IWC Portofino Watch For 2011

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed)
Jan 15th 2011 at 12:02PM

The IWC watch you never see or hear about in America is usually the Portofino. In my opinion, we are a Big Pilot and Aquatimer country - but I digress. The odd member out in the collection was always the Portofino. Not a bad looking watch in and of itself, it was sort of shoved under the carpet but IWC's more distinctive collections. For 2011 the Portofino get's a total rewrite. To me they feel very much like the classic Max Bill designed watches.

According to IWC, the Portofino was always their entry-level model. Not sure if that will still hold true, but it might for some of its basic versions. Interesting enough, IWC is due to debut a whole range of new Portofino watches - not just one or two models. There will be at least 4-5 new Portofino pieces in the 2011 collection.

Available in 18k gold or steel, the Portofino will be 40mm wide and have black or white dials. Models include the Automatic, Chronograph, Dual Time, and the pictured Hand-Wound Eight Days. Inside this latter model is the caliber 59210 manually wound movement that is modeled after a pocket watch movement. It features a very long 8 days of power reserve, along with a power reserve indicator on the dial. Other features include the time, subsidiary seconds dial, and the date. The new deals are attractive. You can see how IWC retained the distinctive Portofino hands (which can be an acquired taste). I do enjoy the rounded case edges and thin bezel that will have the watch looking as large as possible on the wrist. This is also added to by the relatively thin and highly curved lugs. Attached to the watches will be Italian leather straps.

I will look out for details on more of the new IWC Portofino watches as I learn of them. Not sure about prices, but looks like they might be going up from those of the outgoing Portofino models.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2011, 8, eight days, hand wound, IWC, portofino, sihh, watch