IWC Portugieser AutomaticvsOmega Constellation 39

Complete head-to-head comparison

Comparing the IWC Portugieser Automatic ($7k–$8k, 30m WR, 40mm) against the Omega Constellation 39 ($5k–$6k, 100m WR, 39mm). The Omega Constellation 39 is the more affordable option by $2k.

Price

Portugieser Automatic$7k–$8k
Constellation 39$5k–$6k

Water Resistance

Portugieser Automatic30m
Constellation 39100m

Score

Portugieser Automatic8/10
Constellation 398/10

Repurchase

Portugieser Automatic80%
Constellation 3980%

Specifications Compared

Portugieser Automatic
Constellation 39
Case Diameter
Portugieser Automatic
40mm
Constellation 39
39mm
Case Thickness
Portugieser Automatic
10.8mm
Constellation 39
11.5mm
Lug Width
Portugieser Automatic
20mm
Constellation 39
19mm
Lug-to-Lug
Portugieser Automatic
47mm
Constellation 39
46mm
Movement
Portugieser Automatic
automatic
Constellation 39
automatic
Caliber
Portugieser Automatic
Cal. 82100
Constellation 39
Cal. 8800
Power Reserve
Portugieser Automatic
60h
Constellation 39
55h
Water Resistance
Portugieser Automatic
30m
Constellation 39
100m
Crystal
Portugieser Automatic
sapphire
Constellation 39
sapphire
Case Material
Portugieser Automatic
Stainless Steel
Constellation 39
Stainless Steel
Bracelet/Strap
Portugieser Automatic
Alligator leather
Constellation 39
Stainless Steel
Price (New)
Portugieser Automatic
$7k–$8k
Constellation 39
$5k–$6k
Price (Pre-owned)
Portugieser Automatic
$6k–$7k
Constellation 39
$4k–$5k
Style
Portugieser Automatic
dress, luxury
Constellation 39
dress, luxury, casual

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

Omega Constellation 39

Pros

  • Claws at 3 and 9 are subtly distinctive and instantly recognizable
  • Most underrated Omega according to owners — a hidden gem
  • METAS-certified movement is anti-magnetic and accurate
  • Integrated bracelet flows seamlessly into the case

Cons

  • Overshadowed by Seamaster and Speedmaster in Omega lineup
  • Polished surfaces show scratches readily
  • Style can read as older — less trendy than the Aqua Terra

Community Verdict

Too Close to Call

Both sit in a similar price range: IWC Portugieser Automatic at $7k–$8k vs Omega Constellation 39 at $5k–$6k — choose based on use case and style preference. Omega Constellation 39 edges ahead on water resistance: 100m vs 30m.

Portugieser AutomaticCommunity RatingConstellation 39
50%50%
🗳️Community Vote
Loading...

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: IWC Portugieser Automatic or Omega Constellation 39?

Both are excellent watches with different strengths. The IWC Portugieser Automatic offers a larger case and costs more new. The Omega Constellation 39 excels in water resistance. 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 Omega Constellation 39 is priced at $5k–$6k. Pre-owned, expect $6k–$7k and $4k–$5k 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 Omega Constellation 39 measures 39mm × 11.5mm. Both have lug-to-lug measurements of 47mm and 46mm 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 Omega Constellation 39 offers 100m. 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 Omega Constellation 39 features a automatic Cal. 8800 with 55 hours power reserve. Both offer traditional mechanical craftsmanship.

Which holds value better?

IWC and Omega both command strong secondary markets. Pre-owned pricing shows an estimated resale value of $6k–$7k for the Portugieser Automatic and $4k–$5k for the Constellation 39. Condition, service history, and box/papers significantly impact resale value for both models.

Related Comparisons

Related Guides

Explore Alternatives

Other watches worth considering in this category

Build Your Own Comparison

Pick any two watches from our database of 50

Start a New Comparison