IWC Portugieser AutomaticvsJaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin

Complete head-to-head comparison

Comparing the IWC Portugieser Automatic ($7k–$8k, 30m WR, 40mm) against the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin ($7k–$8k, 30m WR, 42.9mm). The IWC Portugieser Automatic is the more affordable option by $200.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin official product image

Jaeger-LeCoultre

Reverso Classic Medium Thin

Ref. Q2548520

$7k–$8k

Pre-owned: $6k–$7k

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Price

Portugieser Automatic$7k–$8k
Reverso Classic Medium Thin$7k–$8k

Water Resistance

Portugieser Automatic30m
Reverso Classic Medium Thin30m

Score

Portugieser Automatic8/10
Reverso Classic Medium Thin8/10

Repurchase

Portugieser Automatic80%
Reverso Classic Medium Thin80%

Specifications Compared

Portugieser Automatic
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
Case Diameter
Portugieser Automatic
40mm
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
42.9mm
Case Thickness
Portugieser Automatic
10.8mm
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
7.6mm
Lug Width
Portugieser Automatic
20mm
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
19mm
Lug-to-Lug
Portugieser Automatic
47mm
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
51mm
Movement
Portugieser Automatic
automatic
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
manual
Caliber
Portugieser Automatic
Cal. 82100
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
Cal. 822/2
Power Reserve
Portugieser Automatic
60h
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
45h
Water Resistance
Portugieser Automatic
30m
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
30m
Crystal
Portugieser Automatic
sapphire
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
sapphire
Case Material
Portugieser Automatic
Stainless Steel
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
Stainless Steel
Bracelet/Strap
Portugieser Automatic
Alligator leather
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
Leather
Price (New)
Portugieser Automatic
$7k–$8k
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
$7k–$8k
Price (Pre-owned)
Portugieser Automatic
$6k–$7k
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
$6k–$7k
Style
Portugieser Automatic
dress, luxury
Reverso Classic Medium Thin
dress, luxury

Pros & Cons

IWC Portugieser Automatic

Pros

  • Clean open dial universally praised as one of the most elegant
  • In-house Caliber 82100 adds collector credibility
  • Thin enough to sit perfectly under a shirt cuff
  • Small seconds adds visual interest without clutter

Cons

  • 30m WR means removing it for anything water-related
  • Leather strap wears out quickly
  • Price competes against Rolex and Omega

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin

Pros

  • Flip case is endlessly satisfying and a genuine conversation piece
  • Art Deco design is timeless — as relevant today as in 1931
  • Personal engraving space on the reverse is cherished by owners
  • 7.6mm thin makes it an exceptional dress watch

Cons

  • Rectangular case is polarizing — not everyone likes non-round
  • 30m WR means treating it delicately around water
  • 42.9mm length can overhang on wrists under 6.5 inches
  • Manual winding is a commitment some find tedious

Community Verdict

Too Close to Call

Both sit in a similar price range: IWC Portugieser Automatic at $7k–$8k vs Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin at $7k–$8k — choose based on use case and style preference. IWC Portugieser Automatic offers automatic craftsmanship; Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin runs quartz for higher accuracy and lower maintenance. Case size: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin at 42.9mm suits larger wrists; IWC Portugieser Automatic at 40mm is the more compact option.

Portugieser AutomaticCommunity RatingReverso Classic Medium Thin
50%50%
🗳️Community Vote
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: IWC Portugieser Automatic or Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin?

Both are excellent watches with different strengths. The IWC Portugieser Automatic offers a more compact size and costs less new. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin excels in overall construction. The best choice depends on your wrist size, budget, and preferred aesthetic.

What's the price difference?

The IWC Portugieser Automatic retails for $7k–$8k, while the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin is priced at $7k–$8k. Pre-owned, expect $6k–$7k and $6k–$7k respectively. Actual secondary market prices vary based on condition and demand.

How do the case sizes compare?

The IWC Portugieser Automatic has a 40mm case diameter with 10.8mm thickness, while the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin measures 42.9mm × 7.6mm. Both have lug-to-lug measurements of 47mm and 51mm respectively. Consider your wrist size and wear style when deciding.

Which has better water resistance?

The IWC Portugieser Automatic is water-resistant to 30m, while the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin offers 30m. Both are suitable for swimming and snorkeling at their respective depths. For professional diving, verify the rating exceeds 300m and includes a screw-down crown.

How do the movements compare?

The IWC Portugieser Automatic uses a automatic Cal. 82100 with 60 hours power reserve. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Medium Thin features a manual Cal. 822/2 with 45 hours power reserve. Both offer traditional mechanical craftsmanship.

Which holds value better?

IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre both command strong secondary markets. Pre-owned pricing shows an estimated resale value of $6k–$7k for the Portugieser Automatic and $6k–$7k for the Reverso Classic Medium Thin. Condition, service history, and box/papers significantly impact resale value for both models.

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