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The IWC Portofino collection, launched in 1984, is a tribute to the simplicity and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle of its namesake, a quaint fishing village in Italy. The inception of the Portofino line marked a return to IWC's tradition of creating watches with functional, round gold cases, reminiscent of earlier eras. The collection features three iterations: Automatic, Chronograph, and Hand-Wound. Portofino's clean dials, Roman numerals, and slim feuille hands make it equally popular among men and women, making it a perfect choice for everyday wear.
Design And Iterations
Drawing inspiration from the relaxed charm of the Italian Riviera, these timepieces blend classical aesthetics with contemporary appeal. Over the years, the collection has evolved to offer various iterations, each retaining the signature elements of simplicity and refinement while introducing unique features to cater to different tastes. Within the collection, the Portofino Automatic stands out for its clear dial with Roman numerals, index markers, and a date display at 3 o'clock, available in sizes like the petite 34mm, a midsize 37mm, and larger models with Moon Phase complications. The collection also includes the refined 34 mm model, available with diamond markers and an 18-carat 5N gold variant for added luxury.
The Portofino Chronograph collection, introduced in 1984, features a clean minute sub-dial and a chronograph function, housed within a 42mm case. It also includes a limited edition, created in collaboration with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The IWC Portofino Hand-Wound collection characterised by its clean, minimalist dials and slender cases captures the essence of classic watch design. Notable features include the eight-day power reserve of the 59210 calibre, with a power reserve indicator at nine o'clock and a small seconds sub-dial at six. Models like the Tourbillon Retrograde feature a retrograde date display, while the Moon Phase adds a moon phase indicator at the 12 o'clock marker.