Outside of their Pilot’s Watch, the Portugieser is arguably IWC’s next most iconic model line. And now, they have added a very striking sunray finished Salmon dial to their Portugieser Automatic 40 collection, and it’s good!
Hot off the heels of the their Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Black Dial launched last month (if you missed it, read about it here), IWC launches a new sunray Salmon dial Portugieser Automatic 40. But, before we get into the new reference IW358313, lets take a small trip back in time. In the late 1930s, IWC’s Reference 325 established a classic design style which has run as a common thread through the history of the Portugieser family ever since. It features a clearly organised and open dial, a characteristic minute’s scale, and small seconds at 6 o’clock.
This original design was based on a pocket watch design that IWC developed in order to meet the demands of the style and trends of that time. Looking at some of these pocket watches, and their wrist watch cousins, you can clearly see the classic design cues the modern Portugieser takes its lead from. Fast forward to today, and we have the new Portugieser Automatic 40 Ref IW358313.
The Salmon dial IWC Portugieser Automatic 40 features a stainless-steel case as well as rhodium-plated hands and appliqué indices and numerals. The big difference is its striking salmon-coloured sunray finished dial. Thanks to the pared-back Portugieser design, the beautiful colour is displayed in all its glory. Paired with a black alligator strap with butterfly clasp, it perfectly complements this as a dress watch, or something you could quite easily wear casually at Sunday lunch.
The new model is powered by the IWC-manufactured 82200 calibre with a 60 hr power reserve. This robust movement features a self winding system developed in the 1950s by IWC’s former Technical Director, Albert Pellaton. Having a bi-directional rotor to power the 82200 calibre, it efficiently builds up a power reserve of 60 hours. In addition, components like the heart-shaped cam or the clicks are made of virtually wear-free zirconium oxide ceramic. This translates to less wear, more time between services, more dollars in your pocket!
The Portugieser Automatic 40 will first be available exclusively in UAE as of February and then available worldwide as of April through IWC boutiques, authorised retail partners, or online at IWC.com. The piece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program, benefitting from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.
Reference: IW358313
Specifications
Case: 40mm diameter, 12.3mm thick
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Dial: Sunray finished in Salmon
Crystal: Sapphire glass, convex, antireflective coating on both sides
Water resistance: 30 Meters (3 BAR)
Movement: IWC-manufactured 82200 self-winding movement, pivoting on 31 Jewels at 28,800 VPH (4Hz)
Power reserve: 60 Hours
Bracelet/Strap: Black leather strap with butterfly folding clasp
Australian Recommended Retail Price: AUD 11,100
Availability: Available from April online at iwc.com, IWC Boutiques and selected Authorised Dealers.
