Following the successful launch of the Portofino Hand-Wound Monopusher Chronograph, IWC has added a few more variants into the Portofino collection in this year’s Watches and Wonders exhibition.
There are in total five different new models in the Portofino collection, which includes two new designs for the mid-sized Portofino 37, two different variants of the Hand-Wound Day & Date, as well as another variant for the Portofino Moon Phase 37.
Portofino Hand-Wound Day & Date
The IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Day & Date, in stainless steel.
The first watch that we have here is the Portofino Hand-Wound Day & Date. The timepiece epitomizes IWC CEO George Kern’s views, in which he envisions the company to produce watches that “combines functionality with elegance, clear-cut design”. And it is actually not that difficult to see why.
The watch, as its name suggests, features a day and date function. On top of that, the timepiece is also fitted with a power reserve indicator, as well as a small seconds hand at the 6 o’clock position. This particular Portofino is fitted with IWC’s Caliber 59220, a manual-winding movement that features a staggering power reserve of 8 days. One interesting highlight of the movement would be its day display, in which it is connected directly to the date advance mechanism. During the day, there are two elastic advance fingers superimposed one on top of the other tap off energy from the barrel. By midnight, they have built up enough power, first, to advance the date and, second, to move a seven-toothed star wheel that cause the hand to jump to the next day of the week.
Despite featuring quite a few complications, we thought that the IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Day & Date looks rather pleasant on the eyes. It is, perhaps, due to the fact that the designer had separated each indicator from each other, and also making it rather legible to read. The watch comes in two different variants: one in stainless steel, and another in 18K rose gold. We reckon the latter will be extremely popular, considering the combination of both the 18K rose gold and the slate grey dial looks rather stunning.
Portofino Moon Phase 37
The IWC Portofino Moon Phase 37. Notice the lack of a diamond-set bezel on this new model.
Following the Portofino Hand-Wound Day & Date, we have the IWC Portofino Moon Phase 37.
The Moon Phase complication was included in the Portofino family last year, when IWC had revamped the Portofino collection. However, the previous version featured a diamond-set bezel, in which it might not suit the taste of some collectors. Therefore, IWC has decided to include another variant of the Moon Phase 37, in which this one features a highly-polished stainless steel bezel instead. It is also fitted with an alluring mother-of-pearl dial, which brings out the elegance of this timepiece. The watch is also fitted with a green alligator strap by Santoni, and we reckon that it definitely adds a nice touch to this dainty timepiece.
Portofino Automatic 37
The IWC Portofino Automatic 37, featuring a silver-plated sunburst dial and a raspberry pink alligator strap.
The IWC Portofino Automatic 37, featuring a matching blue dial and alligator strap.
Finally, IWC has introduced two more different variants for the Portofino Automatic 37 collection.
The first one features a silver-plated sunburst dial, paired with a raspberry pink alligator strap. The other one features an alluring blue dial, and a matching blue alligator strap. The latter, as we were told, was inspired by the Ligurian Sea that is found at Portofino.
For more information, please check out IWC.
