IWC Portofino Chronograph Watch

In 2011, IWC revamped its Portofino family with three distinctive models. I have already showed you the new Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days and today I will introduce to you the revised Portofino Chronograph Watch.

If I have not already mentioned that it is a new model, you could easily be tricked into thinking that time had stood still. This retro looking chronograph has striking push-buttons which reminiscent to the cockpit of the Italian sports cars from the 1960s. The two models of IWC Portofino Chronograph are available with Milanese mesh bracelets in stainless steel, which also reminds of the luxury style of the 1960s.

This elegantly styled men’s Portofino is powered by a time-proved automatic mechanical 75320 caliber with its 44 hours of power reserve when fully charged. The self-winding movement with integrated chronograph-mechanism is based on the world-famous 7750 (it is an IWC-modified Valjoux Caliber 7750). It is a very good movement that guarantees high precision and long-term reliability.

The time-tested movement is housed in a round case crafted from a sturdy stainless steel. Its large, masculine-sized case has 42 mm in diameter and it is 13.5 mm thick. The new Portofino Chronograph is shielded on both sides by convex scratch-resistant sapphire glasses with antireflective coatings and it is water resistant to 30 meters (100 feet). A thin, fixed bezel is made of brushed and polished steel and it rounds a clear looking dial.

IWC Portofino Chronograph Watch IW391007

Its sleek and clutter-free dial, with thin silver hands and indices, features three sub-dials and day and date windows situated at the 3 o’clock position. A day aperture displays the usual abbreviations of three letters. The 30 minutes chronograph sub-dial is set at the 12 o’clock position; the 12 hours chrono counter is situated at the 6 o’clock position, whereas the smaller, 60 seconds sub-dial is located at the 9 o’clock position.

The Timeless Elegance Comes in Four Variants

IWC from Schaffhausen offered four revised versions of Portofino chronograph. The stunning model IW391008 boasts a black alligator leather strap and the matching colored dial. The black on black is a very handsome combination, but if you prefer a brown strap, you can choose the elegant model IW391007 which sports a silver-plated dial and a dark brown strap. These two models are more affordable with the price tags of about $6,400 each.

IWC Portofino Chronograph Watch IW391008

The Swiss manufacturer also offered two models which are attached to wearers’ wrists with snug-fitting Milanese mesh bracelets that underscore the timeless character of these timepieces. This kind of wristlet is made of finely interwoven metal links and it was very popular in the past (especially in the 1960s). It combines the best of both: the stability of a metal bracelet and the comfort of a leather strap.

IWC Portofino Chronograph Watch IW391009

IWC Portofino Chronograph Watch IW391010

There is a choice between a silver-plated dial (the referent number is IW391009) and a black one (the referent number is IW391010). If you are considering of buying one of these two models, you will have to pay approximately $7,000.

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