First introduced in 1984, the Portofino model has become one of the most popular collections by IWC, designed for both men and women. Its timeless design features an elegant round case and understated dials. The Portofino has been produced in various styles, from the classic three-hand watch to a complex monopusher chronograph, and in several sizes. Today, seemingly out of nowhere and right in the midst of summer holidays, IWC releases a Portofino chronograph in a new diameter and new colors.
The IWC Portofino collection has always centered around clean, classically styled dress watches with an uncomplicated, simple yet beautiful design. The Portofino style has always been quite restrained. Sizes range from a petite 34mm to a decidedly masculine 45mm in diameter, such as the Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days model.
Today, IWC introduces a new case size in the Portofino family and simultaneously presents three variants. The 39mm case is made of stainless steel and is a classic two-register chronograph. As mentioned, there are three specific options to choose from. Two of the most classic Portofino Chronograph 39 models feature a sunray black or silver dial, both with gold hour markers and hands. The latest novelty has a vibrant green dial with a matte finish and, we assume, rhodium-plated hands and markers.
All three dials are clean, highly legible, with details such as a 30-minute chronograph counter and a small seconds subdial with a subtle contrasting ring and elegant hour markers. Time is indicated using leaf-shaped hour and minute hands, as well as on both subdials. The central chronograph seconds hand is needle-shaped. In typical Portofino style, the hour markers at 12 and 6 o'clock are Roman numerals, although here they are truncated due to the sub-registers.
Inside the new Portofino Chronograph 39 is the automatic IWC 79530 chronograph caliber, based on the Valjoux 7750. This is a familiar movement, as it has powered the Portugieser Chronograph for over two decades! It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and has a 44-hour power reserve. Although the movement is not visible due to the closed case back, it is decorated with perlage and Côtes de Genève. The chronograph is started, stopped, and reset with traditional mushroom-shaped pushers - a classic element for Portofino.
The new IWC Portofino models are fitted with black leather straps with a stainless steel clasp. All three options are priced at $5,900 USD and are available at retailers and boutiques now. Once we get our hands on them, we'll be back with our hands-on review!
For more information, please visit IWC.com
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – IWC PORTOFINO CHRONOGRAPH 39
Case: stainless steel - 39.0mm diameter x 12.7mm thickness - closed case back - convex sapphire glass, anti-reflective coating on both sides - water resistance 30m
Dial: classic dial in silver, black, or green - gold hands and markers (black and silver) or rhodium-plated (green) - two-register chronograph with 30-minute counter and central seconds hand - hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph
Movement: Caliber IWC 79350, modified Valjoux 7750 - automatic winding - frequency 4 Hz - 31 jewels - 44-hour power reserve - Côtes de Genève, perlage - hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 30-minute counter - hacking seconds
Strap: alligator leather strap in green, brown, or black - not specified whether it comes with a tang or folding clasp
Price: $5,900