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IWC Adds Two New Models to the Portofino Collection


Despite releasing a bevy of limited-edition models, across several of its collections, earlier this year for its 150th anniversary, IWC is not resting on its laurels until SIHH 2019, as evidenced by its recently announced Laureus and Goodwood limited editions. The latest new releases, announced just this week, are two new models in its elegant Portofino line, both representing firsts for the Schaffhausen-based brand. What makes these new versions of the Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days notable? Read on.

IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days - Slate Gray dial - front
IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days (Ref. IW510115)

The first of the new additions to the Portofino collection, introduced in 1984 and most recently revamped in 2011, features a slate gray dial and a 45-mm stainless steel case mounted on a beige-colored suede strap, the latter used for the first time in an IWC timepiece. The strap’s “soft, roughened surface,” IWC says, not only provides an attractive companion to the dial but also a high degree of comfort on the wrist. The dial features the now-familiar layout established by this model’s predecessors, with applied indices and Roman numeral (at 12 o’clock), date window at 3 o’clock, small seconds at 6 o’clock, and a power-reserve indicator at 9 o’clock.

IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days - Slate Gray dial - back
The watch is powered by IWC manufacture Caliber 59210, which boasts a 192-hour power reserve.

The other newcomer, with the same dial layout, case materials, and dimensions, offers a new combination of color and materials for IWC, with a deep blue sunburst dial matched with a steel Milanese bracelet. Both watches are powered by IWC manufacture Caliber 59210, a hand-wound movement that promises 192 hours, or eight days, of reliable, accurate running time when fully wound.

IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days - Blue Milanese - front
IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days (Ref. IW510116)

The exceptional movement inside the watches, whose indexless balance uses a Breguet spring and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph, is distinguished by its ability to stop after eight days, the period for which it is designed to have a constant driving torque, even though the movement itself could run at a slightly diminished accuracy for a ninth day. And thanks to the prominent power-reserve display on the dial, the wearer will always know when it is time to rewind the watch. On display through the expansive sapphire caseback, Caliber 59210 features an eye-catching côtes de Genève finish on its large mainplate.

IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days - Blue Milanese - back
Manual-wound Caliber 59210 is visible through a large exhibition caseback.

Prices are $9,700 for the model with slate gray dial and suede strap (Ref. IW510115) and $10,700 for the version with blue dial and Milanese bracelet (Ref. $10,700). What do you think of the latest additions to the Portofino family? Let us know in the comments below.

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  1. John Eglezakis

    Very good looking, especially the blue dial with the Milanese bracelet. But 45mm…!!!
    The wrist should be the size of King Kong’s…

    Reply
  2. Robert MacLean

    45mm too large for most. 42 mm would work. Have 3Mark XIII, 1 Aqatimer, 1 40mm Ingeneure.

    Reply
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