Home » IWC Watches » IWC Vintage Portofino Hand-Wound Watch
The sixth masterpiece in the Vintage Collection is Portofino Hand-Wound Watch which boasts the same timeless elegance as the iconic original from 1984. Like all models from this collection, it is available in platinum, 18-karat white gold, 18-karat rose gold and stainless steel.
IWC Vintage Portofino Hand-Wound Watch IW544805
The very first Portofino was powered by the extremely slim Caliber 9521 pocket watch movement that was visible through a transparent glass back cover. This historic model, with a yellow gold case and goldstone moon phase display, was manufactured in a very small series until the late 1990s.
In 2008, IWC Schaffhausen unveiled the new Portofino Hand-Wound equipped with the Caliber 98800 mechanical movement. The movement based on the famous Jones caliber (named after the company’s founder, Florentine Jones) features a nickel-plated nickel-silver three-quarter bridge, screw balance, Breguet spring and elongated index. The hand-wound movement is built on 18 jewels and provides amazing 46 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
IWC Vintage Portofino Hand-Wound Watch IW544805 Caseback
The improved movement provides that the moon phase display deviates by just one day in 122 years from the actual progress of the moon. Also, the moon phase indicator can now easily be adjusted by using just the crown. The same calibers from the 98000 caliber family are also found in some of the watches in the Portuguese Hand-Wound models and the Portuguese Tourbillon Hand-Wound, as well as in some current watches from the Vintage Collection, such as Pilot’s Watch Hand-Wound and Portuguese Hand-Wound.
Designed in the Style of the Good Old Pocket Watches
The enormous case measures imposing 46 mm in diameter and only 11 mm in thickness. The case is protected on both sides by sapphire glasses with antireflective coatings which are sharply arched at the edge. The case is unchanged when compared to the historic original. Likewise, the new Portofino Hand-Wound has a see-through sapphire-glass case back.
The legible dial with thin Roman numerals and the moon phase indicator exudes the same timeless appeal as the dial of its ancestor. A moon phase indicator is situated at the 12 o’clock position, while a small hacking seconds counter is located at the 6 o’clock position. The narrow style is completed with extremely thin hour and minute hands.
IWC Vintage Portofino Hand-Wound Watch IW544803
Like all models from the Vintage Collection, the Portofino Hand-Wound comprises four versions. The platinum model with the referent number IW544805 is produced in the limited quantity of 500 pieces. It boasts silver-plated dial and a black alligator leather strap. Its retail price is $44,000 and it is on the higher side for IWC. The 18-karat white gold model IW544804 matches an ardoise dial and a dark brown alligator leather strap and costs $21,700.
IWC Vintage Portofino Hand-Wound Watch IW544801
IWC Vintage Portofino Hand-Wound Watch IW544804
A little bit more affordable is the model IW544803 in 18-karat rose gold which is priced $19,500. This stylish timepiece features a silver-plated dial and a brown strap. If you are looking for an elegant and, at the same time, not expensive luxury wristwatch, then you might consider buying the stainless steel Vintage Portofino Hand-Wound. The referent number of this model is IW544801 and it can be purchased for approximately $10,000.
Finally! IWC watch with a Moon Phase indicator. I’ve been waiting for it for a couple of months, and I’m so glad because of this. It looks so nice and interesting. Although I like watches with steel bracelets, I like these combinations with black and brown leather straps. Also, another great thing is a transparent back side of a case. It costs a lot of money, but it is really worth every cent.
Arron, wait a second! You need to give at least $10000 for this watch, just because it has a Moon Phase indicator. There are many watches in the world, which are maybe better than this one, and all of them have Moon Phase indicators, while their prices are really acceptable. Think about that, and make a final and good decision.
I must tell you, Arron, that I agree with Simon´s comment. He has the point, my man. You should forget about this watch and try to find another one which is cheaper, but has the same, and maybe even better features. I advise you to look at the Omega or Tissot collections and find a good watch for you.