The Portofino collection, imagined by Kurt Klaus and Hanno Butscher, respectively then-head watchmaker and current head designer, is inspired by the classic rounded designs of the fifties and sixties. Named after the idyllic Italian village, this collection has been one of IWC’s most high-profile families ever since its first launch back in 1984. For men and women, a Portofino watch is at once sophisticated and subtle. Signature elements, like the sleek style and uncluttered dial, remain just as popular with consumers today.
Portofino’s line for men has been refreshed for this year too, and welcomes six new models to its selection. Arguably, one of the most exciting is the Portofino Automatic Moon Phase, which will be the first to combine a 40mm case diameter and a moon phase complication. Thus far only appearing in 37mm or 45mm models, this new size will be available in two stainless steel variations: one with a silver-plated dial, gold-plated hands and appliqués and a brown alligator leather strap by Santoni, the other with a blue dial, rhodium-plated hands and appliqués and a black alligator leather strap by Santoni.
The 2019 launch also includes new versions of the Portofino Chronograph with blue dials. It will be available in either 18-carat 5N gold or stainless steel, with gold appliqués, gold-plated hands and black alligator leather straps by Santoni.
“With these five new models, we were inspired by the origins of the Portofino family, and wanted to continue the tradition of IWC ladies’ watches from the 1980s, offering a very wearable size for women. Another highlight is the new strap changing system [...],” explained Christian Knoop, Creative Director of IWC Schaffhausen.
