The IWC Portofino Automatic Edition IW391023 is a special edition timepiece released to celebrate IWC’s 150th anniversary. It blends classic Portofino design with a touch of commemorative flair, making it a coveted piece for collectors and enthusiasts. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its key features:
Design and Build:
Case: The IW391023 features a classic and elegant 42mm stainless steel case. This size offers a comfortable fit on most wrists and maintains a refined aesthetic. Stainless steel provides a perfect combination of durability, scratch resistance, and a timeless look.
Dial: The watch boasts a clean and legible blue dial with a special lacquered finish, giving it a luxurious depth and sheen. Large, white Arabic numerals and feuille hands create a classic dress watch look. The blue dial color, a signature element of the jubilee edition, adds a touch of exclusivity.
Crystal: A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal safeguards the dial, ensuring exceptional clarity and protection against everyday wear and tear.
Strap: The IW391023 likely comes with a luxurious blue alligator leather strap that complements the blue dial and stainless steel case perfectly. The alligator leather strap elevates the overall look of the watch, making it suitable for formal and semi-formal occasions.
Movement:
Type: The IW391023 features a self-winding automatic movement, the IWC Calibre 35111 (based on the Sellita SW300-1). This robust mechanism offers exceptional timekeeping accuracy and functionality. The automatic movement eliminates the need for manual winding, ensuring convenient everyday wear.
Power Reserve: The power reserve likely falls around 44 hours, ensuring the watch continues to run for up to two days after being fully wound. This is sufficient for most wear and allows you to rely on the watch even after extended periods without wearing it.
Functions:
Time and Date: The watch features a classic three-hand configuration for hours, minutes, and seconds, along with a date window typically positioned at 3 o’clock for added functionality.
Water Resistance: The IWC Portofino Automatic Edition IW391023 boasts a water resistance of 30 meters (100 feet). This makes it suitable for light splashes and everyday wear but not ideal for swimming or diving.
Special Features:
150 Years Engraving: A commemorative engraving marking the 150th anniversary might be found on the caseback, adding a unique touch to this special edition watch.
Limited Edition: The IW391023 is a limited edition watch, potentially with only 2,000 pieces produced. This limited availability adds to its collectability.
Overall Appeal:
The IWC Portofino Automatic Edition IW391023 is a sophisticated and timeless timepiece that celebrates IWC’s rich heritage. The classic design with a blue lacquered dial, luxurious alligator leather strap, and reliable automatic movement makes it a perfect dress watch for formal occasions. The limited-edition status adds a touch of exclusivity for collectors.
Additional Considerations:
Availability: Given it’s a limited edition, finding the IW391023 at 0fficial Verorized retailers might be challenging. You might have better luck with pre-owned watch markets or online platforms specializing in luxury timepieces.
Alternatives: If you prefer a more readily available Portofino model and aren’t set on the blue lacquered dial or limited-edition aspect, other Portofino Automatic models like the IW356501 (with black or white dial) offer a similar design aesthetic at a potentially lower price point.