The IWC Portofino line is one which is intended as a classic line, with references to the fishing village of Portofino near Genoa in Italy, which is the epitome of the cultivated joie de vivre and the cultured lifestyle. Glamorous, sophisticated, elegant and yet understated and sober. The new IWC Portofino for Two couple watch introduced extends the line with two sets of very handsome pair watches, a his and hers of sorts.
Eight sets are available, each set comprises of a watch in 40mm case, and another in 37mm case. The sets are available in either stainless steel cases or red gold. The Portofino Mid-Sized collection was first announced in Watches and Wonders 2014, and have been a commercial success. This new series of rather innovative couple watches, and aptly named Portofino for Two is just released.
Of the pair watches, the 40mm watch commands more presence. The smaller case sized watch is fitted either with 66 diamonds on the bezel or a slightly more reserved version with 12 gemstones on the dial, and possibly designated as the “Hers” watch.
Featuring IWC Portofino for Two Couple no 3, in red gold and the more restrained 12 diamonds on the edge of the Roman hour markers.
The IWC Portofino for Two Pair No. 3 in 18k red gold, silver plated dial and Santoni alligator strap.
And IWC Portofino for Two Couple no 1 is in stainless steel case and the more glamourous diamond set bezel.
Portofino Pair No. 1 from IWC Schaffhausen is equipped with the IWC manufactured 35110 calibre and features a case in stainlees steel (Ref. 3565) with 66 diamonds on the case (Ref. 4581), slate-coloured (Ref. 4581) and black (Ref. 3565) alligator leather strap by Santoni with a pin buckle in stainless steel.
Both watches utilize the IWC Caliber 35111, which has 25 jewels, 42 hour power reserve beating at 28,800 bph. We believe it is a modified Selita SW300, which given that the watches are slated at the entry level of the IWC range, makes commercial sense. The SW300 is a “plug compatible” version of the venerable ETA 2892, meaning it is the same dimensions, and external attachments as it is intended as a replacement for the ETA. It is, however a Selita developed movement, and not a carbon copy of the ETA, and is known to be slightly more expensive than the 2892. The IWC Caliber 35111 is modified in manufacture by Selita to IWC specifications, but it is not clear what the modifications are.
