Launched in 2020, the Swiss Replica Watch Portugieser Automatic 40 is a more wear-resistant version of IWC’s signature oversized dress watch, a no-frills three-hand watch executed in the brand’s typical sturdy, workmanship. Although novel for the current Portuguese range – it is the smallest model in the range – the new automatic is not an entirely new idea.The large size of the various Portugieser models comes from movements with a 7-day power reserve or chronograph, as well as some other more complicated movements. This leaves a void for the “little”, simple Portuguese. And so it returns, combining the restrained aesthetics typical of the Portuguese collection with the technical qualities expected of an IWC replica watches.
The Portugieser Automatic 40 is a wearable watch with a unique and classic aesthetic. Unlike its larger, more complicated counterparts in the Portugieser collection, the 40mm self-winding movement is simple, yet still has the same recognizable aesthetic and robust movement.It’s a decent size, but a little thick due to the internal movement. The movement is decent, which makes for an acceptable case height, but a thinner case would definitely be more appealing and closer to the vintage original. Importantly, it’s also very affordable.
At 40mm, the IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 Replica is a decent size, but it’s just over 12mm thick, which is unusually high for a chronograph-only watch. It has a stocky size that makes it more of an everyday watch that tends to be a dress watch. This is justified by the case height being necessary due to the robust movement inside.The watch doesn’t feel too big on the wrist, but the case height is noticeable. While the Portugieser Automatic 40 looks like a Portugieser and has all the trademark design elements, it’s a bit of a shame that it lacks the slim proportions of the retro original.
The quality of the case is typical of Best IWC Replica – it feels solid in the hand and the surfaces are all finished. While simple in form and finish, it is solidly and neatly executed. One benefit of the case thickness is the screw-on back, which is a nice touch, although it’s no better or worse than a watch with a press-fit back.While the case is mostly traditional, one detail does stand out – the polished concave bezel. It’s a detail found on other Portuguese models, but uncommon in this 40mm automatic’s price range.
Because this one has a classic Portuguese aesthetic, it is a handsome watch. No one design element is unique, but together they create a look that’s instantly recognizable as Portuguese. Here, the traditional look has been slightly tweaked with the railway minute track – now standard on most modern Portuguese models – and the applied five-minute markers, which give the dial a prettier look.Since the dial is smaller than other Portuguese AAA Replica Watch, the applied markers for the hours and minutes make it look slightly busy, compared to the Portuguese 7 Days for example. The dials are available in a variety of colors, including the latest green or blue variants, but all versions have the same details.
IWC’s signature winding mechanism was invented in 1946 by its longtime technical director Albert Pellaton. He devised a bidirectional system that relies on a heart-shaped cam and two pawls – a simple and efficient setup that does, however, require space to implement, so it will never be found in an ultra-thin or ultra-small movement.As the rotor oscillates, the Replica Watches Company cam swings between two jewelled rollers secured by a Y-shaped bridge. This in turn causes the bridge to swing back and forth, transferring energy to a pair of pawls that push and pull against the teeth of the barrel ratchet wheel, winding the mainspring.
The cal. 82200 contains the latest-generation Pellaton system that has the same fundamental layout but most of its parts, namely the automatic wheel, pawls, and cam, are in ceramic, which is wear-resistant and needs no lubrication.And the details of the movement are typical of IWC Luxury Replica Watches. Everything is executed in a practical, professional manner, with some modest decoration to dress it up. It is all done industrially, which is how IWC has done it historically.
The Portugieser Automatic 40 is appealingly for its simplicity. It focuses on a few things and does them well. The styling is clear and recognisable, while the quality of execution is uniformly workmanlike.