Today we are going to have a close look at IWC’s new Portugieser Automatic in Stainless Steel with a silver-plated dial and rhodium plated hands.This watch was released on the 1st of June 2018 and this is actually the very first one to arrive in the UK. In fact as I was just in the Boutique the other day they have confirmed they are yet to have taken delivery of another.This watch has a 42.3mm case, 14.2mm Thickness. I know too many this big however we need to keep in mind the origins of IWC’s Portugiesers line.
This watch contains IWC’s excellent in house 52010 double barrel movement. Thanks too the two barrels this watch is exceptionally accurate even as you near the end of its 7 day reserve. This was an issue with the 7 day prior to the introduction of this movement in 2015 However this is no longer an issue. Now as this is my “everyday watch” I have never come close to that and is somewhat of a useless feature for me. Having said that if this is a watch you will only wear once or twice a week this is an excellent feature as it erases the need to try and remember to keep it wound.
The design of this watch is a true timeless classic. On the silver plated dial 38.2mm you will find a brilliant classic “oyster colouring” with IWC Schauffhausen located front and centre The seconds dial is located at 9 o clock with the power reserve located at 3 o clock and finally the date is located at 6 o clock. The location of the key elements of this watch give it an excellent balance. The splash of red on the power reserve is an excellent touch that just adds to this watches presence.
The case on this watch is stainless steel and as I mentioned sits 14.2mm thick. In my opinion steel is the perfect material for this watch as it allows for everyday wear without needing to worry about every bump as you would with a softer metal such as gold. The mix of polished and brushed steel compliment each other incredibly well and aid to its very timeless look.One of the real treats of this watch is it’s glass back exposing the beautiful IWC in house movement. Here you can clearly see the internal workings along with the self winding pellaton. Your eye is immediately drawn to the spring and gears effortlessly working in unison. This is an excellent way to showcase the complication of this in house movement and what makes it really special.
Now how does this watch wear and feel. Well the watch comes nicely paired with a black alligator strap (blue and brown are available as well) I also have the Blue one for when I feel like changing the look. The watch sits comfortably and although it is on the larger side it does not feel that way. The classic elegant style this 7 day represents means it makes for a great everyday watch. Seamlessly looking the part with shorts and a t-shirt or a suit and a tie. This watch also carries an excellent presence on your wrist attracting many compliments while not looking overly flashy.
This watch comes in at £10,650.00 of course this is no small sum but in my opinion is excellent value with its timeless design and ability to easily transition from everyday wear to special occasions. However you may intend to use this watch it is more than capable of fulfilling the task.
