IWC Portugieser Automatic IW500107

The IWC Portugieser Automatic Ref. IW500107 is one of the defining modern interpretations of the historic Portugieser design, pairing classic marine-chronometer-inspired styling with IWC’s impressive seven-day automatic movement. Its substantial 42.3mm stainless steel case measures 14.1mm thick and surrounds a beautifully balanced silver-plated dial with blued hands and applied Arabic numerals. The symmetrical layout places the small-seconds register at 9 o’clock opposite a power-reserve indicator at 3, while the date window sits neatly at 6 o’clock. A convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides protects the dial, while a sapphire exhibition caseback reveals the movement within. Originally paired with a blue alligator leather strap, the IW500107 combines the oversized proportions historically associated with the Portugieser with an elegant, remarkably clean dial design. Water resistance is rated to 3 bar.

Inside is IWC’s manufacture Calibre 51011, a large 42-jewel automatic movement consisting of 326 components and operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. Its signature Pellaton automatic winding system generates an exceptional 168-hour, or seven-day, power reserve, while a traditional Breguet hairspring and large balance reinforce the movement’s classical construction. The rotor incorporates an 18k gold medallion, and the movement is finished with Côtes de Genève and perlage that can be appreciated through the sapphire caseback.
The Portugieser Automatic with date debuted in 2004 and became one of the collection’s signature models, with the IW500107 representing the earlier generation powered by the 50000-calibre family before IWC transitioned the Portugieser Automatic to the newer 52000-calibre family in 2015. Its silver-and-blue dial, seven-day power reserve, and imposing manufacture movement make the IW500107 a particularly recognizable example of IWC’s modern-era watchmaking.

Reference: IW500107

Dated: Undated

Bracelet: Blue Leather Strap with Steel Deployant

Dial: Silver Dial

Case: 42.3mm x 14.1mm Thickness - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 22mm

Movement: IWC 51011 - Automatic

Functions: HMS, Date

Box and Papers: Inner box(Bad Bad Shape) and warranty card

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 8”

Case has minimal wear. Strap has creasing with not much wear on deployant. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear.

The International Watch Company (IWC) has a rich history dating back to 1868 when American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones founded the company in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. Jones aimed to combine advanced American manufacturing techniques with the skilled craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers. Despite initial challenges, IWC quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality pocket watches and, later, wristwatches. 

Throughout the 20th century, IWC was a force of innovation and expand its repertoire accordingly. In the 1930s, they introduced their first pilot's watches, which would become an enduring part of their identity. During World War II, IWC produced these watches for both civilian and military use. The post-war period saw the introduction of iconic collections like the Ingenieur in 1955 and the Aquatimer in 1967. In the 1970s, IWC collaborated with Ferdinand A. Porsche to create the first watch with a built-in compass. The company's commitment to technical innovation and classic design has persisted into the 21st century, with IWC remaining a respected name in luxury watchmaking.