IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 mm (2024) Double Box-glass in Gold

Quick specs IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 mm Double Box-glass Gold
Price: starting at € 19.000 | CHF 17’300 | $ 18,500 | £ 16,000
Size: 40.4 mm
Reference:
IW358401 (gold)
IW358402 (white gold)

This is the 2024 IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 mm, with double box-glass, in gold, the latest dress watch representation of the Portugieser series. From 2024 the watch gets a slimmer case, double box-glass, reworked graphics on the dial and new dial colors. The Portugieser has its origin in the 1930s, with the IWC Reference 325 from 1939. A time-only model with small seconds at 6 o’clock. And almost 100 years later it is still one of the most subtle models to have.

Below you can spot the difference between the 1939 model and the new models. It hasn’t change that much. In the beginning the watch was produced for the Portugiese market – now you get the name. Although it took a while before IWC could delivers these 41.5-millimeter steel watches that has roots in IWC pocket watches. The IWC Reference 325 has three versions we like to highlight first.

The first IWC Portugieser ever

The first IWC Reference 325 with Caliber 74 was produced from 1939 to 1951, with only 304 pieces. The second version with Caliber 98 was in production between 1944 and 1970, with a total number of 329 pieces. And the last Reference 325 with caliber 982, also known as the German Edition, was produced between 1977 and 1981, with 57 pieces in total. So, the total production of the first or original Portugieser is 690 pieces, and they are highly sought after. Especially the versions that were made for the Portugiese market. IWC has made a good story about the origin of the IWC Portugieser.

Back to the new one. This 2024 Portugieser Automatic 40 mm Double Box-glass Gold has a gold or a white gold case and is offered with a black or light blue dial. We have seen this obsidian black – a natural glass that forms when viscous lava from volcanoes cools down quickly – on the IWC Portugieser Hand-wound Tourbillon Day & Night. It is a very deep, shiny black that has a perfect contrast with the gold case. The light blue version also offers a deep bright hued dial called horizon blue.

IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 mm Double Box-glass Gold has a power reserve of 60 hours

Behind the double domed sapphire – domed on the outside and on the inside for a bright view on the dial – is the automatic IWC caliber 82200. It has a Pellaton winding system and parts of zirconium oxide ceramic, also for more durability. It offers a power reserve of 60 hours and is viewable through the transparent case back.

The IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 mm Double Box-glass Gold comes on a strap made by the Italian shoemaker Santoni. Black alligator leather with a 18-carat 5N gold pin buckle for the black and light blue alligator leather for the blue Portugieser. Which comes with a 18-carat white gold pin buckle. If you want a larger basic Portugieser take a look at the 2024 IWC Portugieser Automatic 42 mm Double Box-glass. Also available in stainless steel.