This Autumn, IWC has unveiled its new Portofino Midsize Collection which enhances the existing Portofino line. The new collection includes more than twenty models and one of the most interesting is the Portofino Midsize Automatic Moon Phase Watch which is available in combinations of stainless steel, white gold, and red gold with various numbers of diamonds set on their bezels and dials.
The new member of the IWC’s family of watches is inspired by the elegance and flair of the 1950s and ’60s which are combined with a contemporary twist on luxury.
IWC Portofino Midsize Automatic Moon Phase IW459004 Watch
The Portofino Midsize Automatic Moon Phase, as its name suggests, has a moon phase indicator at the 12 o’clock position with a stationary plate which depicts the stars set into the dial and a rotating disc with the moon which is set in a classic cloud scene or hovering in space in a star-studded night sky. The Moon Phase evokes the stylistic codes of the original Portofino from 1984 and it can be had in white gold, red gold, and stainless steel.
IWC Portofino Midsize Automatic Moon Phase IW459001 Watch
IWC offers five different models of the Portofino Midsize Automatic Moon Phase timepiece. The flagship of the new Portofino Midsize collection is the one made of 18-karat white gold (ref. IW459004), which sparkles in the light of 174 pure white diamonds. Its dial is the first in the brand’s history to boast several painstaking applied coats of lacquer. The jet-black color offers an eye-catching backdrop to the pure white diamonds. IWC’s designers have set the complete moon phase display against a star-studded sky, making the stars appear to float in infinite space. This is further enhanced by the diamond-encrusted inner circle of the dial and in the case which is set with 90 gemstones.
IWC Portofino Midsize Automatic Moon Phase IW459003 Watch
The dial also comprises baton-style indices which are set with precious stones. They radiate like a starburst from the dial center, whereas the dots of the minute markers move round the edge like distant planets in orbit. Diamonds on this model dazzle from the dial, the bezel and horns. This exquisite timepiece comes with a black alligator leather strap made by Santoni.
There are also three versions crafted from 18-karat red gold. They are all encrusted with 66 diamonds. The version with the referent number IW459003 boasts a black mother-of-pearl dial and a dark brown alligator leather strap fitted with a red gold pin buckle. Two remaining red gold models boast white mother-of-pearl dials and there is a choice between two types of wristlets: the black alligator leather strap (ref. IW459002) and the red gold Milanaise mesh bracelet (ref. IW459005).
IWC Portofino Midsize Automatic Moon Phase IW459005 Watch
The fifth model of the Portofino Midsize Automatic Moon Phase is housed in a stainless steel case and features a white mother-of-pearl dial set with 12 diamonds and a dark blue alligator leather strap with a steel pin buckle (ref. IW459001). This version is also available with a Milanaise mesh bracelet, just like the other red-gold versions.
IWC Portofino Midsize Automatic Moon Phase IW459001 Watch Dial
IWC Portofino Midsize Automatic Moon Phase Watch is made for ladies who prefer slightly smaller and more luxurious timepieces. It is housed in a round case which measures 37mm in diameter and 11mm in thickness. The feminine case is shielded with sapphire crystals and constructed to resist water pressure of up to 30 meters (about 100 feet).
The watch is equipped with the caliber 35800 mechanical movement which is capable to store enough energy to keep the watch ticking for at least 42 hours. The mechanism is built on 25 jewels and oscillates at the rapid frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz).
