The new IWC Portofino Chronograph 39 in more detail

Already shortly after its initial launch in 1984, the Portofino line morphed into one of IWC’s most popular collections. In keeping with its namesake, the picturesque fishing village and celebrity hotspot on the Italian Riviera, IWC Portofino watches are all about elegance and noblesse. Two elements that are always well received in the world of watches.

Now, and seemingly out of nowhere, came the news that IWC has a new Portofino chronograph waiting in the wings – with new colors, a revised dial layout and a new case size. Let us quickly walk you through the brand’s novelty.

There’s a first time for everything

The name says it all: The new timepiece comes in a very wearable new case, measuring in at 39mm. In doing so, IWC adds a completely new size to the collection, because even though Portofino watches ranging from 34mm to 45mm are already available in the product catalog, 39mm are in general rather rare at IWC. These new dimensions could open up an entirely new buyer base for the newly revised Portofino chronographs.

In addition to the new case size, IWC has also tinkered heavily with the dial (or the movement for that matter), lending the watch a brand new look.

For starters, there is the omission of the day and date aperture at 3 o’clock, which is immediately noticeable and definitely helps the symmetry of the watch. In addition, the running seconds is no longer at 9 o’clock, but at 6 o’clock. The only thing that remains untouched is the 30-minute chronograph counter at 12 o’clock, which – in typical Portofino chronograph fashion – intersects the 12 o’clock index in the form of a Roman 12 (XII).

Valjoux Power: IWC’s 79530

It is certainly no secret that the Schaffhausen-based brand relies on Valjoux movements for many of its chronographs. However, these are usually modified by IWC’s watchmakers to such an extent that there’s basically not much left of the actual movement afterwards. The same is true for the calibre 79350 in use here, which is based on the iconic Valjoux 7750.

In addition to taking out the day & date disc for the new dial (described above), IWC has given the movement a good amount of hand-applied Côtes de Genève stripes and a perlage decorations (that unfortunately cannot be seen due to the stainless steel caseback). From a technical point of view, the new IWC Portofino Chronograph 39 runs at a frequency of 28,800 vph and boasts a power reserve of around 44 hours.

At a glance:

• Case: Stainless steel
• Case diameter: 39mm
• Lug width: 20mm
• Height: 12.7 mm
• Winding: Automatic
• Caliber: 79350
• Power reserve: 44 h
• Waterproof: 30m
• MSRP: 5,650 €

Price & Availability

The new IWC Portofino comes on an alligator leather strap including a stainless steel pin buckle. All three models – i.e. white, black and green – are priced at 5,650 EUR and available as of now in stores and boutiques.

Anyone who is interested in one of the models is welcome to already contact our customer service.