Replica IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 Automatic Stainless Steel And 5N Gold Watches

The IWC Portuguese Hand-Wound replica was included in the collection of watches released in 2010. This model serves as a bridge between the traditional Portuguese designs and contemporary styles. Another model released at this time was the IWC Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph, which is the series’ first sporty design. All watches in the Portuguese collection share a common feature: they are precision navigation instruments intended for everyday use in the modern era.

Certain watchmakers are linked in my mind with specific mechanisms. This could be due to their founder being closely associated with an invention, such as Breguet replica and the tourbillon. Alternatively, it might be because a particular complication frequently appears in the watchmaker’s annual collections, creating a lasting impression on me.

The History

I’ve always associated IWC with the perpetual calendar, particularly a significant late-20th-century interpretation of it. A significant part of IWC’s recent history is deeply connected to the perpetual calendar. In the 1980s, the company introduced a wristwatch perpetual calendar chronograph designed by the legendary Kurt Klaus, who created an elegant way to include this complication without needing numerous unsightly correctors.

The calendar functions could be adjusted from the crown, and Klaus achieved this by building the IWC perpetual calendar on the back of the humble Valjoux 7750. Over the years, the perpetual calendar has become a staple of IWC and is featured in several collections produced by the brand from Schaffhausen. One might debate the appropriateness of this complication in a Pilot’s Watch, an Ingenieur, or an IWC Aquatimer replica.

The Case

To me, the perpetual calendar has always seemed very fitting in the stately and oversized Portugieser. This collection suggests a kind of Teutonic gravitas and refined durability in a watch market dominated by Swiss-French brands. Now, a new version of the IWC perpetual calendar has been introduced, featuring a smaller movement that allows for a very wearable replica IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar.

The watch is being launched in three versions: two in gold and one in steel, and we are closely examining all of them today. The two versions with silver-plated dials are part of the core IWC collection, while the second gold piece with a blue dial is a boutique-only edition.

The IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 replica stands out from previous models due to the introduction of the mechanism to the 82000 caliber family. The smaller movement allows for a smaller case and a different layout for the display compared to what we are used to in the Portugieser.

The Dial

The moon phase, which typically occupies a large spot at the 12 o’clock position and is often shown as a double moonphase with displays for both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, has moved down to the six o’clock position to join the months, where they have always been. The date remains in the sub-dial at three o’clock, now without the power-reserve indicator, and the days are at nine o’clock. The small seconds display has been replaced with a central seconds. The four-digit year display of the previous version has been replaced by a much smaller and more discreet leap-year indicator to let you know if February will have an extra day.

The layout is simple, classic, and easy to read. I think it looks great, even if the distinctiveness of previous IWC perpetuals is somewhat lacking. Don’t worry, though: IWC hasn’t abandoned its larger seven-day perpetual calendar with the moon at the top. There’s another version of this year’s IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar replica, a boutique-only edition that measures 44.2mm and retains a design that has become a classic in my opinion.

The Movement

The replica IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 is actually slightly larger than its name suggests. The watch’s diameter is 42.4mm, and its thickness is 13.8mm, making it a substantial watch. As I’ve come to expect from IWC, this watch feels solid and well-constructed. The case is relatively thick, but it’s not top-heavy, and the lug design seems to be crafted for stability.

This is an important factor, especially considering the watch’s thickness approaching 14mm. If you’ve ever worn a thicker automatic watch, you might have experienced a wobbly feeling on your wrist, but this is not the case here.

Caliber 52610 has the features of a quality in-house automatic caliber from IWC. The custom rotor with the Probus Scafusia seal is a standout feature. It also includes the highly efficient Pellaton winding system, an IWC specialty, equipped with extremely wear-resistant ceramic components. Operating at a standard 28,800 vph, it provides 60 hours of power reserve, which is a reasonable amount of time for an automatic watch. However, as with most perpetual calendars, keeping this one well-wound is crucial, as resetting the display can be cumbersome (and somewhat defeats the purpose of having a perpetual calendar). The caliber advances the calendar module with a single impulse at night. This watch comes in a year that has seen IWC thoroughly revamp the IWC Portugieser replica line.

The Conclusion

Many of the features that define the flagship 40mm automatic version I wrote about earlier this week can be found in this new perpetual calendar. These include the applied numerals for the hours, the railroad chapter ring, the elegant feuille hands, and the round, substantial-feeling case. Even the crown is slightly oversized in relation to the case, possibly a nod to the manually wound pocket watch origins of the early Portugieser.

As I consider this new perpetual calendar and realize that the previous version is still in production, and as I reflect on the 40mm automatic I reviewed recently and see that a seven-day auto with a 42.33mm diameter is also still available, it becomes clear that IWC is exploring new sizes that seem to align more with the preferences of watch enthusiasts.

More Technical Data

The IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar replica. The case measures 42mm x 13.8mm and is available in either stainless steel or 5N gold, with water resistance up to 3 bar. It is powered by the in-house automatic caliber 82650, operating at 28,800 vph and featuring 46 jewels with a 60-hour power reserve. The Pellaton winding system includes durable ceramic components. Available in three versions: ref. IW344203 with a stainless steel case, silver-plated dial, and black alligator leather strap by Santoni, priced at $22,900; ref. IW344202 with an 18-karat 5N gold case, silver-plated dial, and brown alligator leather strap by Santoni, priced at $32,900; and ref. IW344205 with an 18-karat 5N gold case, blue dial, and blue alligator leather strap by Santoni.