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March 26, 2015
IWC | IWC 2011 S.I.H.H. Report!
IWC
A Masterpiece Collection of Simple & Elegant Watches
The "Portofino" Collection Undergoes a Long-Awaited Complete Renewal!
IWC has focused on manufacturing pilot's watches since the late 19th century, around the dawn of aviation. This new series, embodying the advanced technology cultivated over 100 years, is a renewal of the "Portofino" collection, born in 1984. The 21st-century version of what is positioned as IWC's basic watch has finally arrived.
Text by Yasuto Shibuya
The Finest Watchmaking Technology, Cultivated Through Pilot's Watches
IWC (International Watch Company) has been crafting timepieces in Schaffhausen since 1868. This historic city in northern Switzerland, bordering Germany and a key hub for Rhine river transport, is also a tourist destination famous for the Rhine Falls, one of Europe's largest waterfalls. With intriguing anecdotes, such as its founder being American, IWC has been a technological leader in the watch industry since the era of pocket watches, delivering numerous historical masterpieces that pursued precision and durability. It remains a watch company with a passionate following, driven by its unique philosophy and style.
Among watch enthusiasts, the most widely known episode is how, from the late 19th to early 20th century when wristwatches did not yet exist or were not sufficiently accurate, they manufactured and sold large wristwatches with bracelets attached to pocket watches to pilots of various air forces in the early days of aviation and to a Portuguese watch dealer who sought high-precision models.
An Accelerating Plan to Renew Iconic Models
Currently, most of their products are relatively large models, exceeding 40mm. This is based on the philosophy that for precision and durability as a tool, larger movements are mechanically more stable in terms of balance wheel, mainspring barrel, and overall mechanism. Since becoming part of the Richemont group in 2000, under the direction of CEO Georges Kern, they have been systematically and steadily advancing a complete renewal of their collections for the future.
The biggest news for 2011 is the complete renewal of the "Portofino" collection, which has been cherished as the most basic product line since its inception in 1984. Four models have been announced: an 8-day power reserve model with a new movement, a dual-time model, a chronograph model, and a three-hand model with a date. The leather straps are made by the renowned Italian shoemaker Santoni, and the bracelets feature a classic Milanese mesh, adding significant appeal.
Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days
An Exceptional Movement Incorporating the Latest Technology for Precision and Durability!
"Portofino" refers to the harbor in Italy, a luxury resort town beloved by celebrities like film stars, and the symbol of their "Dolce Vita" in the 1960s. The collection's name signifies inspiration from this elegant lifestyle. While the elegant dial and case design, reminiscent of ultra-thin pocket watches from a bygone era, perfectly suit this image, the greatest allure of this flagship model lies in its new manual-winding movement, Caliber 59210, part of the Caliber 50000 series. Developed based on IWC's philosophy of "making the movement as large as the case allows," this movement boasts an 8-day power reserve. It features a Breguet balance spring, considered the most ideal mechanism, and a new balance wheel that allows for rate adjustment using four correction screws without a regulator index. IWC's latest technologies are employed, such as limiting the mainspring's energy release to eight days to ensure stable accuracy, even though it stores nine days of power. If fully wound on a Monday morning, it will tell the correct time even if not worn until the following Monday. With a stainless steel case priced under one million yen, it is recommended as a reliable daily partner for all businessmen.
Manual-winding (8-day power reserve), 45mm red gold case, Santoni alligator strap, ¥1,706,250 (estimated retail price). Release date undecided.
Portofino Automatic
The Ultimate Simple Watch, Transcending Age and Profession
Among connoisseurs, the most highly regarded model in the previous Portofino generation was the simple automatic. This was due to its modern, refined style. Simple models that eliminate unnecessary elements often bring to mind ultra-thin dress watches whose designs were established in the 1950s. However, such dress watches are too delicate and too classic to complement everyday attire; they are strictly for formal wear like tuxedos. In this regard, the automatic Portofino models of the previous and preceding generations struck a perfect balance, being simple and dressy yet possessing a contemporary taste that harmonized chicly with daily clothing, much like a watch designed by an industrial designer. This new generation of the "Portofino Automatic" will undoubtedly be cherished by watch connoisseurs for the same reasons. Furthermore, the addition of the Milanese mesh bracelet, which was absent in the previous generation, should make this model even more beloved. Its price point, under half a million yen, is also a significant attraction. It is a new classic watch recommended for men of all ages, and also for women.
Automatic, 40mm stainless steel case & bracelet, ¥477,250 (estimated retail price). Release date undecided.
IWC
Tel. 03-3288-6359