The IWC Portugieser has seen its share of highs and lows. At one point the collection was even taken off the market for years, but despite all that, it came back strong and nobody would have even guessed that it would eventually be the brand’s top selling collection.

Achieving the golden ratio between size, beauty and functionality is the new IWC Portugieser Automatic 40. The timelessly modern design returns to the collection in 2020 with four new automatic models featuring compact case sizes of 40.4 millimetres.

With a case thickness of just 12.4mm, these watches aren’t too bulky. The downward sloping lugs make quite a difference allowing the watch to sit a lot nicer on the wrist. Protected by a sapphire crystal glass these classics are water-resistant to 3 bar.

The dial prioritises legibility above everything else thanks to the appliqued Arabic numerals and the perfectly proportioned slim feuille hands. Within the dial there’s also a small hacking seconds at the 6 o’clock marker.

Further heightening the undeniable charm of the acclaimed Portugieser Automatic 40 series is the intricately decorated IWC-manufactured 82200 calibre, which is clearly visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The robust, high-quality automatic movement has a Pellaton winding system with components made of virtually wear-free ceramic, which builds up a power reserve of 60 hours. Finally, the alligator leather strap adds a touch of comfort and convenience, keeping the look subtle and suave.

Ref. IW358303 | Recommended Retail Price: $10,500 Australian Dollars

Stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands and appliques, black alligator leather strap.

Ref. IW358304 | Recommended Retail Price: $10,500 Australian Dollars

Stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, blue hands and appliques, blue alligator leather strap.

Ref. IW358305 | Recommended Retail Price: $10,500 Australian Dollars

Stainless steel case, blue dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, black alligator leather strap.

Ref. IW358306 | Recommended Retail Price: $23,500 Australian Dollars

18-carat 5N gold case, silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliques, brown alligator leather strap by Santoni.

IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Automatic 42

In addition to the Portugieser Automatic 40, IWC is also unveiling two 42.3mm Portugieser Automatic (Ref. 5007) timepieces – Ref. IW500714 which comes with a stainless steel case, burgundy dial and black alligator leather strap and Ref. IW500713, a ’boutique edition’ inspired by sailing and the maritime world, offered in an 18-carat 5N gold case, blue dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliques and blue alligator leather strap by Santoni. The slim feuille hands sweep across the dial, while a functional small seconds and the power reserve display are located directly opposite each other at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock respectively. Despite its 42.3mm size, IWC has made sure not to skimp out on opulence. Both watches are powered by the IWC-manufactured 52610 calibre, which features the IWC specific Pellaton winding system using components of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. Thanks to its slightly larger dimensions, the movement has room for two barrels that build up a power reserve of seven days. In this model too, the decorated movement is visible through a transparent sapphire glass back.

Ref. IW500714 | Recommended Retail Price: $17,800 Australian Dollars

Stainless steel case, burgundy dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliques, black alligator leather strap.

Ref. IW500713 ‘Boutique Edition’ | Recommended Retail Price: $33,200 Australian Dollars

18-carat 5N gold case, blue dial, gold-plated hands, 18-carat gold appliques, blue alligator leather strap by Santoni.