IWC, which was highly appreciated with the renewed Da Vinci Collection at the SIHH 2017, introduced three new models within its classic Portofino Collection. Two of the new models were prepared for the men’s collection and the other for women.
The Portofino collection, which has been presenting the Italian lifestyle for 30 years on the wrists, is also one of the brand’s strongest product lines. IWC, which is aware of this, is constantly working on the Portofino collection. The newest additions to the collection also bring some features which are firsts for the Portofino product line.
Toubillon, which is considered as one of the greatest complications of horology, is being featured in the Portofino Collection for the first time. IWC’s novelties are not limited to Tourbillon. The brand added the moon phase function to its legendary 8 day power reserve hand wound caliber.
The Portofino Hand-Wound Tourbillon Retrograde IW516501 is not really a new model for Horobox readers. We had the opportunity to see the new model at SIHH 2017 before its official launch and our editor Doruk Çelebi has arranged a detailed review.
The model is offered in a 45mm diameter case made of 18K red gold. The total height of the case is 14mm which seems a bit thick for the classic dress watch definition, but it also acceptable considering the model’s functions.
The model features a power reserve indicator at 3 o’clock and a different type of date display at 9 o’clock. The model gets its power from the Caliber Ref 59900. 40 jewels movement beats at 4Hz and offers a mighty 192h (8 days) power reserve when fully wound.
The second group of the new models is Portofino Hand-Wound Moon Phase IW516401 and IW516403. Models announced with two different reference codes are separated from one another by the used case material. The model IW516401 has a stainless steel case with a silver color dial, while the model with IW516403 comes in an 18K red gold case and a gray dial. Both models have a 45mm case diameter and a thickness of 13.5mm.
The models are powered with the brand’s in-house Caliber Ref. 59800. The movement offers 192h (8 days) power reserve when fully wound as well but it’s also equipped with a moon phase indicator – a first for the Portofino Collection.
Both models are offered on alligator straps manufactured by Santoni.
The last model we have here is a ladies’ timepiece. The model, which bears the product name Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37, will be offered in four different versions differentiated from each other with their case material and gem-setting. All models are offered in 37mm diameter cases with a total height of 11mm. The new models are powered by the Caliber Ref. 35800. 25 jewels, self-winding movement beats at 4Hz and offers a 42 hour power reserve when fully wound.
