Comparing the IWC Portugieser Automatic ($7k–$8k, 30m WR, 40mm) against the Rolex Datejust 36 ($7k–$8k, 100m WR, 36mm) — specs, movement, community votes, and an expert verdict below. The Rolex Datejust 36 is the more affordable option by $400.

Our Verdict

Too Close to Call

Both the IWC Portugieser Automatic and Rolex Datejust 36 are excellent choices — the winner depends on your priorities, budget, and style preference.

IWC Portugieser AutomaticvsRolex Datejust 36

Complete head-to-head comparison

👁️Better legibility
IWC Portugieser Automatic official product image

IWC

Portugieser Automatic

Ref. IW358303

New Price

$7k–$8k

Pre-owned: $6k–$7k

Case40mm Stainless Steel
Thickness10.8mm
Movementautomatic
Water Resistance30m
No reviews yet
View Full Specs →
Rolex Datejust 36 official product image

Rolex

Datejust 36

Ref. 126200

New Price

$7k–$8k

Pre-owned: $7k–$10k

Case36mm Oystersteel
Thickness11.9mm
Movementautomatic
Water Resistance100m
No reviews yet
View Full Specs →
PriceDatejust 36 cheaper
H2ODatejust 36 (100m)
ScorePortugieser Automatic (8/10)
RepurchasePortugieser Automatic (80%)

Explore Brand

IWC Hub

🏛️

All IWC watches, comparisons, and guides in one place

Visit IWC Pillar Page →

Explore Brand

Rolex Hub

🏛️

All Rolex watches, comparisons, and guides in one place

Visit Rolex Pillar Page →
⚖️

Quick Verdict

Both sit in a similar price range: IWC Portugieser Automatic at $7k–$8k vs Rolex Datejust 36 at $7k–$8k — choose based on use case and style preference. Rolex Datejust 36 edges ahead on water resistance: 100m vs 30m. Case size: IWC Portugieser Automatic at 40mm suits larger wrists; Rolex Datejust 36 at 36mm is the more compact option.

Portugieser AutomaticInternet Community RatingDatejust 36
50%50%
🗳️WatchVsWatch Community Vote
Loading...

Pros & Cons

IWC Portugieser Automatic

Pros

  • 60-hour power reserve
  • In-house automatic movement
  • Sapphire crystal
  • Durable stainless steel case

Cons

  • Limited water resistance (30m)

Rolex Datejust 36

Pros

  • 70-hour power reserve
  • Reliable automatic movement
  • Sapphire crystal

Specifications Compared

Portugieser Automatic
Datejust 36
Case Diameter
Portugieser Automatic
40mm
Datejust 36
36mm
Case Thickness
Portugieser Automatic
10.8mm
Datejust 36
11.9mm
Lug Width
Portugieser Automatic
20mm
Datejust 36
20mm
Lug-to-Lug
Portugieser Automatic
47mm
Datejust 36
44mm
Movement
Portugieser Automatic
automatic
Datejust 36
automatic
Caliber
Portugieser Automatic
Cal. 82100
Datejust 36
Cal. 3235
Power Reserve
Portugieser Automatic
60h
Datejust 36
70h
Water Resistance
Portugieser Automatic
30m
Datejust 36
100m
Crystal
Portugieser Automatic
sapphire
Datejust 36
sapphire
Case Material
Portugieser Automatic
Stainless Steel
Datejust 36
Oystersteel
Bracelet/Strap
Portugieser Automatic
Alligator leather
Datejust 36
Oystersteel Jubilee
Price (New)
Portugieser Automatic
$7k–$8k
Datejust 36
$7k–$8k
Price (Pre-owned)
Portugieser Automatic
$6k–$7k
Datejust 36
$7k–$10k
Style
Portugieser Automatic
dress, luxury
Datejust 36
dress, casual, luxury

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: IWC Portugieser Automatic or Rolex Datejust 36?

Both are excellent watches with different strengths. The IWC Portugieser Automatic offers a larger case and costs more new. The Rolex Datejust 36 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 Rolex Datejust 36 is priced at $7k–$8k. Pre-owned, expect $6k–$7k and $7k–$10k 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 Rolex Datejust 36 measures 36mm × 11.9mm. Both have lug-to-lug measurements of 47mm and 44mm 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 Rolex Datejust 36 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 Rolex Datejust 36 features a automatic Cal. 3235 with 70 hours power reserve. Both offer traditional mechanical craftsmanship.

Which holds value better?

IWC and Rolex both command strong secondary markets. Pre-owned pricing shows an estimated resale value of $6k–$7k for the Portugieser Automatic and $7k–$10k for the Datejust 36. Condition, service history, and box/papers significantly impact resale value for both models.

Explore These Brands

Explore Other Brands

Explore Alternatives

Other watches worth considering in this category

You May Also Like

Other popular comparisons featuring IWC or Rolex

Build Your Own Comparison

Pick any two watches from our database of 50

Start a New Comparison