch either. Stylish feuille-shaped hands and refined dial elements constitute a perfect dress watch for use during the daytime or the evenings.

At first glance, you could easily mistake the automatic 42mm Portugieser watch for a chronograph, since it features two small sub-counters placed in a bi-compax layout. To the right of the dial, you get the power reserve indicator, balanced beautifully by the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock. The two sub-counters promote a very balanced and legible layout. The power reserve indicator function enables you to follow the status of the power in the watch via a seven-day scale. Once the hand runs down to the bottom of the scale, you know it needs winding or wearing to power it back up. So, now that we know what the IWC Portugieser is loved for, let’s take a look at the new 2024 Watches & Wonders Portugieser watch releases.

The New IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 and 42 Watches

You may have already checked out the more complex designs added to the Portugieser line by IWC this year. Some of them include the new Eternal Calendar and tourbillon models. But down at the more affordable range of timepieces are the 40 and 42mm Automatic watches. There are a total of 8 new references all together. They all look incredibly flattering on the wrist thanks to IWC’s compact and slim case formula, which leaves every instrument feeling incredibly sophisticated and streamlined once strapped to the skin. The new IWC watch releases cover several case materials including white gold, rose gold and steel – the smaller versions of which feature a small second complication at the bottom of the dial. What’s more, these new models flaunt a slimmer build, giving them a very svelte appearance. Delivering a nice balance of style and performance, these new IWC Portugieser watches feature colour-matched leather bands and luxurious, legible dial elements.

IWC Portugieser Automatic 40

The 40mm models of the new IWC Portugieser Automatic design come in dial colours of Obsidian and light blue. The Obsidian colour comes only in the 5N rose gold case material, communicating a seductive and indulgent persona. The light blue is paired with an 18ct white gold case and colour-matching hands and hour markers that add lightness and crispness to the design. These gold-only options are a more decidedly premium option and whether you prefer the light blue over the Obsidian (or vice versa), both are powered by the in-house developed Calibre 82200. This movement, an automatic one, beats at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a power reserve of 60 hours once fully wound. One of the new features of the Portugieser Automatic 40 watch, however, is its exhibition caseback. Whereas previous models have featured a screwed-in caseback that conceals the movement, IWC specialists have chosen to reveal the 82200 engine, showing off all its fine finishes and traditional German and Swiss decoration.

IWC Portugieser 42 Automatic Watches

Even more intriguing are the 42mm Automatic Portugieser watches since they come in some additional colours. Take for example, the Silver Moon colour, which comes in a gold-coloured handset or a blued handset – both of which are fitted on a leather strap (black or blue respectively). Either way, the details on the dial are incredibly crisp and refined for promising legibility and clarity above all else. Here, the 6 o’clock small second sub-dial has been shifted to the 9 o’clock location. The 6 o’clock location now features a colour-matching date window, adding balance between the two sub-counters. The power reserve at 3 o’clock tracks the energy status of the Calibre 52011, which delivers an impressive 7-day power reserve when fully wound.

The darker blue dial version is a nice variation too. Crafted in the same way as the Silver Moon iterations in stainless steel, the model features a stainless steel bracelet and a folding clasp for guaranteed comfort.  Then there is the Dune dial version, complete with rhodium-coated hands and encased in polished stainless steel. The dark brown alligator leather strap pairs effortlessly with the soft pink-beige tones of the dial. Matching its smaller counterpart, the 42mm light blue version of the Portugieser Automatic 42 is crafted from polished 18ct white gold and comes fitted on a blue leather strap. It’s yet another great option for wearing daily thanks to its universal tones and legible display. My favourite of all the new IWC Portugieser watches, however, has to be the Obsidian 42mm model, paired with an 18ct rose gold case and black alligator leather strap.

Which is your favourite?

If you’d like to place an order on any one of the new IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 and 42 watches you’ve seen here, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team today on 01335 453453 or email us at help@jurawatches.co.uk.