Like the original 1930s Portugieser, the Automatic IW5007 is large, simple and reliable. The design of the Portugieser Automatic was presented in 2000, and in comparison with the previous version, the IW5007 remains unchanged in terms of dial design. What changes is the movement, now the 52010 calibre, part of the 52000 family of movements introduced this year.
Elemental dial design
The Portugieser Automatic has the basics displayed to perfection. Small seconds on the subdial on the left, 7-day power reserve on the right, date at 6 o’clock. The case is large at 42.3 mm diameter, 14.5 mm thickness, and it is enhanced by the curved lug spring so that the strap has the same curve as the case, eliminating the space between them. It has a water resistance rating of 30 metres. The sapphire caseback extends over nearly the entire diameter and provides a good view of the movement, with skeletonized rotor revealing details such as the balance, barrels, bridges with Côte de Genève and circular graining, circular graining, polished screws and some ceramic components.
New movement
The 52010 movement has two barrels providing a 7-day power reserve, wound automatically using the brand’s signature Pellaton system which transmits both directions of the weight’s oscillation to the spring. Pawls, automatic wheel and rotor bearing are made in ceramic which reduces friction to almost zero. The movement runs at 28,800 vph /4 Hertz.
Versions, prices, availability
The Portugieser Automatic is available in two red gold and three stainless steel versions:
Reference IW500701: red gold, silver-plated dial, dark brown alligator leather strap, £17,950
Reference IW500702: red gold, slate-coloured dial, dark brown alligator leather strap, £17,950
Reference IW500703: stainless steel, black dial, black alligator leather strap, £9,650
Reference IW500704: stainless steel, silver-plated dial, black alligator leather strap, £9,650
Reference IW500705: stainless steel, silver-plated dial, black alligator leather strap, £9,650
They are available now in IWC boutiques.
In the photo below, from left, IW500703 in stainless steel, IW500704 in stainless steel, caseback of IW500703:
