Without exaggeration, the IWC Portofino can be described as a perfect dress watch. Stylish, elegant and yet with a certain understatement, this exceptional luxury watch is an adornment for both men and women. In addition to its appealing appearance, it is the technical refinements that have helped numerous models in the Portofino line to achieve great success. IWC has delivered a masterpiece with this watch.
History of the IWC Portofino
Portofino - this sonorous name belongs to a fishing village near Genoa. It goes hand in hand with the Italian attitude to life - Dolce Vita. In 1984, IWC laid the foundations for one of the Schaffhausen-based manufacturer's most successful model series with this outstanding piece of watchmaking artistry. From 1988, Portofino benefited from numerous technical innovations in the development of the smallest Portofino chronograph for ladies. The delicate size in particular appealed to completely new target groups, such as the smallest Portofino in 1993, which had a movement height of just 1.85 millimetres. 2017 marked another milestone in the history of the watch when a moon phase display was integrated into a Portofino for the first time.
Design of the IWC Portofino
Appearance is one of the best arguments in favour of an IWC Portofino. The filigree finish of the watch creates a certain understatement and can be worn wonderfully by men and women on festive occasions in combination with a suit or evening dress. The watch is not necessarily an eye-catcher, but if it catches the eye, it attracts attention and embodies pure elegance. Selected Portofino models are set with stones, further emphasising the value of the watch.
With the Portofino, connoisseurs and collectors alike should not limit themselves to the exterior, as IWC has always succeeded in elegantly incorporating high-quality technology within the watch. The manufacture calibre with a power reserve of up to eight days, a perpetual calendar and a moon phase display are just a small selection of the loving details.
The variable case size of the IWC Portofino is a decisive factor. There are really dainty-looking editions that are perfect for women and even men who don't want a 40 mm or larger case can find the right size in the series.
In terms of colour, there is an interesting and wide-ranging selection. IWC focuses primarily on classic colours that underline the purist nature of the watch. Blue, white, silver and gold in different variations generally adorn the dial and case of the IWC Portofino.
Special models of the IWC Portofino
With a history that now spans more than 40 years, the Portofino has numerous different models within the series. Without a doubt, the best known include:
- IWC Portofino Automatic
- IWC Portofino Chronograph
- IWC Portofino Handaufzug Großdatum
- IWC Portofino Handaufzug Acht Tage
- IWC Portofino Handaufzug Pure Classic
- IWC Portofino Midsize Automatic
- IWC Portofino Midsize Automatic Moon Phase
- IWC Portofino Midsize Automatic Day & Night
Price of an IWC Portofino
With the Portofino, it is the details, the age and the respective functions that make the difference in price. Entry-level models in the series are available from €1,700 in pre-owned condition. Special editions of the IWC Portofino Automatic with a blue dial cost slightly more than 10,000 euros. A Portofino Perpetual Calendar, whose value can easily exceed 20,000 euros, or a Portofino Hand-Wound Tourbillon Rétrograde, which is even worth over 50,000 euros, achieve particularly high sales values.
