For over 150 years,
IWC Schaffhausen has been synonymous with luxury and precision timekeeping. Founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones in the heart of Switzerland, the company has built a reputation for its innovative and robust engineering approach to watchmaking. IWC stands out for its ability to seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and materials. The resulting timepieces are not only beautiful but built to last for generations. Throughout its history, IWC has been a pioneer in the use of advanced materials, like titanium and ceramics, which has resulted in highly engineered and functional watches.
One of IWC's most recognisable collections is the Portugieser. Originally introduced in 1939, the Portugieser was designed to meet the demands of the Portuguese maritime industry. These demanding customers required a wristwatch that was both highly accurate and easy to read, even in low-light conditions. The Portugieser rose to the challenge with its large size, clean dial, and robust construction. The watch quickly gained a reputation for its elegance and functionality, becoming a favorite among watch collectors and enthusiasts.
Courtesy of IWC
In 2020, IWC introduced the Portugieser Automatic 40. This new addition to the Portugieser family retained the classic design elements of the original Portugieser while offering a more compact case size of 40 millimeters. This reduction in size makes the Portugieser Automatic 40 a versatile option that can be comfortably worn on a wider range of wrists. The Portugieser Automatic 40 embodies the essence of the Portugieser collection – a perfect blend of size, legibility, and functionality.
While the Portugieser Automatic 40 stays true to its heritage in terms of design, it also boasts some impressive modern upgrades. One of the most notable features is the completely re-engineered case construction. The new case features a slender side profile, which contributes to the overall elegance and refinement of the watch. IWC has also outfitted the Portugieser Automatic 40 with box-glass sapphire crystals on both the front and back of the watch. These crystals offer a clear view of the watch's beautiful dial and intricate movement.
Courtesy of IWC
The dial of the Portugieser Automatic 40 is another highlight. This meticulously crafted dial is manufactured in a complex 60-step process. One of the most striking features of the dial is its unusual optical depth. This effect is achieved by applying 15 layers of transparent lacquer, which are then fine-ground and polished to a high gloss finish. The subdial is milled into both the brass blank and the lacquer layer, creating a three-dimensional effect. Finally, the appliques are meticulously hand-applied to the dial, ensuring a flawless finish.
Picture this: a vast expanse of ocean meets the clear skies, an endless horizon stretching before you. IWC captures this captivating scene in the Horizon Blue dial of the Portugieser Automatic 40. It's more than just a color – it's a feeling. The depth and richness of this hue draw you in, inviting you to lose yourself in its intricate layers. And speaking of layers, fifteen coats of transparent lacquer are meticulously applied, each polished to a high-gloss brilliance. This process creates an incredible depth, almost as if the dial itself is a tiny, luminous sea.
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The gleaming rhodium-plated hands and appliques stand out in sharp contrast against the shimmering blue. Like elegant sword strokes in a precise choreography, the hands mark the hours and minutes with a sense of purpose. The layout maintains that classic Portugieser aesthetic: a clean, expansive dial, showcasing the small seconds subdial resting at 6 o'clock. Simple, yet impactful – a testament to the balanced design IWC is renowned for.
A watch case is more than just a container; it's the foundation upon which a timepiece is built. The Portugieser Automatic 40 boasts an 18-carat white gold case with a diameter of 40.4 millimeters. This size makes the watch incredibly versatile and well-suited for a wide range of wrists. IWC's dedication to refinement shines through with the reworked case design, featuring a thinner casing ring for a sleeker, more sophisticated profile.
Don't be fooled by its subtle appearance, though. The Portugieser Automatic 40 has a water resistance of 5 bar (50 meters). This means it's more than capable of handling everyday splashes and even the occasional dip in the pool. It's that balance of practicality and refinement that sets IWC apart.
Courtesy of IWC
Hidden within the case, like a treasure to be discovered, lies the heart of the watch – the IWC-manufactured 82200 caliber movement. This automatic, self-winding movement is a true testament to IWC's engineering prowess. Its intricate components work harmoniously to ensure accuracy and reliability, day after day. It features parts made of wear-resistant zirconium oxide ceramic, contributing to the movement's remarkable robustness.
The pièce de résistance is the automatic Pellaton winding system. This innovative winding mechanism harvests even the slightest movement of the wearer's wrist to build up a substantial power reserve. Speaking of power, the 82200 caliber boasts a generous 60-hour power reserve, meaning you can take your watch off for a couple of days without fear of it losing time. A true companion, even when not being worn.
The beauty of the Portugieser Automatic 40 extends beyond its meticulous engineering. It's a true pleasure to wear. The watch is fitted with a luxurious blue calfskin strap from Santoni, renowned for its fine Italian craftsmanship. This strap complements the rich dial perfectly, while the 18-carat white gold pin buckle adds a touch of understated refinement.
Courtesy of IWC
On the wrist, the Portugieser Automatic 40 is exceptionally comfortable. Its well-proportioned case rests effortlessly, the strap conforming to your contours for a personalized fit. This comfort, combined with its subtle profile, allows it to transition seamlessly from casual occasions to formal events. There's a quiet confidence that exudes from this watch, a sense that it belongs in any situation without needing to be the loudest voice in the room.
The IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 Horizon Blue is more than just a timepiece. It's a symbol of a company's rich heritage and unwavering dedication to quality. While it embraces its past, it resolutely looks to the future with advanced materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and a refined design language. For watch enthusiasts and those who appreciate fine objects, the Portugieser Automatic 40 is certain to find a special place in their collection. It's an investment, a testament to the art of horology, and an enduring reminder that even the smallest of details can hold the grandest of beauty.