On our last podcast we had an in-depth discussion on the upcoming Watches and Wonders releases. We ranted on about our favourite releases but a definite highlight was the pieces IWC came out with. A few treats were in the mix.
Great things happen to those who wait, and one of them is the new IWC Portugieser Perpertual Calendar in a 42mm case - a size down from the previous 44mm. This watch is quite exciting as IWC finally put the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar in an enjoyable size and cleaned up the dial. Finally, a wearable Perpetual Calendar from IWC that doesn't feel like a wall clock on your wrist.
2020 IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 (moonochrome-watches.com)
The primary differences on this new release is you will no longer find a 4-digit year display or power reserve panel on the dial. The moon phase is now integrated into the month sub-dial and the overall legibility of this time piece is almost unfound. The primary issue with the previous Portugieser was that it was almost illegible because the dial had far too much going on. The perpetual calendar complication is displayed through three proportionately laid out sub-dials on the 3,6 and 9 o'clock indicators.
The piece houses a 82650 Calibre IWC movement with 60 hour power reserve. The watch has a 42.4mm diameter and 13.8mm height. This Kurt Klaus inspired IWC Perpetual Calendar recognises different days of the month and leap years via an easy adjustment with a single crown - this means you do not have to reset a stopped movement (I learnt this from ablogtowatch - shoutout to them). This Perpetual Calendar is also mechanically programmed for 577 years.
2020 IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 (moonochrome-watches.com)
Another big win for this release is the Perpetual Calendar option coming in a steel iteration. This is great as it now puts the watch in a unique place in the market with a higher value for selling point. At $22,000 USD, the Steel version seems like the best value for money perpetual calendar on the market.
Ilkay Olmez
Editor & Co-Founder
The Young Horologist