IWC Portofino Automatic & Midsize Automatic

RADIANT BEAUTIES

For 30 years, the classic elegance of the Portofino Automatic with three hands has held its own in times of ever-changing, short-lived fashion trends. With its new 37-millimetre Portofino Midsize  Automatic, IWC Schaffhausen has made the company’s silent star more attractive to watch lovers with slimmer wrists. The ten models with their diamond-set bezels or dials will appeal to buyers seeking puristic design combined with timeless elegance. Three slightly larger Portofino Automatic  models, also set with precious stones, perfectly complement the current collection.

When in 1984 a smaller version of the Portofino was pres­ ented to the public alongside the impressive “pocket­ watch­style wristwatch” (Ref. 5251), it had what by today’s standards could certainly be described as modest dimen- sions, with a case diameter of just 34 millimetres. The Mid- size models were highly sought after, especially in Latin Europe, and sold successfully until 2007. Seen in this  light, the new 37­millimetre Portofino Midsize Automatic models  (Ref. 4581) launched in 2014 mark a return to a fine tradition for the Swiss watch manufacturer. The much­ coveted three­hand timepiece now looks perfect on a slimmer  wrist – all the more so when it is set with precious stones.

TEN MODELS TO CATER  TO EVERY TASTE

The Portofino Midsize Automatic comes in four red­gold and six stainless­steel versions, each of which is available with a diamond­set bezel or a slightly more understated variation with 12 jewels on the dial. The sparkling stones are of remarkable clarity and give the watches an exquisite feel, while the design remains sleek and simple. The  meticulously finished mirror­polished case surfaces also lend these timepieces a real air of exclusivity, as does the sun­pattern finish on the dials, which makes the light ap- pear to move around in circles when the watch is tilted from side to side. Another eye­catching feature on the new  Midsize models is the slightly raised inner circle on the  dial – as seen on some members of the Ingenieur family –  which adds structure and depth to the watch face. In add­ ition to the hour, minute and seconds hands, the Portofino Midsize Automatic also features a rapid­advance date display.  All of these functions are powered by the 35111­ calibre  mechanical automatic movement. Pulling out the crown stops the central hacking seconds hand, and the sapphire glass has antireflective coating on both sides to guarantee a clear view of the display. All Portofino watches are tested for water­resistance to 3 bar. Alligator leather straps from Santoni in delicate nuances of colour comple- ment the dial and case of nine of the models perfectly, while reference IW458110 features a Milanaise mesh bracelet. Each timepiece is also available with an elegant 1960s style Milanaise bracelet in high­quality stainless steel or 18­carat  red gold. “Milanaise” is the name used to de- scribe bracelets  woven from fine wire that fit snugly around the wearer’s wrist.

DIAMONDS FOR THE BIG  PORTOFINO AUTOMATIC

Launched in 2011, the Portofino Automatic (Ref. 3565) with a 40­millimetre case and date display will now be joined by three additional models in the new collection, each one featuring a bezel set with precious stones and an alligator leather strap from Santoni. With the red­gold model, the buyer has the choice between a silver­plated (Ref. IW356515) or slate­coloured (Ref. IW356516) dial. The Portofino Automatic in white gold (Ref. IW356514)  is available exclusively with a silver­plated dial. The mech­ anical 35111­calibre automatic movement has a power reserve of 42 hours. The case, which is water­resistant to 3 bar, is decorated on the back with an exquisite engraving showing a view of the harbour at Portofino.