Omega Aqua Terra 38vsIWC Portugieser Automatic

Complete head-to-head comparison

Comparing the Omega Aqua Terra 38 ($5k–$6k, 150m WR, 38mm) against the IWC Portugieser Automatic ($7k–$8k, 30m WR, 40mm). The Omega Aqua Terra 38 is the more affordable option by $2k.

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IWC Portugieser Automatic official product image

IWC

Portugieser Automatic

Ref. IW358303

$7k–$8k

Pre-owned: $6k–$7k

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Price

Aqua Terra 38$5k–$6k
Portugieser Automatic$7k–$8k

Water Resistance

Aqua Terra 38150m
Portugieser Automatic30m

Score

Aqua Terra 388/10
Portugieser Automatic8/10

Repurchase

Aqua Terra 3880%
Portugieser Automatic80%

Specifications Compared

Aqua Terra 38
Portugieser Automatic
Case Diameter
Aqua Terra 38
38mm
Portugieser Automatic
40mm
Case Thickness
Aqua Terra 38
11.1mm
Portugieser Automatic
10.8mm
Lug Width
Aqua Terra 38
18mm
Portugieser Automatic
20mm
Lug-to-Lug
Aqua Terra 38
45mm
Portugieser Automatic
47mm
Movement
Aqua Terra 38
automatic
Portugieser Automatic
automatic
Caliber
Aqua Terra 38
Cal. 8900
Portugieser Automatic
Cal. 82100
Power Reserve
Aqua Terra 38
55h
Portugieser Automatic
60h
Water Resistance
Aqua Terra 38
150m
Portugieser Automatic
30m
Crystal
Aqua Terra 38
sapphire
Portugieser Automatic
sapphire
Case Material
Aqua Terra 38
Stainless Steel
Portugieser Automatic
Stainless Steel
Bracelet/Strap
Aqua Terra 38
Stainless Steel
Portugieser Automatic
Alligator leather
Price (New)
Aqua Terra 38
$5k–$6k
Portugieser Automatic
$7k–$8k
Price (Pre-owned)
Aqua Terra 38
$4k–$5k
Portugieser Automatic
$6k–$7k
Style
Aqua Terra 38
dress, sport, casual
Portugieser Automatic
dress, luxury

Pros & Cons

Omega Aqua Terra 38

Pros

  • Reliable automatic movement
  • Sapphire crystal
  • Durable stainless steel case

IWC Portugieser Automatic

Pros

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

Cons

  • Limited water resistance (30m)

Community Verdict

Too Close to Call

Both sit in a similar price range: Omega Aqua Terra 38 at $5k–$6k vs IWC Portugieser Automatic at $7k–$8k — choose based on use case and style preference. Omega Aqua Terra 38 edges ahead on water resistance: 150m vs 30m. Case size: IWC Portugieser Automatic at 40mm suits larger wrists; Omega Aqua Terra 38 at 38mm is the more compact option.

Aqua Terra 38Community RatingPortugieser Automatic
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Omega Aqua Terra 38 or IWC Portugieser Automatic?

Both are excellent watches with different strengths. The Omega Aqua Terra 38 offers a more compact size and costs less new. The IWC Portugieser Automatic excels in overall construction. The best choice depends on your wrist size, budget, and preferred aesthetic.

What's the price difference?

The Omega Aqua Terra 38 retails for $5k–$6k, while the IWC Portugieser Automatic is priced at $7k–$8k. Pre-owned, expect $4k–$5k and $6k–$7k respectively. Actual secondary market prices vary based on condition and demand.

How do the case sizes compare?

The Omega Aqua Terra 38 has a 38mm case diameter with 11.1mm thickness, while the IWC Portugieser Automatic measures 40mm × 10.8mm. Both have lug-to-lug measurements of 45mm and 47mm respectively. Consider your wrist size and wear style when deciding.

Which has better water resistance?

The Omega Aqua Terra 38 is water-resistant to 150m, while the IWC Portugieser Automatic 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 Omega Aqua Terra 38 uses a automatic Cal. 8900 with 55 hours power reserve. The IWC Portugieser Automatic features a automatic Cal. 82100 with 60 hours power reserve. Both offer traditional mechanical craftsmanship.

Which holds value better?

Omega and IWC both command strong secondary markets. Pre-owned pricing shows an estimated resale value of $4k–$5k for the Aqua Terra 38 and $6k–$7k for the Portugieser Automatic. Condition, service history, and box/papers significantly impact resale value for both models.

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