Portofino
Refined taste, timeless elegance, a Mediterranean appeal and an easy-going lifestyle, these have been the hallmarks of the Portofino collection for over three decades. It comes as no surprise to learn that the range is named after a small, picturesque Italian port town on the Ligurian coast. several of the line’s models have an engraving on the caseback depicting the fabulous view of boats moored off Portofino.
It is no wonder that these watches, featuring very simple yet classic dials, are among IWC Schaffhausen’s most popular models gaining much favour from both women and men. Characteristic of the watches’ subtle, purist design are the slim “feuille” hands, slender indexes and the Roman numerals at 6 and 12. A historic Lépine pocket watch served as the initial source of inspiration for a 1970s watch which, in turn, would become the precursor to the Portofino collection launched just a few years later, in 1984. Upon its introduction the first Portofino watch featured a mechanical hand-wound movement and a moon phase indicator.
It is no wonder that these watches, featuring very simple yet classic dials, are among IWC Schaffhausen’s most popular models gaining much favour from both women and men. Characteristic of the watches’ subtle, purist design are the slim “feuille” hands, slender indexes and the Roman numerals at 6 and 12. A historic Lépine pocket watch served as the initial source of inspiration for a 1970s watch which, in turn, would become the precursor to the Portofino collection launched just a few years later, in 1984. Upon its introduction the first Portofino watch featured a mechanical hand-wound movement and a moon phase indicator.
Something more…
Some customers of the IWC Schaffhausen brand did not like the Portofino’s initial case size deeming it too small. This prompted the manufacture to introduce automatic versions with a 38 mmm case in 2003. Today, the collection comprises of a whole range of case sizes: 34, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42 či 45 mm (45 mm for models featuring complications).
Collection highlight
Immediately capturing the attention with its timeless elegance is the Portofino Automatic which sports a central seconds hand and a date display window at position 3 on its silver-plated dial.It is a classic “suit watch” with a graceful 40 mm case made of subtle steel which houses a self-winding calibre with a 48-hour power reserve. The black alligator strap tops everything off immaculately.